Metropolitan Government Building
Twin tower with two free observation decks
3.7
(778)
#31
of 81 most visited in Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁, Tōkyō Tochō) in Shinjuku is often visited by tourists for its free observation decks which provide good panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, and each houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters. It had been the tallest building in Tokyo until it was overtaken by the Midtown Tower in 2007.
With favorable weather conditions, famous landmarks such as Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome can be seen from the observatories. Each observatory has a cafe and a souvenir shop.
The towers and the surrounding buildings contain offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo. Visitors are therefore subjected to bag checks prior to boarding the elevators as part of the security measures.
On the second story of the building, there is a tourist information center with lots of information about Tokyo, but also about various other tourist destinations across Japan. Periodically, the center holds fairs during which local products from selected regions are introduced and put on sale.
Huge daily projection mapping shows of around 15 minutes are held on the twin towers every 30 minutes in the evenings, except during bad weather. They can be viewed for free from many locations around the building. Times vary with the seasons.
Getting there and around
Tocho-mae Station on the Oedo Subway Line is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Alternatively, the building can be reached in a ten minute walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
Hours and Fees
Observation decks
Hours
9:30 to 22:00 (entry until 21:30); the north observatory closes at 17:30 (entry until 17:00) except on days when the south observatory is closed
Closed
December 29 to January 3 (except January 1) and on occasional inspection days. Furthermore, the north observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (or next day if Monday is a national holiday), while the south observatory is closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (or next day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
Admission
Free
Projection mapping shows
Hours
Every 30 minutes for about 15 minutes:
17:30 to 21:30 (November to January)
18:00 to 21:30 (February and October)
18:30 to 21:30 (March and September)
19:00 to 21:30 (April)
19:30 to 21:30 (May to August)
17:30 to 21:30 (November to January)
18:00 to 21:30 (February and October)
18:30 to 21:30 (March and September)
19:00 to 21:30 (April)
19:30 to 21:30 (May to August)
Closed
During bad weather
Admission
Free
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Tokyo
Top rated in Tokyo
Budget:
-
-
![]()
MokkoanFeaturing free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Tokyo inn Sakura AnSet in Tokyo, 200 metres from Tokyo Origami Museum and 600 metres from Komagatado, Tokyo inn Sakura An offers free bikes and air conditioning. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The ryokan also offers facilities for disabled guests. The ryokan is equipped with a satellite flat-screen TV. The kitchen is fitted with an oven, a microwave and a toaster and there is a private bathroom with slippers and a hair dryer. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance and soundproofing. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum, Asakusa Station and Sumida Riverside Hall. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
SOLA HOTELFeaturing 3-star accommodation, SOLA HOTEL is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park and 800 metres from Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms. The aparthotel will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a wardrobe, a kettle, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven and toaster. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Umeyashiki Monument, Tokyo Skytree and Tobacco & Salt Museum. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
cyashitsu ryokan asakusaSituated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan offers a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
hanareOffering quiet street views, hanare is set in the Taito district of Tokyo, 400 metres from Asakura Museum of Sculpture and 400 metres from Kyoouji Temple. The 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation offers luggage storage space and a concierge service for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a tatami. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental or an Asian breakfast. There is a coffee shop on-site. Guests at hanare will be able to enjoy activities in and around Tokyo, like walking tours. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include The Site of Koda Rohan House, Tenno-ji Temple Gojuno Tower Remains and Tennoji Temple. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 25 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
No Borders HostelIn the Shinagawa Ward district of Tokyo, close to Togoshi-ginza Shopping Street, No Borders Hostel features free bikes and a washing machine. Featuring a shared lounge, the guest house is close to several noted attractions, around 1.5 km from Meguro Fudoson Ryusen-ji Temple, 1.6 km from Yakushi-ji Tokyo Annex Temple and 1.7 km from Ohsaki New City Shopping Mall. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. The air-conditioned units have a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, a microwave, kettle, and a fridge. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and slippers, units at the guest house also offer free WiFi. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Anyo-in Temple, Remy Gotanda Shopping Mall and Musashi Koyama Shopping Street Palm. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 12 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Ryokan NakadayaSituated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available. The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
The Okura TokyoComposed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.View on Booking.com -
![]()
ulu TokyoSituated within 700 metres of Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai and 500 metres of Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, ulu Tokyo features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Tokyo. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is set 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence. At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a balcony. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, some rooms at ulu Tokyo also boast a city view. The rooms in the accommodation are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Shinkawa Historic Place Monument, Masago Monument and Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 17 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Kaminarimon RyokanIdeally set in the centre of Tokyo, Kaminarimon Ryokan offers Asian breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest nearby include Hozomon Gate, Nitenmon Gate and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Asakusa Public Hall. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms come with a kettle, while selected rooms also feature a terrace and others also feature city views. At Kaminarimon Ryokan, the rooms include a seating area. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Drum Museum, Komagatado and Asakusa Station. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.View on Booking.com
