The Free Observation Deck in Shinjuku: Tokyo From Above

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

Many of Tokyo's best-known observation decks charge admission, so a free one is an appealing find. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has an observation deck that visitors can use without a ticket, according to a travel directory. This guide shares what that source says, explains why you should double check the current hours before you go, and suggests ways to make the most of a visit. Opening hours and closing days can change, and some areas may be closed for maintenance, so please confirm on the official website before traveling.

What the Deck Is

The Good Luck Trip Japan directory describes a free observation deck located on the 45th floor of the First Main Office Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Because it is free, it can be a flexible stop: you can fit it in between other plans, or save it for a rainy day when you want a roof over your head but still want a city view.

Hours and Closing Days

According to the directory, the deck's hours are listed as 9:30 am to 10:00 pm, with the last entrance 30 minutes before closing. It also says the South Observatory is closed on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and that the facility is closed from December 29 to 31 and on January 2 and 3. The directory notes that a northern area was closed at the time it was written. These details come from a third-party source and may be out of date, so treat them as a starting point and check the official site or a current notice before you set out.

Why Go

An observation deck offers a different way to understand a city. From above, the grid of streets, the clusters of towers, and the way neighborhoods blend together become easier to see. For a first-time visitor, it can help connect the places you have heard about. For repeat visitors, it can be a quiet moment away from the crowds below.

Choosing a Time

Because the hours extend into the evening, you could visit during the day for clear views, or later for city lights. The best choice depends on the weather and your interests. Visibility varies, and clouds or haze can limit what you see, so check the forecast. Rather than expecting a particular view, go with an open mind and enjoy whatever the sky offers.

Getting There

The building is in Shinjuku, a short trip from Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest stations in the world, according to Wikipedia. Because the station is so large, check which exit is closest to the building before you arrive. A navigation app is helpful. Allow extra time to walk from the station, particularly if you are carrying bags.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Verify the opening hours and closing days before you go.
Check the official site for any entry requirements, such as security screening, before you go.
Expect a security check and a queue at busy times, and be patient.
Keep photographs considerate. Avoid blocking windows, and follow posted rules about tripods and flash.
Dress comfortably. Indoor areas may be cooler or warmer than you expect.
Keep your belongings with you, and be mindful of children near windows.

Photographing Through Glass

Glass can create reflections. Press your lens or phone close to the window, shade it with your hand or a dark cloth, and turn off the flash. Take a few steps along the windows to find a clear spot. In the evening, steady your camera against a ledge, and avoid blocking others.

Pairing the Visit

The area around the building has other places to see. The Golden Gai alleys are in Shinjuku too, and the Wikipedia article places them within Kabukicho, a few minutes from the station's East Exit. You could combine a view from above with a stroll through the lanes below. If you prefer a garden, see the Tokyo Paul guide on Shinjuku Gyoen.

Accessibility and Comfort

If you have mobility needs, check the official website for details on elevators and facilities. If you are traveling with children, plan breaks. If heights make you uneasy, you can stay away from the windows, or visit a ground-level park instead.

A Sample Visit

A simple plan: check the official site in the morning, travel to the building with a little buffer for the station, go up when you arrive, and give yourself half an hour to walk slowly along the windows. Look for neighborhoods you have already visited, and try to spot the lines of train tracks and the shapes of parks. Then go back down and let the view inform what you do next, whether that is a meal, a walk, or a rest. A short, unhurried visit is often more satisfying than a rushed one.

The Building

Wikipedia says the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was designed by Kenzo Tange, finished in December 1990, and opened in 1991. It says the roof is 242.9 meters high, and that Building No. 1 is 48 stories tall. The complex has three structures, each taking up a city block. Looking at the building from outside gives context for the views you will see from above.

The Decks

According to the page, the observation decks, one in each tower on floor 45, are 202 meters high and free of charge to the public. Free does not mean always open, so check the official site for hours, closure days, and any access rules before your visit. Entry procedures may include security checks, so allow time.

Building History

The article says the building cost 157 billion yen of public money and replaced the old city hall at Yurakucho, built in 1957 and also designed by Tange. It describes the building as the tallest in Tokyo by roof height until 2007, when Midtown Tower was completed. It also states that it is the tallest city hall in the world, but that claim rests on a 1991 source and may be dated. In February 2024, Guinness World Records recognized the building for the world's largest projection mapping display.

Using the View Well

Visit on a clear day for the best views, and consider arriving at a time that suits your tolerance for crowds. Bring a light jacket, since air conditioning can feel cool, and be patient in queues. Respect other visitors by keeping your voice low and not blocking windows with tripods. If you dislike heights, choose a spot away from the glass.

Combining With Shinjuku

The building is in Shinjuku, so you can combine it with a walk, a meal, or a visit to a garden. Plan breaks, since the district is large and busy. Keep your belongings close, and agree on a meeting place with your group.

Questions People Ask

Is it free? The directory describes it as a free observation deck.

What floor is it on? The 45th floor of the First Main Office Building, according to the directory.

When is it open? Listed as 9:30 am to 10:00 pm, with the last entrance 30 minutes before closing. Confirm before going.

Is it closed on some days? The directory lists the South Observatory as closed on the first and third Tuesday, and the facility as closed December 29 to 31 and January 2 and 3. Confirm the current schedule.

Do I need a reservation? The directory does not say. Check the official website.

A View Worth Having

Tokyo can feel overwhelming from the ground. From above, it begins to make sense. Even a short visit can give you a sense of scale and a fresh appreciation for the city you are exploring.

Keep Exploring

The Amazon description of Tokyo Paul's Japan Photo Book: Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya (Japan Photography Series) presents photography focused on those districts. See the Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya photo book on Amazon