Shinjuku's Best Free View: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory

Welcome to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (TMGB) (東京都庁) in Shinjuku. This landmark, the fifth-tallest building in Tokyo, opens its 45th-floor observatories to the public for free, offering a staggering view of the endless cityscape. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji.

This is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 0001 Image

When it comes to seeing Tokyo from above, most people think of the expensive Skytree or Tokyo Tower. But what if we told you one of the best panoramic views in the city is 100% completely free?

This is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 0000 Image

Visitor Highlights

Completely Free: 100% free admission for everyone. You don’t even need to show a passport or ID!
Wide-Open Views: The South Observatory is often cited as better, with a wider, more open-feeling panoramic view than the North.
Stunning Scenery: This is the spot to see a beautiful Tokyo sunset and a dazzling night view as the city lights up.

Pro-Tips for Your Visit

To make the most of your trip, don’t just show up. Use these tips to get the best experience.

1. Get the “Day-to-Night” Double Shot The best time to go is around 5:00 PM (17:00). This allows you to watch the golden hour as the sun sets behind the silhouette of Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) and then, as darkness falls, see the “river of cars” and the galaxy of city lights come to life.

This is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 0003 Image

2. Find the “Hidden” Photo Spot In the South Observatory, walk to the far corner. There is a specific floor-to-ceiling window that offers an unobstructed view, allowing you to capture Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree in the same photo.

This is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 0002 Image

📍 Visitor’s Guide: Know Before You Go

We’ve combined all the essential info from the official site and visitor reports to make your planning easy.

Category	Information
Address	2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001
Transport	Directly connected to Tochomae Station (Oedo Line). 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (West Exit).
Price	100% FREE
Accessibility	Highly accessible with barrier-free entrances and accessible parking.
Child-Friendly	Yes, “Suitable for children” and very family-friendly.
Parking	Paid parking is available in the building.
Phone	03-5320-7890
Website	https://www.zaimu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp