The Best Observation Decks in Tokyo

Tokyo’s numerous skyscrapers mean that the city can be viewed from just about any angle. While a clear day allows you to see Mount Fuji, night time without doubt provides the most memorable experience. To make the most of your visit, try to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to catch the “blue hour,” when the sky turns a deep indigo and the city lights begin to flicker on. If you are visiting during the winter months, you’ll have the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji silhouetted against the setting sun before the night truly takes over.

There are several dedicated viewing decks dotted around the city, ranging from free government observatories to paid rooftops. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is an excellent free choice and now features a massive nightly projection mapping show on its facade. For those wanting a close-up of Tokyo Tower, the lobby at Azabudai Hills offers a great perspective, though entry now requires a purchase at the 33rd-floor cafe or restaurant. If you prefer the open-air rooftop at Shibuya Sky, it is important to book your tickets online at least two weeks in advance, as sunset time slots sell out quickly.

For a more relaxed experience, many of the office blocks and commercial high-rises contain restaurants on the top floor with window-facing counter seats so you can take in the warm glow of the city over dinner or a drink. These spots, along with “sky lobbies” like the one at Caretta Shiodome, allow you to enjoy the scenery with fewer crowds than the major observation decks. Seeing the city from above remains one of the best ways to understand the sheer scale of the capital.

Finally, for what is arguably the most famous photography shot of the city, photographers often head just across the Edo River to the I-Link Town Observation Deck in Ichikawa. Though technically in Chiba Prefecture, this free deck offers a unique vantage point where the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji align perfectly, creating the iconic “telephoto” shot of the mountain looming directly behind the city’s tallest spire.