Best Observation Decks and Night Views in Tokyo

Where can you get the best view of Tokyo? For the classic skyline at sunset, Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree are hard to beat. If you want a great view for free, go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Bunkyo Civic Center, or rooftop spots like the one at Ginza Six. Tokyo Tower is the icon you want in your photos rather than the place you look from.

This hub collects the best observation decks, free viewpoints and night view spots in Tokyo, with rough prices and tips for timing. Seen from above, the city of lights is one of the most impressive sights in Japan, and it is easy to fit one or two viewpoints into any itinerary.

Tokyo Observation Decks at a Glance

Prices change and many decks charge more at sunset or on weekends, so check the official sites before you go.

Shibuya Sky: The Rooftop Everyone Wants

Shibuya Sky sits on top of Shibuya Scramble Square and is the most popular viewpoint in Tokyo right now. The open-air rooftop has glass walls, a helipad area and a view straight down onto Shibuya Crossing. On a clear day you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

• Book online, ideally two weeks ahead for sunset slots.
• Online tickets are cheaper than at the counter.
• Bags, hats and tripods must go into lockers before the rooftop, and the deck can close in strong wind or rain.

Tokyo Skytree: The Highest View

At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. It has two decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 metres and the higher Tembo Galleria at 450 metres, a sloping glass corridor that spirals upward. Combine it with a visit to Asakusa, which is a short walk or one train stop away. In winter, the area around the tower and Asakusa also has seasonal lights; see my post on Asakusa illuminations.

Skytree is best on very clear days, typically in winter mornings, when the view can stretch to Mount Fuji. On hazy summer days it can feel like you are looking at a white wall.

Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills

Tokyo Tower opened in 1958 and still glows orange at night. Its main deck at 150 metres is cheaper than the newer towers, and the top deck tour goes higher. But many people agree that the best way to enjoy Tokyo Tower is to look at it, not from it. For tickets, the light-up schedule and the best photo spots, see my Tokyo Tower guide.

That is why Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills is so popular. From the 52nd floor, Tokyo Tower stands right in the middle of the view, perfect for photos at blue hour. Around Christmas, Roppongi also has some of the city’s best illuminations; read my guide to Christmas in Roppongi.

Free Viewpoints in Tokyo

You do not need to pay to see Tokyo from above. These spots are free:

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku): the city hall has free observation rooms on the 45th floor, about 200 metres up. Views over Shinjuku and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. In the evening a projection mapping show is shown on the building facade.
• Bunkyo Civic Center (Korakuen): a free observation lounge on the 25th floor with a clear view toward Skytree and Shinjuku. Usually much quieter than the big decks. Combine it with a walk through Koishikawa Korakuen Garden nearby.
• Ginza Six rooftop garden: a calm rooftop above the luxury shopping mall with a small shrine. I wrote a full post about the Kakugo Inari shrine and the Ginza Six rooftop view.
• Kitte rooftop garden (Marunouchi): a free garden terrace overlooking the red-brick Tokyo Station and its trains.

My personal favourite is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It is free, it is right in Shinjuku, and it shows you the whole sprawl of the city without the price tag or the ticket stress of the big decks.

Best Night Views and Light Spots

Tokyo really comes alive after dark. Besides the observation decks, these places are great for night views:

• Odaiba: the waterfront looks back at the Rainbow Bridge and the central Tokyo skyline. Perfect for a relaxed evening walk.
• Shinjuku and Shibuya streets: neon signs and giant screens give a different kind of night view at street level. If you want to stay out after the view, my Tokyo nightlife guide takes you from izakaya to 4 AM.
• Winter illuminations: from November to February, the city fills with light displays (see my guide to Christmas in Tokyo). One of the biggest is at Yomiuriland; see my guide to the Yomiuriland Jewellumination.

For more ideas on how Tokyo shines at night, read my post on Tokyo night and light.

Tips for the Best Views

• Go at sunset, if you can: arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to see the city in daylight, golden hour and night in one visit. Be warned that sunset tickets are extremely hard to get. I have never made it to a sunset slot myself: when we finally managed to get tickets, a typhoon arrived. Book early and have a backup day.
• Pick a clear day: winter has the clearest air. Check the weather and the Mount Fuji visibility before paying for a deck.
• Avoid reflections: at indoor decks, put your lens close to the glass and wear dark clothes to reduce reflections in photos.
• Weekdays are calmer: weekends and holidays are busy, especially at sunset.
• Combine with dinner: many towers have restaurants and bars with views. A drink with a view can cost less than a separate ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

A viewpoint is a great way to start or end a day in the city. For more ideas, see my things to do in Tokyo guide.