Researched guide · Checked on Nov 9, 2026
The observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku are one of the best free things to do in Tokyo. From the 45th floor, 202 m above the ground, you can see across the city and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. There is no ticket and no booking. Here is how to visit.
Quick answer
Free: no ticket, no reservation.
Hours: South Observatory 9:30–21:30 (entry). North Observatory 9:30–17:00 (entry).
Where: 45th floor of the No. 1 Main Building. Take the observatory elevator from the 1st floor.
Hours and closed days
| Observatory | Entry hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| South Observatory | 9:30–21:30 | 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (next weekday if a holiday) |
| North Observatory | 9:30–17:00 (until 21:30 when the South Observatory is closed) | 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (next weekday if a holiday) |
Both observatories are closed from December 29 to 31, on January 2 and 3, and on building inspection days. Sudden closures are announced on the observatories’ official X account (@tocho_tenbou).
What can you see from the observatory?
You can see across the city in every direction from 202 m up. These are the main views listed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
| Direction | What to look for |
|---|---|
| West | Mt. Fuji on clear days |
| Northeast | Tokyo Skytree |
| Southeast | Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu |
| Southwest | Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City |
After sunset, stay outside to see TOKYO Night & Light, a free projection mapping show on the wall of the same building. GO TOKYO says it uses about 13,904 m² of the wall and holds a Guinness World Record. We could not confirm the current show times, so check before you go.
How to get there
Enter the No. 1 Main Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and take the dedicated observatory elevator from the 1st floor. On weekends and holidays, the 2nd-floor entrance is closed, so use the main entrance on the 1st floor. If stairs are difficult, ask a security guard to use the regular elevator.
The building is a short walk from Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and about 10 minutes on foot from the west side of Shinjuku Station. See our Shinjuku guide.
Tips
- Mt. Fuji: look west on clear days. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says December to February has the most days when you can see it.
- Night view: the South Observatory is open until 21:30, so you can see the city lights after dark.
- No tripods: tripods are not allowed for photos.
- No reservations: group and advance bookings are not accepted. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s page shows the current wait, from under 5 minutes to over 30 minutes, and its guide warns of waits of 20 to 30 minutes.
FAQ
Is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory free?
Yes. Admission is free and no reservation is needed.
What are the opening hours?
The South Observatory is open for entry 9:30–21:30 and the North Observatory 9:30–17:00, or until 21:30 when the South Observatory is closed. Each closes on two days a month.
How high is the observatory?
202 m above the ground, on the 45th floor of the No. 1 Main Building.
How long is the wait?
It changes with the weather and time of day. The guide warns of 20 to 30 minutes, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s page shows the current wait.
Is there a light show at the building?
Yes. TOKYO Night & Light is a free projection mapping show on the building after sunset. Check the current show times before you go.
Can I see Mt. Fuji?
On clear days, yes, to the west.
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Sources
Hours, closed days and access come from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s official website (checked November 9, 2026). Please check before you go.
