The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a towering structure located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It is the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which governs the special wards, cities, towns, and villages that constitute the Tokyo Metropolis. The building was designed by architect Kenzo Tange and is 243 meters tall with two towers.
The building is famous for its free observation decks, which provide panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. Each tower houses an observatory at a height of 202 meters, and visitors can enjoy views of famous landmarks such as Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and the Tokyo Dome. The observatories also have cafes and souvenir shops.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is not just a tourist attraction but also houses the offices and assembly hall of the metropolitan government of Tokyo. Visitors are subjected to bag checks prior to boarding the elevators as part of the security measures. On the second story of the building, there is a tourist information center with lots of information about Tokyo, but also about various other tourist destinations across Japan. Periodically, the center holds fairs during which local products from selected regions are introduced and put on sale.
To reach the building, visitors can take the Oedo Subway Line to Tocho-mae Station, which is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Alternatively, the building can be reached in a ten-minute walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
The North Observation Deck is currently closed until further notice, but the South Observation Deck is open to the public.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a must-visit destination for tourists in Tokyo. It offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond, and visitors can learn about the policies and vision of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government while looking over the city.
