Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: A Skyscraper with Panoramic Views

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Visit the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for free panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Tokyo's administrative heart.

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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho), designed by Kenzo Tange, is a complex of three structures in Shinjuku. Its main draw is the free observation decks on the 45th floor of each tower, offering panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond.

A brief summary to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, 2 Chome Nishishinjuku, Tokyo, 163-8001, JP
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Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit both the North and South observation decks for slightly different perspectives; the North offers wider views of western Tokyo.
Check the closing times for each observatory, as they alternate closing early on certain days.
Arrive before sunset to see the city in daylight and then watch the transition to the glittering nightscape.
Visit the tourist information center on the 2nd floor for brochures and information on destinations throughout Japan.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Shinjuku Station, take the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Tochomae Station (E28), which is directly connected to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The ride is approximately 2 minutes and costs ¥160-¥180. Alternatively, several bus routes connect Shinjuku Station to the building. A single bus fare is around ¥210.
Walking

From the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is about a 10-minute walk. Follow the signs for the Metropolitan Government Building or Tocho. An underground passageway connects Shinjuku Station to the Keio Plaza Hotel; continue past the hotel to reach the building's basement.
Taxi

A taxi from Shinjuku Station to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building takes approximately 1 minute and costs between ¥1400 and ¥1800. Taxi stands are readily available at Shinjuku Station.

Discover more about Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, or Tochō, is an iconic structure in Shinjuku, serving as the headquarters for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the complex consists of three buildings, with the tallest, Main Building No. 1, reaching 243 meters. Completed in 1990, the building replaced the old city hall in Yūrakuchō.The building's design is meant to resemble an integrated circuit, while also evoking the look of a Gothic cathedral. The twin towers of the main building house free observation decks on the 45th floor (202 meters high), offering panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear days, visitors can spot landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Meiji Shrine.Each observatory has a cafe and souvenir shop. The South Observatory also features the “Tokyo Omoide Piano,” supervised by artist Yayoi Kusama, which visitors can play. The building also hosts “TOKYO Night & Light,” a projection mapping event on the east facade of Main Building No. 1. On the second floor, a tourist information center provides information about Tokyo and other destinations in Japan.