Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory

The SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory, now rebranded as Tenbou Park, occupies the 60th floor of the iconic Sunshine 60 building in Ikebukuro. When completed in 1978, this 239.7-meter skyscraper was the tallest building in Asia, a distinction it held until 1985. The building stands on the former site of Sugamo Prison, a notorious facility that housed war criminals after World War II, marking a dramatic transformation from Japan's wartime past to its postwar modernization.

The observatory underwent a major renovation and reopened as Tenbou Park in early 2023, evolving from a traditional observation deck into an indoor sky park experience. Located 251 meters above sea level, visitors enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo, with the ability to see Mount Fuji, Mount Tsukuba, the Nikko mountain range, Tokyo Skytree, and the Shinjuku skyscraper district on clear days. The high-speed "Shining Elevator" transports visitors from the basement to the 60th floor in just 35 seconds, traveling at 600 meters per minute, which was once among the world's fastest elevator systems.

The observatory features themed areas including Tenbou no Oka (Observation Hill), surrounded by artificial turf and seasonal plantings that create a relaxing green space. The atmosphere changes throughout the day, with natural-inspired background music and fresh aromas during daytime, transforming to soft lighting and elegant floral scents in the evening. The venue includes comfortable seating, swings, cushioned areas, and a café, making it suitable for families, couples, and those seeking a more relaxed alternative to Tokyo's busier observation decks.

Admission costs ¥700 for adults and ¥500 for children on weekdays, rising to ¥900 and ¥600 respectively on weekends. During busy periods and peak seasons, prices increase to ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for children. Children under elementary school age enter free, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter or vending machines on the 60th floor.

The observatory is located within Sunshine City, a comprehensive entertainment and shopping complex in Ikebukuro. Visitors can reach the site approximately 3 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line's Higashi-Ikebukuro Station or 8 minutes from Ikebukuro Station, which serves JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu, and Tobu lines. The observatory operates with wheelchair accessibility and includes multi-purpose restrooms for visitor convenience.