Free Skyscraper Views & Hidden Gems in Shinjuku
🌟 Overview
Towering above Shinjuku’s busy streets, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers something rare in Tokyo: a completely free panoramic view of the city from its observatory. While most people rush to pay for Tokyo Tower or Skytree, savvy travelers head here for sky-high views without spending a single yen.
It’s more than just a government office—this is a peaceful, uncrowded, and rewarding stop, especially for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
🔭 Why Visit?
- 🆓 No Entrance Fee: Enjoy stunning views for free
- 🗼 See Landmarks: Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Mt. Fuji (on clear days!)
- 🌇 Sunset Spot: Watch the city turn golden from 202 meters up
- 📸 Photography Heaven: Capture Tokyo’s skyline from glass-panel windows
- 🧘♂️ Less Crowded: Compared to paid observatories, it’s quieter and more relaxed
🕐 Opening Hours
| Observatory | Hours |
|---|---|
| North Tower | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| South Tower | Closed (check reopening info) |
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing. Closed during maintenance or bad weather.
🚶 How to Get There
- From Shinjuku Station (West Exit): 10-minute walk
- From Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line): Direct underground access
Barrier-free access and elevators are available—great for families and wheelchair users.
📸 Pro Tips & Instagram Moments
- 📷 Top Instagram Shot: Stand near the windows at sunset and shoot with Tokyo Tower in the frame
- 🌤️ Clear Days = Mt. Fuji: Try to visit in the morning after a rainy day for best visibility
- 🤳 Mirror Shot Hack: Some corners inside the building have mirrored ceilings—use them for creative selfies!
🧃 Chill-Out Spots Nearby
After your observatory visit, unwind at one of these nearby spots:
1. Shinjuku Central Park (Shinjuku Chuo Koen)
- 🌳 Just behind the Government Building
- ☕ Small cafes & food trucks on sunny days
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly and peaceful
2. Brooklyn Parlor
- 📚 Café-bar with books, jazz, and comfy seats
- 🎧 Cool vibe for a break or writing travel notes
- 📍 1-1-5 Kabukicho (15 mins walk or 1 stop away)
3. Tokyo Opera City
- 🎨 Art gallery, concert hall, and restaurants
- 🖼️ Less touristy, more local
🍴 Optional Food Tip: Quick Eats
- Komeda’s Coffee (inside NS Building): Cozy Nagoya-style café
- Ootoya: Japanese comfort food with healthy set meals
- FamilyMart (inside building): For cheap snacks or drinks with a view
📍 Address & Contact
Address
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan
Phone
📞 +81-3-5321-1111
Website
Visit Tokyo’s official site or Shinjuku ward page for updates
✨ Final Thoughts
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the ultimate low-key, high-reward spot in Tokyo. No queues, no fees, and breathtaking views—this place proves that the best things in Tokyo really can be free.