The Municipal buildings provide a free view from the 45th Floor and are good enough for most purposes - i.e. going up a big building and looking at more big buildings.
The Website I have listed provides a handy summary of all the big buildings you can go up if your interested.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Tokyo Meropolitan Government Office (Tocho) is a building of twin towers reaching 243 meters height. On 45th floor of each tower are located observatories admission free. Southern tower provides better view than northern tower. You can take some nice pictures of Tokyo and get a better sense of orientation. The observatories are open daily from 9:30 to 17:30 for south observatory to 23:00 for north observatory.
Written Aug 29, 2009
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
The observation decks have some great views from the observation level. It's amazing to see how jam packed the streets are with buildings and it just keeps going for as far you can see.
Something I was a bit surprised to see was the amount of pollution in the air, it was amazing.
Updated Aug 25, 2008
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba Koen Minato-ku
Phone: 03 3433 5111
The Metropolitan Government Office is a twin tower skyscraper located in Shinjuku. The Building No. 1 houses the observatory at the 45th floor . It will take less than a minute via the lift up to the top. On a clear day, the view of Tokyo, surrounding skyscrapers, gardens and even Mount Fuji can be seen.
There is a snack bar and gift shop on 45th storey.
The sunset and night views are spectacular. The neon light signboards and big screen light up the whole downtown.
The exterior of the building is covered by granite. The whie ones are from Spain and the dark ones are from Sweden.
Opens daily fro 0930 to 2200.
Admission is Free.
Written Aug 12, 2008
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
You can go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office to get a great view of the city from above, and it doesn't even cost anything.
There are two towers, the North Tower and the South Tower, and the views are slightly different from the both of them.
You might have to wait in line for a little while to get up to the top, but it generally goes pretty quickly.
Easily accessed from the Shinjuku station.
Written Jul 22, 2008
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
As my hotel was located in front of the building, I didn't miss the opportunity to visit it. It has a lookout and a souvenir and coffee shop at 45 floor. There are tourst guides to help you to enjoy your visit (in English, Chinese and Korean). The Tokyo Tourist Information Center is located at the ground floor of the first building. Entrance is free! Don't you miss it!!
Updated Dec 6, 2007
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
The observation deck provides amazing views of Tokyo both day & night. There are shops & a cafeteria there too. There is a tourist information area in the buildings entrance, stamps & postcards could be bought here.
Written Oct 28, 2007
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
This is the tallest building in Tokyo, with 48 stories, it is 240 metres high. There's no admission fee but be prepared to open your bag as they check everybody. When you get to the top, you'll have great panorama views all over Tokyo and - weather permitting - you can see as far as Yokohama and get a glimpse of Mt Fuji, too. In the evening, the sceneries are absolutely breathtaking. Otherwise there's nothing special worth mentioning, the shops up there are full of tourist souvenir stuff.
Updated May 2, 2007
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
The 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has free access and a great panorama across Tokyo. When we went, we chose the south tower of this twin tower complex to go up. From here on a clear day one should see Mt Fuji. We couldn't - too hazy. However, the view across the city was great. We enjoyed being able to spot our hostel, Yoyogi Park and the Meiji shrine (where we had just been) and central Tokyo. This activity is free - which is pretty neat for budget travellers in Tokyo!
Written Apr 29, 2006
Address: 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 03-5321-1111
Website: http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment building offers free access to the observation areas on the 45th floor. In expensive Tokyo this is one freebie that should not be missed. On a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji. (the picture on my opening page for Tokyo was taken from here.)
There are two towers to choose from, but the view is pretty much the same- get on the line that is shorter.
Updated Apr 18, 2006
Address: Western edge of Shinjuku
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2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Metropolitan Government Office Building tips and photos posted by real travelers and Tokyo locals.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment building offers free access to the observation areas on the 45th floor. In expensive Tokyo this is one freebie that should not be...
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