Tokyo has always been known for its beautiful sights – be it scenery or cityscape. The busy metropolis we know of today is renowned for its towering skyscrapers and city lights. If you’re headed to Tokyo soon and want to see the skyline, we’ve compiled a list of observation decks in Tokyo that you can visit, to catch some breathtaking views.
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Travelling is always fun and exciting. However, you can’t enjoy yourself to the fullest if you don’t do some homework ahead of your trip, especially to find out about the culture, and what you should expect. Here are some things that you might want to take note of when you travel to Japan.
Firstly, it’s a good idea to pack light. Hotel rooms in Japan are tiny, which makes things quite inconvenient if you’re carrying a large suitcase. Additionally, public transportation can get pretty crowded, and many train stations have staircases rather than escalators or elevators.
Secondly, ensure that you dress appropriately. Japan is pretty conservative, and you might be barred from entering temples if your dressing is found to be immodest by their standards. Being in Japan, you might also find yourself having to sit on tatami mats to eat – the traditional Japanese way – so make sure you dress comfortably for that.
Last but not least, don’t tip when visiting restaurants. Unlike in other countries, Japan does not have a tipping culture, and attempts to do so might be taken the wrong way. On the topic of money, it’s advisable to carry cash around with you, as some older, family-run restaurants might not accept online payment modes.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for free stuff to do, we have compiled a list of observation decks that you can visit without charge. They might not cost you a cent, but the views you’ll get are still priceless.
| Observation deck | What it has to offer | Address |
| Caretta Shiodome Free Observatory Space Sky View | Amazing night views with 8 different restaurants. | Minato City, Higashishinbashi, 1 Chome−8−1, Catetta Shiodome, 46F 無料展望スペース, Tokyo, Japan |
| Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby | Overlooks Tokyo Tower and the city. You might be able to catch sights of Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji as well. | Hills Tower Plaza 4F, 1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan |
| Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge | Directly connected and fully sheltered to train stations. | 1 Chome-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan |
| Nerima City Office Observation Lobby | Hole-in-the-wall observation deck with a restaurant. | 6 Chome-12-1 Toyotamakita, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-8501, Japan |
| Telecom Center Observatory | Overlooks Odaiba, Shinjuka, and Shinagawa Wharf aside from iconic skyscrapers such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree. | 2 Chome-5-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan |
Image credit: 村上伊知郎 via Google Maps
Caretta Shiodome Free Observatory Space Sky View is the place you’ll want to visit for date night. Take “dining with a view” to the next level, with 8 different restaurants serving everything from Japanese fare to bar food – spread across the 46th and 47th levels of the building.
Image credit: Masahiro Yamamoto via Google Maps
To go to the observation deck that’s situated on the 46th level, you’ll need to take the shuttle elevator, which is an entire experience of its own. Enter the lift on basement two and it’ll go all the way up without stopping, till you reach the observation deck. Once you’re there, keep a lookout for sights of the Rainbow Bridge, Fuji Television Network, and Tsukiji Bridge.
Address: Minato City, Higashishinbashi, 1 Chome−8−1, Catetta Shiodome, 46F 無料展望スペース, Tokyo, Japan
Opening hours: 11am-11.30pm, Daily
Contact: +81 3-6218-2100 | Caretta Shiodome Free Observatory Space Sky View website
Image credit: Yusuke Shimamura via Google Maps
At Azabudai Hills Mori JPTower, head up to the 33rd floor for a clear view of Tokyo’s city skyline. Here’s where you’ll catch sight of Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji in the distance if you’re lucky. When night falls, watch the bustling city light up.
Image credit: ながいだよ via Google Maps
If you’re hungry, grab a bite or a cup of coffee at Holls House Sky Room Cafe & Bar, situated on the 34th level of the building. The cafe overlooks the famous Tokyo Tower and the city.
Address: Hills Tower Plaza 4F, 1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan
Opening hours: 10.45am-9pm, Daily
Contact: Azabudai Hills Mori JPTower website
The windows are slanted to prevent glare when looking out.
