Perhaps the best way to understand the size of a great metropolis is to do it from a great height. Tokyo, being one of the largest cities in the world, is no exception here. The cosmopolitan city offers many opportunities to observe its skyline from different heights, both indoors and outdoors, and sometimes even for free! From one of the many high-rise buildings, the view stretches to iconic Mount Fuji on a clear day. It will surely be a highlight of your trip when you see a stunning night view, a distant view of Mount Fuji during the day, or a beautiful sunset from there.
Enjoy the best views of Tokyo from great heights at the following places:
1. Tokyo Sky Tree
One of the most iconic places in Tokyo is Tokyo Skytree. The tallest freestanding structure in Japan was built in 2012 and offers a panoramic view on two levels; Tembo Deck (350m/1150ft) and even higher Tembo Galleria (450m/1475ft). Both bridges offer excellent panoramic views of Tokyo and can be visited separately or in combination. It is also possible to buy an express ticket to avoid the queues!
Get your discount Tokyo Skytree tickets here
Tokyo Heavenly Tree
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (last admission 9 p.m.)
Combined ticket from 3,100
Tembo Gallery from 1,000
Tembo deck from 2,100
2. Shinjuku Government Building Observatories
The Shinjuku Government Building, located in Shinjuku, offers panoramic views from the 45th floor. There are two observatories: the North Observatory and the South Observatory, both of which are accessed by taking the Observatory elevator from the first floor of Main Building 1. Both observatories have a cafeteria and a coffee shop. The Northern Observatory stays open late into the night, making it a popular spot for night views of the city. and the best part of all? It’s totally free! (Don’t be intimidated by the queue, it moves pretty fast.)
Shinjuku Government Building Observatories
North Observatory 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
South Observatory from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (until 11:00 p.m. when the North Observatory is closed)
The entrance closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Free entrance
3. Tokyo Tower
The tallest free-standing steel building in the world (!), it offers you a view of the city on two levels. The main deck of the tower, located 150m above sea level, can be accessed by elevator or, if you’re feeling sporty, you can climb the 600 steps. The 250m upper deck opened in 2018 to celebrate its 60th anniversary. On the upper deck, mirrored walls and lighting add an extra dimension to the view of the city, making it a special experience.
Tokyo Tower
Main deck from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (last admission at 10:30 p.m.)
Visit to the upper deck from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. (last visit from 10:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
Main Bridge 1,200
Top Deck Tour (150m and 250m) 2800 (online) / 3000 (meter)
Get your discount ticket to the main deck through us.
4. Shibuya Sky
The latest addition to the observatories is the Shibuya Sky, the roof of the Scramble Square building across from the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It opened its doors on November 1, 2019 and offers a 360° outdoor experience at 230m. Due to its central location and the fact that it is the tallest building in this district, you will have an amazing view of the city center. Plus, there are hammocks for cloud-gazing and charts to help you identify major landmarks in the distance, like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium, and if you’re lucky, even Mount Fuji. . At night, a light show called “Crossing Light” is projected by 18 beams that illuminate the sky of the city.
Shibuya Heaven
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Last entry 10:00 p.m.)
¥1,800 (online: reserved tickets for a specific date and time)
2,000 (window – same day tickets)
5. Tokyo city view
Amidst the Roppongi Hills, the 52nd floor observatory of the Mori Towers offers a stunning 360-degree view of Tokyo. Weather permitting, you also have the option to access the outdoor Sky Deck for an additional 500. The price of admission to the observatory includes admission to the Mori Art Museum, a museum of contemporary art that is definitely worth a visit.
Tokyo city view
Indoor Observation Deck (52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower)
Weekdays and holidays
10:00 – 23:00 (Last admission 22:30)
Friday, Saturday and holiday eves
10 a.m. – 1 a.m. (last entry at 12 p.m.)
Sky Deck sur le toit (RF, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower)
From Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Observatory ticket 1,800 yen (including admission to the Mori Art Museum)
Additional access to Sky Deck ¥500
6.Odaiba
Odaiba is the futuristic man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It is connected to Tokyo by the iconic Rainbow Bridge, which is beautifully illuminated at night. There are many viewpoints around the bridge, but from Odaiba you have the best view of the bridge with the Tokyo skyline in the background. Especially after sunset, the view of the bridge in colored lights, with Tokyo’s skyscrapers behind it, enriches the metropolitan scope and beauty of Tokyo.
7. Skycircus Sunshine 60 Observatory
The name of this observatory is a little indicative, but here you are given the chance to “play in the sky” and it almost looks like a sky-themed theme park. Here you’ll find VR-enhanced adventure rides and a mirror-covered photo spot, perfect for taking photos with special effects. However, it’s a whole new way to experience Tokyo at great heights, it’s essentially an observatory atop the 240-meter-tall Sunshine 60 building.
SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory
10am – 10pm
Access from 1,200 yen, with additional charges for different virtual reality experiences
8. Rooftop Bar
What is a list of places to see Tokyo from above without a bar? Andaz Hotel’s rooftop bar is the highest bar in Tokyo with 52 floors. The semi-open terrace with views of the Tokyo skyline is a perfect spot for a romantic evening.
Andaz Tokyo rooftop bar
5pm – 1am
Seating fee of 2000 applies for terrace seating after 8:00pm
The panoramic lounge on the top floor of the Prince Park Tower Hotel offers a magnificent view of the illuminated Tokyo Tower in the foreground and the Tokyo skyline in the background. Be sure to sit in one of the window seats at dusk—a reservation is smart—and take in the great views as the sun sets over downtown Tokyo and watch the lighting come on.
Star Garden Sky Lounge
5pm – 2am
A seat fee of $1,080 applies after 5:00 pm
10. Tokyo Rooftop Gardens
Rooftop terraces and gardens aren’t particularly popular in Japan, but there are quite a few in Tokyo when you know where to look! Located high above the ground on the city’s skyscrapers, these rooftops provide a place to relax while enjoying a panoramic view of the cityscape. Some of these rooftop gardens even offer barbecue areas and beer gardens for you to enjoy. Even though the gardens are not as tall as the other observatories mentioned above, they still offer a great view of the Tokyo skyline, and admission to most of the rooftop gardens in Tokyo is free!
These are our recommendations that offer stunning views of the Tokyo skyline, day or night. What is your favorite place to watch the sunset in Tokyo? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram or Facebook to be featured!
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