Observation Decks in Tokyo Part 1 : Admission Free
Having scenic views from the top of high-rise buildings is one of the best tourist attractions in Tokyo. It is amazing to see a panoramic view of the big city, jam-packed with miniature-like houses and buildings where 13 million people are living. The nightscape is fantastic too.
Winter is the best season to enjoy the panoramic views
In winter, we don’t have much rain and the humidity is low, the sky is so clear that it allows you to overlook the city into the far distance. In all seasons, it allows you to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo on clear days. However, Mount Fuji can most clearly be seen in winter, as well as looking beautiful as it is covered with white snow.
Observation Decks in Tokyo | Admission Free
Observation decks atop famous, high-rise buildings, such as Tokyo Tower, Sky Tree, Sunshine 60, and Yokohama Landmark Tower (in Yokohama), require an entrance fee. However, there are also the ones allowing you to enjoy viewing for free, as listed below.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 45F (202m)
This building has two observation decks; North Observatory and South Observatory. One of the most popular observation decks in Tokyo available for free, but it is always crowded.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/offices/observat.html
Getting there
8 min. walk from JR West Exit of Shinjuku Station
OR
1 min. walk from Tochomae Subway Station (E28) of Oedo Subway Line
Google Maps - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Nearby Attractions
- Shopping and entertainment district in the east area of the Shinjuku Station
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/
Bunkyo Civic Center 25F (142m)
The Bunkyo Civic Center is the ward office building of Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. This building is not so high, but it allows you to have a wide view as there is no other high-rise building nearby. On the 25F, there is also a restaurant.
Civic Center Information (In Japanese)
https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/bunka/kanko/osusume/lounge.html
Open: 9:00 to 20:30
Closed from 29.Dec to 3.Jan
Not available on the days the office (building) is closed
Getting there
1 min. walk from Kasuga Subway Station on the Toei Mita or Oedo Line.
Google Maps - Bunkyo Civic Center
Nearby Attractions
Tokyo Dome City (Baseball stadium, Amusement park, Onsen Spa Facility, Hotel etc.)
https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/content/000007561.pdf
Bunkyo Furusato Rekishikan (Bunkyo Historical Museum)
https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/rekishikan/index.html
Hokutopia building 17F ((88m)
The Hokutopia is the ward office building of Kita-ku, Tokyo. This building is also not so high, but it allows you to have a wide view as there is no other high building around the district. The Asukayama Park at the foot of the building is covered with Sakura flowers in spring.
Hokutopia Information (In Japanese)
https://www.hokutopia.jp/
Open : From 9:00AM to 20:00PM
Closed from 29.Dec to 3.Jan
* It is temporarily closed once a month.
Getting there
2 min. walk from JR Oji Station
Google Maps – Hokutopia building
Nearby Attractions
Asukayama Park
https://www.city.kita.tokyo.jp/d-douro/bunka/koenichiran/asukayama.html
Related article on digi-joho TOKYO
Oji, a quaint town with abundant greenery
Carrot Tower 26F (124m)
A commercial building located in Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. On the 26th floor, there is a restaurant and a lobby where you can have a superb night view.
https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/mokuji/kusei/012/002/d00004091.html
Getting there
1 min. from Sangenjaya Station on the Setagaya-sen Line.
Google Maps - Carrot Tower
Nearby Attractions
Setagaya Public Theatre
https://setagaya-pt.jp/en/
Setagaya Park (Playing field for kids)
https://1000enpark.com/park/00220/ (In Japanese)
Sumida Kuyakusho 14F
This is the ward office building of Sumida-ku, Tokyo. Visitors are allowed to go up to the 14th floor where you will have the best view of Tokyo Sky Tree, the new symbol of Tokyo, towering in front of you. There is no observation deck, instead, you are to have a view from windows near the elevator hall.
The 14th Floor of Sumiida ward office
https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/hoihoi123/diary/201106020000/
Open from Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 17:00PM
Getting there
5 min. walk from Asakusa Station or Tobu Isesaki Line
or
5 min. walk from Asakusa Subway Station Exit A5
Google Maps - Sumida Ward Office in Asakusa
Nearby Attractions
Asakusa Sensoji Temple
https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Tokyo Sky Tree
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