Image credit: 정진철
The good thing about Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge is that it’s directly connected to Korakuen and Kasuga stations on the Tokyo Metro. This means that it’s quite accessible, and convenient to get to. More importantly, it’s a good respite from the elements so you don’t have to worry about getting baked or drenched just to catch some good views.
Image credit: Willis WM via Google Maps
The 25th level of the spaceship-like building offers a 330-degree view of Tokyo, where you’ll get to see sights of Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. If the weather is fine, you might be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji as well. We recommend visiting at dusk, when you’ll be able to catch the sunset, and after that, when the city comes alive with lights.
Do keep in mind that although the building closes at 10pm, the deck is only open till 8.30pm.
Address: 1 Chome-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan
Opening hours: 9am-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: +81 3-5803-1162 | Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge’s website
Image credit: K H via Google Maps
If you’d like to enjoy the view without the crowd, we recommend heading down to Nerma Ward Main Office Building. Nestled on the 20th floor of this building is Nerima City Office Observation Lobby, where you can enjoy the same views, such as the city skyline and Mount Fuji, as you would at other observation decks.
There’s also a restaurant on the same floor where you can dine at, making it the perfect spot for a quiet and romantic date.
Address: 6 Chome-12-1 Toyotamakita, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-8501, Japan
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.15pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Contact: +81 3-3993-1111 | Nerima City Office Observation Lobby website
Image credit: Yasu.N via Google Maps
Telecom Center Observatory is the place that you’ll want to visit if you’re looking for something more than just your usual Tokyo cityline. Here’s where you can catch sights of Odaiba, Shinjuka, and Shinagawa Wharf amongst other skyscrapers such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree.
Image credit: h.ichika 67 via Google Maps
Unlike conventional observatory decks with large windows, Telecom Center Observatory adopts a corridor-style deck which creates a simple and casual vibe. There are lounges, sofas, and even binoculars for you to use too. Since it’s situated in a lesser-known location, you might even call it a hidden gem – one that’s perfect for quiet date nights.
Address: 2 Chome-5-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3-8pm | Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
Contact: +81 3-5500-0086 | Telecom Center Observatory website
Then, there are the observation decks that you’ll have to pay to access. These are much more popular, and some of them are iconic landmarks in Tokyo.
| Observation deck | What it has to offer | Address | Ticket price |
| Tokyo Skytree | Tallest building in Japan. | 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan | Weekday Adult: From ¥2,700 (~S$23.91) Child: From ¥1,3000 (~S$11.51) Weekend Adult: From ¥3,000 (~S$26.57) Child: From ¥1,400 (~S$12.40) |
| Hachitama Spherical Observation Room | Unique dome-shaped observation room. | 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 2 Chome−4−8 フジ テレビ 25 階 | Adult: From ¥700 (~S$6.20) Child: From ¥450 (~S$3.99) |
| Shibuya Sky | Offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. | 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−12 14階・45階・46階・屋上 | Adult: From ¥2,500 (~S$22.14) Child: From ¥700 (~S$6.20) |
| Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park | Kid-friendly play areas. | 〒170-8630 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1 サンシャインシティ サンシャイン６０ビル ６０Ｆ | Weekday Adult: From ¥700 (~S$6.20) Child: From ¥500 (~S$4.43) Weekend Adult: From ¥900 (~SGD$7.97) Child: From ¥600 (~SGD$5.31) |
| Tokyo Tower | Must-visit iconic landmark of Tokyo. | 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan | Adult: From ¥1,200 (~S$10.63) Child: From ¥500 (~S$4.43) |
High Tembo Galleria.
Image credit: 野川昌利 via Google Maps
Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Tokyo, is no stranger to locals and tourists alike. Aside from being known for its two observation decks standing tall at 350m and 450m respectively, Tokyo Skytree is also known for its Tembo Galleria, which features an aesthetic spiral ramp that circles upwards around the tower.
