Kabukicho
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
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Photo: Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Free
- Hours
- South deck usually roughly 9:30–22:00, North deck 9:30–17:30; each has its own closing days
- Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 45 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Height
- 45th floor, 202 m — two decks
- South deck
- Usually 9:30–22:00; closed 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - North deck
- Usually 9:30–17:30; closed 2nd and 4th Monday
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Facade projection
- Evenings — the world's largest, per Guinness
- Getting there
- Tochomae station (Oedo line) or 10 minutes from Shinjuku
Key facts
202 mheight of the 45th-floor decks
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en.wikipedia¥0to visit the decks
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en.wikipediaKenzo Tangearchitect of the complex
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en.wikipedia48 floorsin the main tower, which splits in two at the 33rd floor
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en.wikipediaTallestcity hall in the world
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en.wikipedia2024the facade projection was named the world's largest
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en.wikipediaFujivisible from the deck on clear days
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travel guides2 decksin the North and South towers, with cafés and shops
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en.wikipediaWhat is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, or Tocho, is the West Shinjuku complex where Tokyo's government works. It was designed by Kenzo Tange: the 48-storey main tower splits in two at the 33rd floor, evoking both a Gothic cathedral and a microchip. It's the tallest city hall in the world.
For visitors, the highlight is the two free observation decks on the 45th floor, 202 m up, in the North and South towers. You can see all of Tokyo, Skytree and Tokyo Tower, and on clear days Fuji to the west. In the evening a light show is projected onto the facade — in 2024 it was recognised as the world's largest projection mapping display.
How the deck works
The entrance is on the 1st floor of Main Building No. 1, where a dedicated lift takes you to the 45th floor in under a minute. The decks have cafés and souvenir shops, and the South deck has a piano anyone can play.
Entry is free and no tickets are needed, though there can be a queue for the lift at weekends. According to guides, the South deck is usually open until about 22:00 and the North until 17:30. After dark a light show plays on the building's facade — best watched from the plaza in front.
What to see
- A Tokyo panorama from 202 m, free.
- Fuji to the west on clear days.
- Skytree and Tokyo Tower in the distance.
- The light show on the facade in the evening.
- Kenzo Tange's architecture from outside.
- West Shinjuku's skyscrapers all around.
How to get to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Tap a route to highlight it on the map.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
On foot
- Kabukicho is about 20 min away on foot.
More tips
- Tochomae station (Oedo line) — exits straight to the building.
- From Shinjuku station — west exit, about 10 minutes on foot via the underground passage.
- Nishi-Shinjuku station (Marunouchi line) — about 10 minutes.
- From Haneda airport — limousine bus to Shinjuku, about 40–60 minutes.
- From Shinjuku Gyoen — about 25 minutes on foot or a couple of metro stops.
South or North deck
| Southyou are here | Roughly 9:30–22:00 | 1st and 3rd Tuesday | Open — city lights | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Roughly 9:30–17:30 | 2nd and 4th Monday | Already closed | Free |
How long do you need?
Allow 30–45 minutes for the deck, or about an hour with the evening light show. For Fuji, come on a clear morning, especially in winter; for the city lights, after sunset.
It's a handy evening stop after Shinjuku Gyoen, and from there it's easy to walk to Kabukicho on the other side of the station.
Is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building worth visiting?
Yes: it's Tokyo's best free observatory — a view from 202 m and a chance to see Fuji without a ticket.
The YesGo take: you look through glass, and the deck can be crowded. Check which tower is open on your day, and compare it with paid Skytree and Tokyo Tower — on a tight budget, this deck is plenty.
Before you go: checklist
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You are ready for the visit
Tokyo views: compare and choose
Viewpoints and views of Tokyo rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Shibuya Crossing | 57 | 30 min | Free | 3.4 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Tower | 56 | 1 h | Main Deck ¥1,500; Top Deck ¥3,300 online | 6.0 km |
| Tokyo Skytree | 53 | 1 h 30 min | from ¥1,800 (350 m), from ¥3,000 (both) | 11.0 km |
| Mount Fuji | 52 | 4 h | Free | 94.6 km |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildingyou are here | 43 | 45 min | Free | — |
| Odaiba | 39 | 3 h | Free | 10.1 km |
| Roppongi Hills | 35 | 1 h 30 min | ≈ ¥2,200 online / ¥2,400 on site (winter 2026–27) | 4.7 km |
| Mount Takao | 21 | 4 h | Free | 41.1 km |
Shinjuku in a day
Shinjuku Gyoen in the afternoon, the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatory in the evening, then Kabukicho. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Shinjuku Gyoen1 h 30 min · ¥500; under 15 free
- 30 min walk from the previous stopTokyo Metropolitan Government Buildingyou are here45 min · free
- 20 min walk from the previous stopKabukicho1 h · free
3 places · about 4 h 5 min with walks · 50 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- The decks are free — no ticket needed.
- Check which tower is open.
- Fuji shows on clear mornings.
- After sunset — the facade light show.
- By day: Shinjuku Gyoen.
Questions
How much does the observation deck cost?
Entry is free.
How high is the deck?
On the 45th floor, 202 m.
What are the opening hours?
According to guides, the South deck is usually roughly 9:30–22:00 and the North 9:30–17:30.
When are the decks closed?
South on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday, North on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month (per guides).
Can you see Fuji?
Yes, on clear days, especially in the morning and in winter.
What's the show on the facade?
An evening light projection — the world's largest per Guinness World Records.
How do I get there?
Tochomae station (Oedo line) or 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku's west exit.
How long do you need?
30–45 minutes, about an hour with the show.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — architect, towers, 45th floor, 202 m, free entry, 2024 Guinness record
- Guides (Time Out Tokyo, ANA Japan Travel Planner, GLTJP and others) — deck hours and closing days (unofficial, they disagree)
- Tokyo government observatory page — wouldn't load by script; to be checked by hand
- Wikidata Q111973 — coordinates
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