Since the late 1950s, skyscrapers and towers have sprung up across Tokyo. The panoramic views that these buildings afford were not lost on the designers, and several of these structures incorporate observation decks that are open to the public. From these enclosed or open-air observatories visitors can look out over the Kanto Plain and see as far away as Mount Fuji on clear days. The following are some of the best observation decks in Tokyo:
Hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 2100-2300 yen (first deck), 3100-3400 yen (both decks)
Discounted by a few hundred yen if purchased online.
Deck Height: 350 meters (first deck), 450 meters (second deck)
The Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest tower. Standing 634 meters tall, it was the second tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion in 2012. The Skytree has the two highest observation decks in Japan. The spacious lower deck (at 350 meters) features wide windows, a cafe, shops and a restaurant. The upper deck (at 450 meters) is notable for a glass and steel enclosed ramp that spirals around the building. Both offer spectacular, unobstructed views out over much of the Kanto Region. An aquarium and shopping mall are found at the base of the tower.
Hours: 9:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1200 yen (main deck), 3000 yen (both viewing decks)
Discount available for upper deck if purchased online.
Deck Height: 150 meters (main deck), 250 meters (top deck)
Standing 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is three meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. When completed in 1958 it symbolized the rebirth of Japan as a post war economic power. The tower has two observation decks, the main deck at 150 meters and the top deck at 250 meters. Both offer views as far away as the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji on a clear day, and down over Zojoji Temple below. The touristy lower floors of the tower house souvenir shops and restaurants.
Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (Sky Deck: 11:00 to 20:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 2200 yen (discounted if purchased online)
Deck Height: 218 meters (Sky Deck: 238 meters)
Opened in 2003, the 238 meter tall Mori Tower is the centerpiece of the Roppongi Hills complex at the heart of Tokyo's Roppongi district. The building's 52nd floor houses the elegant Tokyo City View observation deck and the entrance to the excellent Mori Art Museum. The Mori Tower also features the 238 meter high, open-air Sky Deck on the roof of the building with exhilarating, 360 degree views over the city. The Sky Deck may be closed due to strong wind or bad weather.
Hours: 10:00 to 22:30 (entry until 21:20)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 2000 yen (1800 yen if purchased online)
Deck Height: 229 meters (46th floor)
Opened in 2019, Shibuya Scramble Square is the tallest skyscraper in the Shibuya district, rising 229 meters over Shibuya Station. The observation deck occupies the building's two top floors and includes a spectacular open-air deck which divides visitors from the unobstructed views over the city with nothing but a layer of glass at the very edge of the building.
Hours: 9:30 to 22:00 (entry until 21:30)
Closed: December 29 to January 3 (except Jan 1) and occasional inspection days
Admission: Free
Deck Height: 202 meters (45th floor)
Completed in 1991 in Shinjuku's skyscraper district, the 243 meter tall Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho) houses two observation decks, one in each of its towers. The free observation decks are located on the 45th floor of their respective towers and offer views from 202 meters above the ground. From the Tocho it is possible to see Meiji Jingu, Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji.
Bunkyo Civic Center
Hours: 9:00 to 20:30
Closed: 3rd Sunday in May, December 29 to January 3
Admission: Free
Deck Height: About 130 meters
Although not as tall as the other list entries, the observation deck on the top floor of the Bunkyo Civic Center offers impressive views of Tokyo thanks to its central location, including views of Mount Fuji behind the skyscrapers of the Shinjuku district on one side and the Tokyo Skytree on the other. The building's lower floors house the offices of the Bunkyo City Ward. Immediately below the civic center are Tokyo Dome City and Koishikawa Korakuen.
Sunshine 60
Currently closed for renovations; will reopen on April 18, 2023
Deck Height: 226 meters
Opened in 1978 in Ikebukuro, the 240 meter tall Sunshine 60 was Japan's tallest building for more than a decade. It features an observation deck on its top floor with nice views over the city but is not as centrally located as the above listed observation decks. The observation deck is currently being renovated with a theme of a relaxing indoor park
Observation decks are not the only way to enjoy views of the city from high up in the air. Several skyscrapers house restaurants on their top floors from where diners can simultaneously enjoy good food and good views of the city. Top floor restaurants are an especially good way of seeing the city views at night after other observation decks close. Some notable districts where top floor restaurants are common include Marunouchi, Shiodome, Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Located in Tokyo, near Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden, Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument and Honryuji Temple, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa features free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a TV and a fridge. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine, Sanyabori Park and Imado Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa.
Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
Featuring 2-star accommodation, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated in Tokyo, 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park and 1.5 km from Gyosen Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. ? la carte and continental breakfast options are available daily at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe. Ukita Park is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe.
Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, The Barn Tokyo is situated in Tokyo, 400 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 500 metres from Nippori South Park. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Shikian. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At The Barn Tokyo all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kanei-ji Temple, Kanei-ji Temple Kompon Chudo and Kemmyo-in Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from The Barn Tokyo.
Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Esterre offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
Composed 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 staying in Heritage Wing can enjoy free access to the 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. The Okura Tokyo also provides a business centre and guests can check the newspapers or use the on-site ATM machine at the accommodation. 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.
Featuring 2-star accommodation, Backpacker's Mini House is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Bellesalle Kanda and 600 metres from Nikkei Hall. The 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 3.4 km from the city centre and 400 metres from Kanda Children's Park. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Tokiwa Park, Kotoku Inari Shrine and Taira no Masakado's Grave. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 19 km from Backpacker's Mini House.
Situated a minutesf walk away from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station of the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Marunouchi Line, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho boasts free WiFi throughout the entire property. There is a sake bar, a sushi restaurant and a teppanyaki restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is directly linked to Nagatacho Station of the Nanboku Line. It is a 10-minute drive from Tokyo Station, and a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Narita International Airport is a 100-minute drive away. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a spa and wellness centre and a sauna facility, and the front desk offers currency exchange. Laundry services are offered at an extra cost. All rooms are air-conditioned/heated and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms come with a desk, minibar, electric kettle, a coffee machine, personal locker and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub and shower. Hairdryers, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes provided. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine on site, and there are several restaurants within a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
Located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Zuiken Kawamura Former Residence Place Monument, Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo Kayabacho provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is around 700 metres from Takao Inari Shrine, 400 metres from Yasube Taketsune Horibe Monument and 700 metres from Edo Bay Opening Port Monument. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. At the hotel, each room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo Kayabacho include War Disaster Memorial Service Monument, Oiwa Inari Shrine and Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.