Image credit: Nero via Google Maps
Look forward to a selection of dining options, including the Musashi Sky Restaurant, where you can enjoy French-Japanese fare. For a more affordable, casual option, there’s a cafe up in the sky as well. That’s not all there is to Tokyo Skytree: you’ll find a large shopping mall and aquarium on the lower floors too.
Image credits: Ronald WU via Google Maps
One of the iconic buildings around Tokyo would be the Odaiba FUJI Television headquarters, known for its unique spherical observation room. The Hachitama Spherical Observation Room offers a 270-degree view of Odaiba and Tokyo. The best part is that it’s not crowded on most days, including during the holiday season.
Image credits: Junghwan Park (Park Junghwan) via Google Maps
Apart from enjoying the view from its observation deck, you’d be able to catch displays of popular anime characters such as One Piece and Dragon Ball. Head over to the 5th level, where you’ll be able to visit permanent and temporary exhibitions as well. Do keep in mind that they close at 6pm, which is much earlier than the other observation decks we’ve listed.
Shibuya Sky is one of the hottest tourist attractions in Tokyo, and it’s not hard to see why, considering how it’s the only spot where you can get a 360-degree view of the city. You can try to spot Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo Skytree, among many other landmarks, from a height of 220m above the ground.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets online and in advance to avoid disappointment. However, do note that tickets for elementary school students can only be bought at the ticket counter. Once you get your ticket, you can stay in Shibuya Sky for as long as you like. The only catch is that you aren’t allowed to re-enter once you’ve left.
Image credit: サンシャイン60展望台 てんぼうパーク via Google Maps
Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park might be completely indoors, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. It’s located 251m above sea level, and offers a 360-degree view of the city. Boasting an “indoor garden in the sky” concept, the main area of the observation deck, Tembo no Oka, welcomes you to lay a picnic mat on its artificial turf, or laze on one of their couches for the afternoon.
Image credit: MEFF via Google Maps
There are a variety of features and amenities catered for kiddos, including swaying nets, swings, nursery rooms, and even occasional anime and mascot events. Additionally, Tenbou Park is connected directly to Higashi Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line, which makes the place easily accessible and convenient. There’s no need to worry about having your plans foiled by wet weather either.
Image credit: Imanol Gallego via Google Maps
Think of Tokyo, and one of the first landmarks that might pop into your mind might be the iconic red and white Tokyo Tower. Aside from being striking in both colour and stature, the Tokyo Tower is also significant as a symbol of the country’s post-war rise to economic powerhouse status. Today, it serves as the city’s broadcast antenna.
Image credit: Omar KH via Google Maps
There are two decks that you can visit. The first one is located 150m above the ground, where you’ll be able to view much of the cityscape. To get to the main deck, you can take the elevator or climb a 600-step staircase – I think we all know which we’d pick.
Image credit: Chris A via Google Maps
A second set of elevators connects the main deck to the 250m-high top deck, from where you can get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo from high above the surrounding buildings. It is the third highest observation deck in Tokyo (after the two decks at the Tokyo Skytree). When visibility is good, visitors can see the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji in the distance.
There’s a misconception that you need to bring a huge amount of money in order to have fun when travelling to Japan. That isn’t the case. Aside from free activities, there’s also a whole bunch of budget-friendly activities in Tokyo.
There really isn’t a guide on how much you should bring. It’s dependent on what you’re going to do, the level of luxury you’re going for, as well as how much you’ve set aside for your trip. The key is to spend within your means.
Whether you’re visiting in the day or at night, there’ll definitely be something worth looking at. While you’re here in Tokyo, make sure to not miss out on these splendid views. Aside from the city skyline, there’s so much to see, eat, and experience while in Tokyo.
Outside of Tokyo, there are still many other places that you can visit and explore in Japan. A 3-hour flight from the bustling city is Okinawa, known as Japan’s very own “Hawaii”. Alternatively, head up north for a wide selection of snow activities in Hokkaido during winter. Pst. With the wide selection of ski resorts in Japan, we suggest giving skiing a try if you haven’t.
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Cover image adapted from: 野川昌利 via Google Maps
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