-
Tokyo Restaurants
Recommended in Tokyo
-
-
![]()
Udatsu SushiAwarded One Star in 2024 - People from around the world visit to experience Mr. Udatsu's sushi. Inside the restaurant, which resembles an art gallery with its modern decor and numerous artworks, guests can enjoy sushi crafted from the highest quality ingredients. While the foundation is traditional nigiri, the menu also features original creations born from the chef's relentless curiosity and innovation.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
WaketokuyamaAwarded One Star in 2025 - With a meticulous focus on allowing guests to enjoy seasonal ingredients at their peak, the menu changes approximately every two weeks. The signature dish, "Grilled Abalone with Seaweed Aroma," features thick slices of abalone generously coated in a rich liver sauce, offering an exquisite taste of the sea.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
Fry-yaExquisite fried dishes crafted by a head chef with experience earning stars in both Switzerland and Japan. The remarkably light tonkatsu is a favorite not only among Japanese diners but also among visitors to Japan. With the theme of "small portions, many varieties," guests can enjoy sampling a wide selection of tonkatsu in smaller portions.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
TEMPURA & WINE SHINOThe kind of restaurant that is known only to true gourmets, serving as a sort of "Hidden gem". In a chic space with black walls and a ceiling adorned in gold, you can enjoy tempura with a light and elegant texture, delicately fried using refined techniques to achieve a thin, white batter that minimizes the aroma of oil. Savor tempura that maximizes the flavors of the ingredients, paired with Champagne and Burgundy wines carefully selected by the sommelier.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
HikarimonoWith a prime location and quality that rivals high-end sushi restaurants, this restaurant maintains the goal of being a place for everyday dining. It offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, free from stiffness or formality. The signature "Hikari-maki," featuring ingredients such as sardines, pickled plum, and bettarazuke (sweet pickled radish), boasts unique flavors that are especially popular among international visitors.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
Daikanyama Issai KassaiThe owner, Shinji Odahara, boasts a 30-year career in Japanese cuisine and has the remarkable achievement of opening a Japanese restaurant in New York that earned a star. Guests can enjoy exquisite charcoal-grilled meat dishes and rice cooked in a clay pot, all within a modern interior with dim lighting that sparks adult curiosity.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
SudachiYou can enjoy dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, transcending the traditional boundaries of Japanese cuisine. While rooted in the traditions of Japanese cooking, the menu features unique offerings such as dishes incorporating shark fin窶排arely seen in Japanese cuisine窶蚤nd sushi that reflects the chef's background in sushi restaurants. At the open kitchen counter, where the lively atmosphere comes alive, you can savor the culinary creations with all five senses.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
TorinaoIn a relaxed and serene atmosphere, you can enjoy exquisite yakitori made with "Koshu Kenmidori" chicken, grilled to perfection over Kishu Binchotan charcoal for a delightful aroma. The tender and fluffy tsukune (chicken meatball) is particularly popular for its juicy flavor. Additionally, the carefully selected Japanese sake, chosen by the owner, pairs wonderfully with the yakitori.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
IchiuChef Hamano is renowned for his experience training at three different two-star restaurants. In addition to sushi, he has honed his skills in Japanese cuisine at the esteemed Akasaka Kikunoi, giving him a strong foundation in traditional Japanese culinary techniques.When it comes to nigiri, he is meticulous not only about the toppings but also the rice. He uses a premium rice variety from Akita, enhanced with two types of red vinegar and plum vinegar to create a refreshing flavor.View on JapanEatinerary -
![]()
Yakiniku OnukiThe restaurant is proud of its "Tare Yakiniku" (grilled meat with sauce), which is made from Japanese black beef that has inherited the "excellent sauce" from the main restaurant, and is so tender that it melts in your mouth. The beef tongue is also superb. The thickly cut beef tongue is very difficult to grill, so the waiter grills it and serves it to you. Enjoy a blissful moment with wine that pairs well with the meat.View on JapanEatinerary
-
Experiences around Tokyo
Top rated in Tokyo
-
-
![]()
Sushi Making Tokyo - Most Popular Sushi Making Class & Cooking Class in TokyoYou can learn how to make **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Temari-Sushi** or **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Nigiri Sushi**View on Klook -
![]()
Crafting Your Own Unique Edo Kiriko Glass in Asakusa at SokichiExperience the time-honored traditional craft of Edo Kiriko, which has continued since the Edo period first-hand.View on Klook -
![]()
Samurai Trial Cutting Experience of Japanese Swords in TokyoIaido, an ancient Japanese martial art, traces its origins back to the era of samurai warriorsView on Klook -
![]()
Original Glass Making Experience in TokyoYou can make your own original work by digging the glass as if you were writing with a pen.View on Klook -
![]()
Tokyo, Japan | One-day tour by chartered car*Tokyo has many sightseeing spots and experience activities, ranging from historical sites to futuristic locationsView on Klook -
![]()
Tokyo Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)Enjoy a day tour or a customizable half day tour with a private group in Tokyo!View on Klook -
![]()
Kimono rental & photography experience in AsakusaTake the subway to Asakusa Station (Ginza Line) Exit 4 and walk for 20 seconds. It is 220 meters away from Sensoji Kaminarimon Gate. The location is perfect!View on Klook -
![]()
Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook -
![]()
Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament TourCome face to face with Japanese culture that has been kept alive through many years, such as the presence of a referee which began in the Sengoku period (about 1467-1603)View on Klook -
![]()
Kimono Yae Rental Experience in AsakusaVisit Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo and get to experience Japanese culture through clothing by renting a kimono/yukataView on Klook
-
