With its endless stream of traffic and buzzing shopping arcades, it’s easy to feel lost in Tokyo. So why not rise above it?
The capital of Japan has several free observatories which allow you to best appreciate the city skyline and its surrounds.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has observatories on the north and south ends of the 45th floor. Make sure you visit on a clear day to admire Japan’s most famous summit, Mount Fuji.
You’ll find another free observatory on the 47th floor of Seiroka Tower. From here you can look down at the manicured Seiroka Garden, and the Sumida River.
You can see the Sumida River from a different perspective from the Caretta Shiodome. This waterway and the Hamarikyu Garden are the highlights of the vistas from the 46th and 47th floor lookouts. The Caretta Shiodome has more than views on its side though, with a theater, shops, and eateries all there to entertain.
Most tourists visit the Shinjuku NS Building to dine at the famous restaurants on the 29th and 30th floors. While the view from your table is no doubt impressive, you can see the Shibuya area better from the building’s free observatory.
Map of Japan
Tokyo even has observatories inside its transport hubs! Before you set sail, make sure you visit the observatory inside the Harumi Passenger Boat Terminal. It offers great views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, and as it’s a distance from the metro stations it rarely gets too crowded.
You’ll even find a couple of free observatories inside Haneda Airport! The travel hub is popular with tourists, as it’s much closer to Tokyo than Narita. If you fly in, make sure you take the time to check out the impressive views from the first and second terminals.
