Tokyo is a beautiful city. There’s something about its urban sprawl that reminds you of the past and makes you think of the future. The frenetic pace of people is tempered with the parks and gardens that slow down time and allow you to think. Even if you’re not participating in the city’s fast-paced lifestyle, you can still admire its beauty from above.
The city has towers and buildings that have observation decks where you can get panoramic views. These provide you with a different perspective of Tokyo’s beautiful cityscape. These are some of the observation decks that provide beautiful bird’s eye views of Tokyo. There are places that are free for those that are on a budget. For those who have a bit more to spare, they can visit famous decks such as the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Sky.
Tokyo Skytree
This structure that stands over 630 meters high is instantly recognizable while exploring Tokyo. Even from a distance, it grabs your attention as it towers over the city. Its main use is to improve the reception of TVs, but it also has platforms that offer spectacular overlooking views of the bustling metropolis below. It has platforms that sit at the heights of 350 meters and 450 meters respectively. After getting the bird’s eye views, you can shop or eat at the tower’s base.
Fees:
First Observatory: ¥2,100 (weekdays) / ¥2,300 (holidays and weekends)
Both Observatories: ¥3,100 (weekdays) / ¥3,400 (holidays and weekends)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tokyo Tower
This tower rises over the city center at 333 meters high. This self-supported tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. The government had it built as a symbol of the country’s rebirth after World War II. It was the highest structure in Japan upon its completion in the late 1950s until the Tokyo Skytree was finished in 2012. The tower has two decks which perch at 150 meters and 250 meters respectively. The location of the tower at the center of the city provides you with great overlooking views. If you’re lucky, you can see Mount Fuji. You can also visit the nearby One Piece Tower after soaking in the views.
Fees: ¥1,200 (Main Deck) / ¥3,000 (Both Decks)
If you buy in advance through their website, you will only pay ¥2,800 for both decks.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Shibuya Sky
This skyscraper is the tallest in Shibuya and measures just below 230 meters. It opened in late 2019 and has drawn the attention of tourists and locals alike. It has an open-air deck where people can get spectacular views of the city below. Go to the Sky Edge for unobstructed views of the urban sprawl. The ideal time to visit is from blue hour to night time.
Fees: ¥2,000
Opening Hour: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunshine 60
Located in Ikebukuro, this structure rises at 240 meters high and was the country’s highest building for a few years. The observation deck is on the topmost floor and provides visitors with fetching bird’s eye views of Tokyo. You can also try virtual reality rides and a photo area covered in mirrors during your visit.
Fees: ¥1,200
Opening Hour: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
Roppongi Hills is a district that attracts tourists because of its nightlife, shops, bars, and restaurants. Another reason to visit this part of Tokyo is to go up the Mori Tower. The tower measures just below 240 meters high and provides great city views regardless of the time of day. The Tokyo City observation deck on the 52nd floor is where you want to go for the bird’s eye views. The open-air Sky Deck on the rooftop has fetching 360-degree views. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum during your trip.
Fees: ¥1,800 + ¥500 (if you want to avail of the Sky Deck too)
Opening Hour: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Mori Tower) / 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sky Deck)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
This building finished construction in the early 1990s in Shinjuku. It has a height of about 240 meters and has two observation decks. Both are located on the 45th floor on opposite sides of each other. Some of the landmarks you’ll see from more than 200 meters above the ground are the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. The ideal time to go is from sunset to nighttime.
Fees: FREE
Opening Hour: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Carrot Tower
This tower located in Setagaya ward isn’t as popular as the Skytree, Shibuya Sky, or the Tokyo Tower, but it still provides beautiful views of the city from above. This commercial building is within a high-class neighborhood and doesn’t have the usual hustle and bustle of more popular districts in the city. You can even see Mount Fuji from here on a clear day.
Fees: FREE
Opening Hour: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Bunkyo Civic Center
Bunkyo’s observation deck is lower than others on this list at just around 130-meter high. However, its location still makes it a go-to city viewing destination. You’ll see the imposing Mount Fuji from here and the urban jungle of Shinjuku, and the Tokyo Skytree. The viewing deck is on the 25th floor. You can also visit the Koishikawa Korakuen after going up Bunkyo.
Fees: FREE
Opening Hour: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
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