Tokyo is home to some incredible spaces where you can get a jaw-dropping view of the city skyline. One of the most popular places to take in the views is at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you’ll find two free observatories on the 45th floor of both the north and south towers.
The South Observatory closed temporarily for renovations earlier this year, but it officially reopened its doors on Wednesday April 23. In addition to providing one of the city’s best views, the South Observatory is now also home to Gift Shop Tokyo Mikke!, a brand new souvenir shop and café located in the centre of the picturesque space.
Along with browsing fun merchandise like lucky daruma dolls and Edo Kiriko glassware, you can order from a selection of food and beverages including coffee, sake, soft serve ice cream, takoyaki, and even traditional Japanese sweets like fish-shaped taiyaki cakes.
At the centre of the shop you’ll find a dedicated space stocked with Time Out Tokyo magazines and guide maps, which you can of course pick up for free. Digital screens nearby showcase tourist information curated by us, highlighting top things to do around the city – like discovering Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens.
The 360-degree observation area gives you a look at the city from many different angles. You can catch views of some of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings and attractions, including Tokyo Skytree, the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, the National Stadium, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shibuya Scramble Square and more. Plus, if you happen to visit on a clear day, you can get an incredible view of Mt Fuji.
Once you’ve had your fill of sky-high views, descend to ground level for Tokyo Night & Light, the record-breaking projection mapping show showcased on the outside of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy after watching the sunset from the observatories.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory is open daily from 9.30am to 10pm (last entry 9.30pm). For more information, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building website.
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