Imagine yourself soaring 202 meters above Tokyo, marveling at the sprawling cityscape beneath. That’s the breathtaking experience waiting for you at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories, offering captivating views and insightful glimpses into the city’s history and future.
Immerse Yourself in Tokyo’s Panoramic Beauty
These observatories are a haven for both tourists and locals, offering stunning panoramas and informative exhibits about Tokyo’s urban landscape and policies.
Plan Your Visit:
- Open Hours: The South Observatory welcomes visitors from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm (last entry at 9:30 pm), while the North Observatory remains open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm).
- Closed Days:
- South Observatory: Closed on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
- North Observatory: Closed on the second and fourth Monday of every month.
- Special Closures: The observatories are closed during the New Year’s holiday season (December 29 to 31 and January 2 and 3) and on Saturday May 11, 2024 for inspection.
- Holidays: If a regular closed day falls on a holiday, the observatory will remain open on the holiday, but close the following day.
- Wait Times:
- Blue: Quiet (0-5 minutes)
- Orange: Slightly Crowded (5-30 minutes)
- Red: Crowded (over 30 minutes)
Note: It typically takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the observatories via the dedicated elevator. Plan your visit accordingly, considering potential wait times.
Accessibility:
- The Observatories Elevator is conveniently located on the first floor of the TMG No. 1 Building.
- On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the second-floor entrance and exit are closed. Visitors should use the first-floor front entrance.
Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Gems
From these vantage points, you can spot iconic landmarks like:
- Tokyo Skytree: Towering over the city, this magnificent structure provides a breathtaking backdrop.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This serene oasis offers a welcome contrast to the bustling cityscape.
- Meiji Jingu: A peaceful shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
- Shinjuku Park Tower: Soaring towards the sky, this towering structure offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s modern architecture.
- Tokyo Opera City Tower: A modern masterpiece showcasing the city’s architectural prowess.
- Mt. Fuji: On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Fuji, especially visible between December and February when the air is crisp and visibility is excellent.
Enhance Your Visit with Interactive Experiences
- ‘Tocho Omoide Piano’: This piano at the South Observatory is available for all to enjoy. Play your favorite tunes between 10 am – noon and 2 pm – 4 pm on days when the observatory is open.
- TOKYO SKY GUIDE: This interactive guide provides information about the landmarks in the native language of visitors. Simply scan the QR code at 32 spots on the exhibition panels to automatically display information on your smartphone.
Note: Tripods and other photographic devices are not permitted.
Plan Your Visit with Ease
- Parking: The TMG parking garage is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Please note that vehicles cannot exit the garage after 10:00 pm. If you plan to use the garage outside of these hours, use a nearby parking facility instead.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on closures and other information by following the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories on X: https://twitter.com/tocho_tenbou.
Enjoy a Unique Perspective of Tokyo
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Tokyo from a whole new perspective at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories. Take in the stunning views, explore the informative exhibits, and discover the beauty and dynamism of this vibrant city.
