The pair of connected skyscrapers, which house the offices and meeting hall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is a well-known tourist attraction thanks to its two observatories, accessible free of charge.

The building is just a short walk from the lively Shinjuku district.

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Quick verdict - worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want a free sightseeing tour
• you want the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji from Tokyo
• you are in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area

❌ No, if:

• you want photos without glass

💡 My recommendation:

• go here on a clear day - almost certain to see Mount Fuji
• Iconic photos of Mt. Fuji at sunset
• the views on both towers are almost identical - it doesn't matter which one you go to
• Expect queues for security + elevator for up to 30 minutes

Best time to visit?

You'll enjoy the viewpoint most during the day when the visibility is clear and the sun is setting.

During the night, there are strong reflections from the glass and the viewpoint is not suitable for photography in the dark - for a night view, it's better to visit Tokyo Tower and walk up the outdoor staircase.

Hotels in Shinjuku (the best base in Tokyo)

Free observation decks - north vs. south tower

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (TMGB for short) has two equally sized floors with an observation deck open to the public.

Both are 202 metres high (the buildings total height is 243 metres).

• Admission - free
• Booking - not possible, just turn up and stand in a short queue
• Opening hours
  • North Tower: 9:30-17:30 (open daily)
  • South Tower: 9 :30-22:000 (closed Tuesdays)
  • Last entry always 30 minutes before closing time

Which terrace to go to? In short, the one with the shortest line. The views from both are very similar.

Both towers have cafes or bistros.

My day in the area (route tips)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is located in the western part of Tokyo and fit perfectly into my day's itinerary.

I stayed in the Shibuya district and my day looked like this:

• Morning check-in at Hotel Indigo
  • 👉 Review and my photos from the hotel
• Morning exploring the Shibuya Junction area and shopping
• Lunch at a local restaurant
  • 👉 My 5 restaurant tips in Tokyo
• Afternoon transfer by JR Yamanote Line train (about 5 minutes) to Yoyogi Park
  • Visit the sacred well of Kiyomasa
  • Visit Meiji Shrine
• Return to Shibuya to check-in at the hotel and then take the JR Yamanote Line train again to the Shinjuku district (10 minutes)
  • Afternoon visit to the free observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
  • Evening stroll around the bustling Shinjuku district
• Evening sightseeing over Shibuya Junction (info above)
• 👉 What to skip in Tokyo if you're short on time

Hotels near Shibuya - view here

How to get there

The easiest way is from Shinjuku train and subway station, where a long underground corridor leads directly to the buildings with observation decks.

The walk from Shinjuku Station takes about 10 minutes.

Just below the buildings is also Tochomae subway station, where only the Oedo Line stops.

All about trains and subways, fares and how to find connections can be found in the Tokyo Metro chapter.

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