What are the differences between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's South and North Observation Decks?

They differ in operating hours, closing days, and the shops available on each floor. The South Observation Deck is recommended for a more peaceful nighttime viewing experience.

What is the admission fee for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks?

Both the South and North observation decks are free to enter.

Which observation deck - South or North - has the 'Memory Piano' designed by Yayoi Kusama?

The Memory Piano is installed in the South Observation Deck.

What kind of scenery can you enjoy from the government building observation decks? What are the highlights?

You can see the greenery of Meiji Shrine spreading through central Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji.

Can you use a tripod to photograph the night views?

Photography using tripods is prohibited. Please follow the rules and enjoy taking photos responsibly.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks: Access, Hours & Night View Guide

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks

Last Updated：04/19/2026Author：Tokyo Nightscape Navi Editorial

Night View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks (Shinjuku)

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Free observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo from 202m (662 ft) above ground. There are two decks - South and North - with different operating hours and closing days. The South Observation Deck is recommended for a more peaceful nighttime viewing experience.

Tokyo Night View Spot List

Visit Report: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks

Located on the 47th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, these are among Tokyo's premier free observation decks offering panoramic city views from 202m (662 ft) above ground.

Separate observation floors are provided for both South and North sides, each with different operating hours, closing days, and floor facilities.

The scenery is quite similar from both decks, with the following highlights as main attractions:

North Side: High-rise building complex in the Shinjuku area
South Side: Yoyogi Park and Shibuya area streetscape
East Side: Shinjuku Station and illuminated Docomo Tower
West Side: Triangular-roofed Shinjuku Park Tower, Tokyo Opera City, Mount Fuji

Lines often form at the dedicated observation deck elevators during the hour before and after sunset, so visitors hoping to catch twilight hours should plan to arrive with plenty of time.

The Tomin Plaza below also features daily projection mapping shows using the government building as a canvas, so it's recommended to visit both together.

Photos of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks

Night view from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
Mount Fuji at sunset
Shinjuku Park Tower with its distinctive triangular roof
Tokyo Opera City (222m high) and Mount Fuji
High-rise buildings toward Shibuya and Yoyogi Park
Dense cluster of towering skyscrapers
Illuminated Docomo Tower
View toward Shinjuku Station
Night view from Tokyo Metropolitan Government South Observatory
Atmosphere inside Tokyo Metropolitan Government South Observatory
Shinjuku townscape at dusk
Beautiful Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with abundant lighting

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks — Information

Features

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks — Information
Address	2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan（Shinjuku Night View Spots）
Opening Hours	North Observatory: 9:30 - 17:30 South Observatory: 9:30 - 23:00
Closed	North Observatory: 2nd and 4th Mondays South Observatory: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Admission Fee	Free
Observation Deck Height	Approx. 202m (663 ft)
Links	Observatory Usage Guide - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Official Site Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory Official Twitter

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks - Access & Parking

Access Information
Train / Nearest Station	About 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station West Exit Direct access from Toei Oedo Line Tochomae Station Exit A4
Parking	300m from Shuto Expressway Shinjuku Ramp Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 Parking (237 spaces / paid)

Best Time to See the Night View at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks

Best Time for Night Photography Today (4/28)

18:46〜19:06

The 'magic hour' when the blue sky meets city lights.
Today's sunset is at 18:26.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the differences between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's South and North Observation Decks?: They differ in operating hours, closing days, and the shops available on each floor. The South Observation Deck is recommended for a more peaceful nighttime viewing experience.
How do you access the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South and North Observation Decks?: You can access the observation decks by using the 'Observation Deck Dedicated Elevator' located on the 1st floor of the First Main Building.
What is the admission fee for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks?: Both the South and North observation decks are free to enter.
Which observation deck - South or North - has the 'Memory Piano' designed by Yayoi Kusama?: The Memory Piano is installed in the South Observation Deck.
What kind of scenery can you enjoy from the government building observation decks? What are the highlights?: You can see the greenery of Meiji Shrine spreading through central Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji.
Can you use a tripod to photograph the night views?: Photography using tripods is prohibited. Please follow the rules and enjoy taking photos responsibly.