Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building twin towers in Shinjuku skyline

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Free 45F observatories in Shinjuku’s twin towers — the locals’ alternative to paid Tokyo skyline viewpoints, on a clear day all the way to Mt Fuji.

Nick van der Blom · Founder & Travel Writer
Extensively researched

Free 45F observatories in Shinjuku’s twin towers — the locals’ alternative to paid Tokyo skyline viewpoints, on a clear day all the way to Mt Fuji.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tochomae) is the city hall of Tokyo, designed by Kenzo Tange in 1991 — twin 243m towers with free public observatories on the 45th floor of each. North tower opens later (22:00); South tower opens earlier in the morning. Same view, no ticket — Shinjuku-side’s answer to Tokyo Skytree and Mori Tower.

What to Expect

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building twin towers

Both observatories sit on the 45th floor at 202m. The view rotates the same Shinjuku/west-Tokyo panorama: Yoyogi Park to the south, Shinjuku Gyoen east, Mt Fuji 100km southwest on clear winter days. Lifts run direct from the 1F lobby — security check is light, no booking, walk-in only.

The North tower has the better hours (open until 22:00 most days) and a small café/gift shop at the top. The South tower closes earlier (17:00) and rotates closure days. If both are open, take whichever has the shorter ground-floor queue.

Consider This Instead

For a higher and paid view that includes art, head to Mori Tower in Roppongi (¥2,000 includes Mori Art Museum), or Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage (¥2,400 for 350m, the best Mt Fuji-clear-day view in the city).

Mori Tower with Tokyo Tower in background

How to Get There

Getting There

  1. 1
    Walk underground via West Exit pedestrian tunnel → Tochomae
    10 minfree
  1. 1
    Take Toei Oedo Line → Tochomae Station
    20 min¥220
  2. 2
    Exit A4 → lobby entrance
    1 minfree

Tips

  • North tower for evening, South tower for morning. Hours differ; pick by your slot.
  • Closed 1st & 3rd Mon (South) / Tue (North). Check before you go; one tower is always open.
  • Walk-in only, free. No tickets, no reservations, no commercialised photo ops.
  • Combine with Shinjuku Gyoen. 15-minute walk south-east; gardens by day + Tochomae by sunset.

FAQ

Is Tochomae really free?

Yes, completely. Lift up, observe, leave — no ticket, no fee. The only paid option is the small café/gift shop on the top floor.

Tochomae or Tokyo Skytree for Mt Fuji?

Both work on clear winter mornings. Skytree is twice as high (350m vs 202m) and visibility radius is wider. Tochomae has zero entry cost — pick by budget.

How long do I need?

20–30 minutes — lift up, walk the deck, lift down. Add 15 minutes for Shinjuku station→Tochomae underground walk.

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