When I was walking around Tokyo, my legs could feel how big the city was. But it was the second I got on top of the first high building when I realized that Tokyo is not big, it humongous.
Tokyo deserves the title of the most populous metropolitan area in the world! First time in my life I was not able to see the end of the city! I saw Mount Fuji, but not where the building end. It is a truly unforgettable sight!
Once I have climbed one building, I was curious about how the city looked from different angles and heights, so I went all around town entering all places I could to see the city from above 🙂
It does not matter if you admire the city during the day or night. It looks magical regardless!
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Government building is located in Shinjuku. There are two decks: North and South Observation Decks. They are located on the 45th floor at an elevation of 202 meters (663 feet) above ground level. Good news, the entry is free! The South deck is open until 5:30 p.m. and the North until 11:00 p.m.
The only downside is that you can take pictures only through the glass, so sometimes it is hard not to get the reflection. Netherless, totally worth the visit.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree it is the tallest structure in Japan at 634m. It’s the second-highest in the world, falling short of the 829.8m Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai. However, that building is a skyscraper; therefore Tokyo Skytree is still the world’s tallest tower! It is not only an observation deck, but it is also a shopping center and broadcasting tower 🙂
The tower has two observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters. The upper observatory has a glass-covered skywalk. To be honest, it is not worth paying extra money ( ¥1,030) to get access to the higher deck. The views are the same as in the lower part (¥2,060). But if you still want to get to the top, you can buy tickets to the upper deck on the lower one.
Tourists can buy Fast Ticket. However, it is a more expensive option. On the other hand, it cuts down queuing time. The tickets are sold on the 4th floor, and you need to show a passport. Or, you can buy them online here.
Tokyo Skytree is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tokyo Tower
Another one of Tokyo landmarks. Similarly to Tokyo Skytree, it is a broadcasting tower. It is 333 meters tall, which makes it the tallest steel tower in the world! It’s a red tower, similar to the shape of the Eiffel Tower and is standing in Shiba-Koen district.
When I have sent pictures of the tower to my friends, they were confused and thought I am in Paris 😀
There are two observatories at Tokyo Tower, one at 150 meters and another at 250 meters above ground. So, you can see it is not as high as Skytree. However the tickets are a little bit cheaper, plus you can see the city from a different perspective. The lower observatory is open from 9:00-23:00, where the top observatory closes at 22:15.
Tokyo World Trade Center
It is one of Tokyo’s earliest skyscrapers, the 163 meters tall. The observation deck is located on the 40th floor. If you would like to have a panorama picture of Tokyo Tower on it, this is the place to go!
The entrance is fee is 620¥; however, if you print this coupon it drops to 500¥ 😀
Right after Tokyo Skytree, that was the best observation deck I have been to.
Fuji TV Building
Observation deck in Fuji TV building will grant you an opportunity to admire the Tokyo Bay, Rainbow bridge and waterfront. It is located in the famous Odaiba district. The building is the headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan’s private, nationwide TV stations. So while you’re at it, you might as well go and tour around 🙂
Roppongi Hills
Mori Tower is 238 meters tall and has an observation deck located on the 52nd floor. Apart from that one, there is also open-air Sky Deck on the roof of the building. However, it might be closed if the wind is too strong.
Personally, I have not been there, but I have read many reviews online that it is worth the visit. The entrance is 1800Â¥ plus 500 if you want to go to the roof.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is rumored to be the busiest crossing in the world. Every time there is a green light, hundreds if not thousands of people cross the street at the same time. It is a feast for eyes to observe all the traffic. And all the people who try to make creative pictures while crossing the street 😛
If you want to take a picture from above, head to Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya on the first floor of the glass fronted building. The only problem is, you are not the only one with this idea 🙂 I think it was the most crowded Starbucks I have ever visited:D
Apart from the mentioned buildings, there are also many more. Some have observation decks; some are restaurants or hotels. Regardless of what you choose, you will be blown away by the vastness of the city 🙂