Standing at the heart of Shinjuku's skyscraper district, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks — and one of its most generous. The observation decks on the 45th floor of both the North and South towers are open to the public completely free of charge, making this one of the best-value viewpoints in the entire city.
From 202 metres above street level, the views sweep across the full expanse of Tokyo in every direction. On a clear day — particularly in winter — Mount Fuji appears on the western horizon, its white peak floating above the city skyline. To the east, the Tokyo Skytree rises above the dense urban fabric. Below, the grid of Shinjuku's streets gives way to the green rectangle of Shinjuku Gyoen garden, just minutes away on foot.
The building itself is worth a moment of appreciation. Designed by architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1991, its twin towers draw on the forms of Gothic cathedrals and traditional Japanese design — an unexpected combination that somehow works beautifully. Your guide will point out the details and explain the thinking behind one of Tokyo's most distinctive buildings.
