Covering over 2,000 km2 and home to 7 million households, Tokyo is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and getting a good view of it all can be breathtaking. While individual buildings are easily lost in the scenery, the scale of the city allows for a different view on its structure as well as the society. While conformity and order can sometimes be maligned, the ability to keep a city so large in order is to be commended. Here are 5 places to get the perfect view of the city.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: A Shinjuku special
With two free observatories, the government building is a popular view-finding spot and is open late too. Designed by Kenzo Tange, the building is an architectural masterpiece in itself, so enjoying the view it provides seems like the perfect combination.
From 202 m above the ground you can see the parks and streets of Shinjuku all the way to Fuji on a clear day, with the minutiae of daily life playing out below. Both towers open at 9:30am, however the South deck closes at 5:30pm and the North deck is open until 11pm so you can enjoy the night view.
The Sky Lounge Stellar Garden – Views of Minato
On the 33rd floor of the Prince Park Tower Hotel, the Sky Lounge has views stretching over the Minato area. The highlight, however, is the evening view of the glowing Tokyo Tower. With a cocktail in hand, there's little else to distract you from the view, as even the bar is set up with a skyline backdrop glowing behind the optics.
Tokyo('s Eiffel) Tower – A touch of Paris
Another observatory worth observing itself, Tokyo Tower was designed by Tachu Naito and modelled after the Eiffel Tower. Although it has since been overshadowed by Skytree, the tower still offers some amazing views from a height of 250 m.
Renovated in 2018, the newly named Top Deck was closed for two years and now features a glass-paneled elevator, geometric mirrors and multi-lingual audio guides to the surrounding buildings. The Main Deck has a cafe, shops and views from 150 ft above sea level, with a glass floor for the brave to step across. Tickets for the Top Deck Tour cost JPY 2,800 while the Main Deck costs JPY 900 for adults.
Cerulean Tower – Study Shibuya's scenery
For a more localised view of one of the city's most famous spots, head to the Cerulean Tower's Bellovisto bar on the 40th floor of the five-star hotel. If the skies are clear Fuji is visible, but at night you'll be drawn to the busy streets below.
Reservations can be made until 7pm and a cover charge of JPY 1,500 will apply to customers after this time. If you're looking for a real treat, try the restaurant next door — the same views and impressive menus to go with it.
Tokyo Skytree - A landmark with a view
The go-to skyview of the city, this iconic tower has an observatory 634 m above ground and was at one point the tallest tower in the world. Only opened in 2012, it took over from Tokyo Tower as the city broadcasting tower and was modelled on a combination of futurism and the traditional five-story pagoda.
The Tembo Deck (350 m) and the Tembo Galleria (450 m) both have panoramic views across the city and cost JPY 1,000 and JPY 2,000 respectively. The tower is open until 9 p.m. and fast tickets are available for international visitors.
Tokyo Sky Deck – Open-air sightseeing
If you like to feel the wind in your hair as you admire the city, then the Sky Deck at Roppongi Hills is perfect. Featuring a helipad and panoramic views from 270 m, it offers not only views of the city but a chance to stargaze too. Just 20 m below, Tokyo City View offers a more contained experience on the 52nd floor with landmarks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Tower and Skytree all visible.
Since your ticket also includes entry to the Mori Art Museum, it's well worth the JPY1,800.
XEX Atago Green Hills – Wine, dine and admire the view
Nicely placed on the 42nd floor of Atago Green Hills in Minato, XEX has three restaurants to choose from: Italian, tempura and sushi as well as a bar. While the restaurants close at 10:30 p.m., the bar stays open until 4 a.m (with last orders half an hour prior to that), meaning you can watch the city change as dusk turns to nightfall. There are age limits and dress codes, so come prepared, but drinks start from JPY 1,000, so it isn't obnoxiously pricey either.
By Lily Crossley-Baxter
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