Nishi-Shinjuku
See the city without buying a skyline ticket.
The observatories in Tokyo’s government headquarters offer a free way to appreciate the scale of the city. Give yourself time for the lift queue and treat distant mountain views as a weather-dependent bonus.
- Admission
- Free
- South observatory
- 09:30–22:00
- North observatory
- Usually 09:30–17:30
- Last entry
- 30 minutes before closing
- Suggested time
- 45–75 minutes plus queue
- Closures
- Check the separate tower calendars
Choose the tower by the calendar
The two observatories have different regular closure days. The north stays open later when the south is closed, but maintenance and weather can alter access. Confirm the day’s operation before walking over.
Leave time before sunset
The lift queue can take 20–30 minutes or longer. Arrive early if changing light is your priority. Tripods are not permitted; take photographs without occupying the same window for a long time.
Location & access
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Neighbourhood
Nishi-Shinjuku
Use the dedicated observatory elevators on the first floor of Main Building No. 1; follow signs from Tochomae or Shinjuku.
Keep exploring
Sources & planning links
Visitor information checked on 2 November 2026. Suggested visit lengths are TokyoWaltz planning estimates. Check official notices for changes to hours, admission and access.