Planning a trip to Tokyo soon? Don’t miss out on seeing Tokyo from above! With its towering skyline, the city can be overwhelming at ground level. But by heading up to one of its many observatories, you can experience the stunning sights Tokyo has to offer in all their glory. This blog is your go-to guide for discovering the best Tokyo observatories!
12 Must-Visit Tokyo Observatories with Towering Views
1. Sky Carrot Observatory
Credit: clio1789
This observatory, although less known than the Skytree itself, offers a completely free experience and provides a beautiful skyline view of Shibuya! Situated on the 26th floor, the observation deck welcomes visitors from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with closure only on the second Wednesday of the month. From here, you can enjoy sights of the Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya. Additionally, the tower houses a restaurant and café if you fancy a bite. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to more popular spots, yet the views are equally breathtaking. Feel free to linger as there’s no time limit. While the interior isn’t overly grand, it’s a perfect spot to unwind with a splendid view minus the bustling crowd.
2. Tocho observatory
Also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, this observatory offers free entry and stunning views! With two observation decks – north and south towers – visitors can catch glimpses of Mount Fuji on clear days towards the west. I recommend visiting in the afternoon for optimal chances of spotting the mountain. Inside the observation decks, you’ll find cafes and souvenir shops. It’s a tower boasting fantastic views of numerous Tokyo landmarks, all at no cost!
3. Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is arguably the most famous observatory, alongside the Tokyo Tower. Although primarily a television and broadcasting tower, it’s renowned for its observation deck. You can opt for a ticket solely for the Tembo Deck or, for about 900 yen more, purchase a combo ticket to access the Galleria on the 450th floor, where you can experience the Sorakara Point. The Skytree also features a café, restaurant, and shop, allowing you to enjoy a meal or coffee at 350 meters high! Ticket costs vary, but booking online in advance can save you up to 400 yen.
4. Tokyo Tower
Much like the Skytree, the Tokyo Tower enjoys significant popularity. Its red and white colours contrast vividly against the grey cityscape. Taller than the Eiffel Tower, this 333-meter structure symbolises Japan’s post-war rejuvenation. Weather permitting, you might even catch sight of Mount Fuji. At the tower’s base lies “Foot Town”, hosting various shops, restaurants, and even an e-sports entertainment centre. Arriving at night grants you the chance to witness “Kirameki”, a two-minute light show on the hour from sunset to 23:00. Entry to the Tokyo Tower costs around 800 yen for an hour, a steal for such an experience!
5. Roppongi Hills
In my opinion, Roppongi Hills is underrated. I visited in the evening, and it was magnificent! Standing at 238 meters tall, it may not be the tallest on the list, but it’s truly remarkable. You can catch glimpses of the Skytree and the Tokyo Tower, and the night lights are simply breathtaking! Access to the skydeck at the top comes at a slightly higher price, but at 4500 yen for both the tower and the rooftop, it’s worth it for the spectacular views.
6. Telecom Center Observatory
Credit: Wally Gobetz
The Telecom Center, adorned with numerous sizable satellite antennas on its observation deck, plays a crucial role in today’s internet. On clear days, the observation deck offers a delightful view of the bay area and even Mount Fuji. Entry to the observation deck costs just 500 yen, offering a panoramic view of the town, including the Rainbow Bridge!
7. Hachitama
Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson
This building offers a panoramic view of the bay, including sights of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Tower. Standing at 123 meters, it may not be as towering as other structures, but it’s still a sight to behold. Do note that business hours are limited, closing at 6:00 PM. Admission is only 700 yen, making it a bargain for the view you’ll enjoy!
8. KITTE garden
At the new Kitte Marunouchi department store, situated in the former post office building next to Tokyo Station, you can watch the Shinkansen and enjoy the city lights. The store also boasts a magnificent rooftop garden where you can unwind amidst green grass and a wooden deck while taking in 180-degree views of Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi neighbourhood.
9. Marine House Observation Deck
As the emblem of the Port of Yokohama, the Yokohama Marine Tower was built in front of Yamashita Park in 1961. Until 2008, it also functioned as a lighthouse. Standing at 106 meters tall, it was once listed as the world’s tallest lighthouse in the Guinness Book of World Records. The observation deck on the top floors is completely free, offering views of Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower, and the Skytree. Don’t forget to explore Yokohama’s popular Chinatown and catch a glimpse of the famous moving Gundam nearby before it closes in 2024.
10. Tokyo World Trade Center
Credit: World Trade Center Building
The Tokyo World Trade Center Building comprises three basement levels and 40 above-ground levels, housing conference rooms, exhibition spaces, wedding venues, an observation deck, restaurants, and more. The Seaside Top observation deck, located on the building’s highest floor at 152 meters, offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Scenic vistas such as Tokyo Bay and the Odaiba district, unique to Tokyo, are included. It’s one of the rare spots where you can directly view the Tokyo Tower!
11. Ikebukuro Sunshine 60
Sunshine 60, a multi-functional complex comprising a shopping centre, office building, aquarium, and observatory, stands tall on the east side of Ikebukuro. It’s hard to miss at 60 stories and 240 meters high. When it was first erected in 1978, it was the tallest structure in East Asia! On exceptionally clear days, the top-level observation deck provides breathtaking views of Tokyo, stretching as far as Mount Fuji. Notable sights like Roppongi Hills, Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, and Tokyo Tower are easily visible. Occasionally, Tokyo Disneyland, Mount Tsukuba, and even the Izu Peninsula can be spotted. Admission costs 1200 yen, a great value considering the multitude of attractions housed within the building!
12. Tower Hall Funabori
Credit: Guilhem Vellut
Visitors to the Tower Hall Funabori observatory can enjoy not only views of Tokyo’s skyscrapers but also of the Boso Peninsula and the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, Mount Fuji from its 115-meter height. The evening view of Mount Fuji to the left of Tokyo Tower is particularly stunning. At night, the vibrant views of Tokyo from Tower Hall Funabori are mesmerising, with hundreds of car headlights streaming down the highway alongside the scattered lights of Tokyo’s skyscrapers. It’s a fantastic spot to take in breathtaking views, and the best part? It’s free of charge!
A Sky-High Adventure Awaits!
As you wrap up your tour of Tokyo’s breathtaking observatories, it’s clear that the city’s skyline holds endless wonders waiting to be discovered. From the iconic Tokyo Skytree to the historic Tokyo Tower, each observatory offers its own unique perspective of this vibrant metropolis.
Whether you’re captivated by the dazzling city lights or the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji on the horizon, these sky-high vantage points promise unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
So, next time you find yourself in Tokyo, don’t forget to look up and embark on a sky-high adventure to explore the city from a whole new perspective!
