Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observation Deck is easily one of the best free things to do in Tokyo. The panoramic city views are incredible, especially at sunset or after dark when the skyline lights up. It’s less crowded than other observation decks, completely free, and on a clear day you can even spot Mount Fuji. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Shinjuku. The view honestly feels like something you should be paying for.
This is an awesome, free place to get a birds eye view of massive Tokyo! Just incredible to look and see the huge city from that height! There is a very cute little gift shop and a cafe that has delicious deserts and a nice sitting area. Don't waste your money on the Sky Tree!
Amazing building and experience inside and out. Seeing the light shows at night or going up to the observatory were amazing. Elevator lines were not that bad at all and there are souvenirs at the top for purchase. Free entry and free to watch the light show.
The observation deck is free, but you need to queue to go up and down the stairs. They will check your bags. On a cloudy day, you can see some buildings.
Best part its FREE !!!
On the observation deck, there is a piano where they open up for volunteers to play.
We visited both Observation decks.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, often referred to as "Tochō," is a landmark skyscraper in Shinjuku that serves as the headquarters for the government of the Tokyo Metropolis. The North Observation Deck, located on the 45th floor of the Twin Tower complex, is a premier destination for visitors seeking expansive views of the city.
The North Observation Deck provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters. It is a popular alternative to other paid observation platforms because it offers high-quality views in a professional, well-maintained setting.
Panoramic Views: On clear days, the deck offers sightings of major landmarks including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Mount Fuji Sightings: The North Deck is particularly favored for morning visits, as the colder, clearer air often reveals a stunning silhouette of Mount Fuji to the west.
Nighttime Scenery: The observation area remains open into the evening, providing a spectacular view of the "sea of lights" that defines the Shinjuku skyline at night.
On-site Amenities: The deck features a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking in the view, as well as a gift shop selling Tokyo-themed souvenirs and government memorabilia.
The history of the building is closely tied to Tokyo’s post-war urban development and its emergence as a global financial hub.
Architectural Vision (1990): Designed by the world-renowned architect Kenzō Tange, the building was completed in December 1990. Tange designed the twin towers to resemble a Gothic cathedral, specifically inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, but reinterpreted through a modern, "split-tower" high-tech aesthetic.
The Shinjuku Transformation: The construction was a pivotal moment in the transformation of the Nishi-Shinjuku area from a water purification plant site into a "skyscraper district." It replaced the old City Hall in Marunouchi, signaling a shift of the city’s administrative heart toward the west.
A Gift to the Public: From its inception, the observation decks were intended to be accessible to the public. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government maintained the policy of providing these views to ensure that the building remained a space for both governance and civic enjoyment.
Modern Upgrades: Over the decades, the observation decks have undergone several renovations to improve accessibility and integrate modern technology, such as updated informational displays and improved lighting to reduce window glare for night photography.
