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Tokyo City Views and Mt. Fuji! Top 7 Observation Decks and Towers
This article features 7 popular observation decks in Tokyo, including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the recently-opened Shibuya Sky. Read on to learn where to enjoy the best city views and unique facilities such as a glass-floored observation deck or towers with cafes and souvenir shops.
Tokyo's Best Observatories and Towers
Tokyo is a metropolis built on tradition and modern technology. The best place to view its impressive cityscape is an observation deck. Tokyo Skytree, the tallest antenna tower with a view from a height of 450 meters, is just one of them!
On sunny days, Mt. Fuji and the areas around Tokyo are visible from here. Observatories often have wonderful cafes and restaurants along with souvenir shops, allowing visitors to appreciate the facility on rainy days.
The following is a list of seven observation decks in Tokyo that offer breathtaking views of the city.
Contents:
1. Shibuya Sky at Shibuya Scramble Square
2. Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria at Tokyo Skytree
3. Main Deck and Top Deck at Tokyo Tower
4. Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills
5. Tembo Park at Sunshine 60
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
7. Carrot Tower
1. Shibuya Sky at Shibuya Scramble Square
Photo by Pixta
Shibuya Scramble Square, which opened in 2019, has become a Tokyo landmark. Shibuya Sky, the observation deck located on the roof, has quickly become a popular spot.
Photo by Pixta
Ride the elevator to the top, where the Tokyo cityscape from 229 meters above the ground awaits. The approach to the elevator and observation deck is designed in a modern style, along with art installations.
The skyscrapers in Shinjuku alongside Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree can be seen from the deck. Even Mt. Fuji is visible when the weather is clear. There is also a lounge serving snacks with hammock swings as seats.
Shibuya Sky
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Shibuya 2-24-12
Access: Connected to Shibuya Station via the JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza, and Hanzomon Line.
Admission: Adults 1,800 yen, Junior and High School Students 1,400 yen, Elementary School Students 900 yen/ Infants 500 yen
2. Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria
Tokyo Skytree, located at Oshiage Station in Sumida Ward and rising to the height of 634 meters, is the tallest antenna tower in the world.
Photo by Pixta
There are two observation decks: Tembo Deck (350 meters above ground) and Tembo Galleria (450 meters above ground). The former has an area with a glass floor; the views from here are truly thrilling.
Solamachi, a shopping mall on the lower floors, has everything, from restaurants to clothing and souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy the shops all day long.
Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria Tickets
Tokyo Skytree
Address: Tokyo, Sumida, Oshiage 1-1-2
Access: Connected to Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line/Toei Asakusa Line).
Admission for both Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria
Weekdays: Adults 3,100 yen, Middle and High School Students 2,350 yen, Elementary School Students 1,450 yen
Holidays: Adults 3,400 yen, Middle and High School Students 2,550 yen, Elementary School Students 1,550 yen
3. Tokyo Tower's Main Deck and Top Deck
Tokyo Tower, which opened in 1958, is the symbol of the city. While Tokyo Skytree has taken over as the active antenna tower of the metropolitan area, this edifice still remains popular.
The Main Deck (120 meters above ground) and Top Deck (223.55 meters above ground) are the two observation decks within the tower. Please note that in order to visit the latter, you have to take the Top Deck Tour.
Tokyo Tower is located in the center of the city, and the decks are situated at moderate heights. Compared to other facilities, the surrounding buildings will feel a lot closer.
Tokyo Tower Main Deck and Top Deck Tour Tickets
Tokyo Tower
Address: Tokyo, Minato, Shibakoen 4-2-8
Access:
A. 7-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).
B. 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line).
Admission for the Main Deck:
Adults 1,200 yen, High School Students 1,000 yen, Middle and Elementary School Students 700 yen, Infants (over 4 years old) 500yen
4. Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is an iconic building in Roppongi. From its observation deck, Tokyo City View (218 meters above ground), visitors can see the entire city, including Tokyo Tower and the skyscrapers in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
In Weathering with You, a movie directed by Makoto Shinkai, the setting in which the heroine prays for a clear sky was modeled after this observation deck. Fans of the movie should not miss this spot.
Tokyo City View
Address: Tokyo, Minato, Roppongi 6-10-1
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 1C of Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).
Admission
Weekdays: Adults 2,000 yen, University and High School Students 1,300 yen, Children (from 4 years of age to middle school) 700 yen, Senior Citizens (over 65 years of age) 1,700 yen
Holidays: Adults 2,200 yen, University and High School Students 1,400 yen, Children (from 4 years of age to middle school) 800 yen, Senior Citizens (over 65 years of age) 1,900 yen
5. Sunshine 60 Tembo Park in Ikebukuro
Photo by Pixta
Tembo Park is an observation deck in Sunshine 60, an entertainment and shopping complex located in Ikebukuro. This facilty opened in 1978 and was the tallest skyscraper in Asia at the time.
The deck has been closed for renovations and will re-open on April 18, 2023. It will be a place to take in the city views and enjoy events and snacks in a space decorated with seasonal flowers.
Tembo Park at Sunshine 60
Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1
Access: Connected to Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line).
Admission
Weekdays: Adults 700 yen, Children 500 yen
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays: Adults 900 yen, Children 600 yen
Buy Tickets for Tembo Park at Sunshine 60
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, completed in 1991, was designed by Kenzo Tange, a renowned Japanese architect. It is an iconic facility in Shinjuku, frequently shown on news programs and TV series.
The observatory is located 202 meters above ground and can be visited for free. It offers great views of the city and even of Mt. Fuji when the weather is fine. A cafe and restaurant are located right by the observatory.
While there are observatories in both the south and north buildings, the latter is closed as of March, 2023.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishi-Shinjuku 2-8-1
Access:
A. Connected to Tochomae Station (Toei OedoLine).
B. 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
Admission: Free
7. Carrot Tower
There are other free observation decks besides the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, such as the Carrot Tower, located in Sangenjaya, Setagaya Ward. The deck is on the 26th floor, 126 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy a view of the city center, and the landscape of western Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is also visible from here when the weather permits.
Right be the observatory, there is a restaurant managed by Hotel Okura, a Japanese luxury hotel franchise, where visitors can enjoy Chinese and Western dining.
Carrot Tower
Address: Tokyo, Setagaya, Taishido 4-1-1
Access: 3-minute walk from Sangenjaya Station (Tolyu Den'entoshi Line).
Admission: Free
8. Enjoy the Tokyo City Views!
The observation decks in Tokyo are all different, each offering a unique viewpoint. How about visiting as many as you can?
Main image by Pixta