city views Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

Tokyo is the world's largest city -- and the best way of taking in its humongous size is to see it from up high, from an observation deck or equally lofty viewpoint. With a city this size, though, where is the best place to behold a sultry sunset? Read on for the pros and cons of the most popular observation decks in Tokyo (including photos and prices), so you can decide who comes out on top. We cover both paid and free places, since yes, there is such a thing as a free view. Note: The heights listed here are of the observation decks, not the structures themselves. Best paid observation decks in Tokyo There are observation decks in almost every corner of Tokyo, so you're bound to find one close to you, no matter where you're staying. But if you only have time for one, it can be difficult to narrow it down. To help, we've given you a taste of what it's like to visit the top Tokyo viewpoints. 1. Shibuya Sky Height: 229m – in advance; – on the door Get tickets You'll have seen Shibuya Sky all over Instagram. Known for its outdoor escalators, sky-high bar, and open-air observation deck, Shibuya Sky definitely leaves an impression. With areas to lie down and stretch your legs (try the hammocks), it doesn't feel overly busy. However, its merits are also its demerits. The roofless deck provides a phenomenal, undisrupted 360-degree view of the Tokyo skyline. You can spot competitors Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, as well as nature's observation deck Mount Fuji. But this also means that if you go in bad weather, the top deck will be closed and you'll have to make do with the indoor one. This can be bothersome if you've booked way in advance -- something that's recommended, as on-the-day tickets are often sold out. 2. Tokyo Skytree Height: Tenbō Deck (350m); Tenbō Galleria (450m) Tenbō Deck: – in advance; – on the door Tenbō Deck + Tenbō Galleria: – in advance; – on the door Get tickets As the tallest structure in Japan and one of the tallest in the world, Tokyo Skytree is an iconic, bucket-list pick. Its spotless windows -- those cleaners must have nerves of steel -- and impressive height mean you are guaranteed a view. But be warned, if you're coming at sunset, you may be battling for a place and photo spot. There are two decks to choose from: the Tenbō Deck (bottom) and Tenbō Galleria (top). You'll have to pay extra to reach the tippy top and if we're honest, it's just as busy and the difference in view isn't noticeable. The Tokyo Skytree observation deck is enclosed, unlike Shibuya Sky, so it's open 365 days a year. Prices go up by around on weekends and holidays, so you can save some money by going on a weekday. Check out our guide to visiting Tokyo Skytree for more details. 3. Tokyo Tower Height: Main deck (150m); top deck (250m) Main deck: ; Top deck: – Get tickets for less when you buy in advance Tokyo Tower is fantastic to look at, but is it just as spectacular to look out from? Inspired by Paris' Eiffel Tower, it was once the tallest structure in Tokyo (before Tokyo Skytree stole the crown). The best feature is the open-air staircase. For those who like to feel extra secure, there's also an elevator. While definitely not the best view in Tokyo, Tokyo Tower often holds events on its main deck, including evening illuminations and projection mapping, so keep an eye on our events page. Also, the top deck does offer a lofty peek of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree, so it's a good runner-up in the top observation deck rankings. Pro tip: Afterwards, visit the e-sport theme park, surrounding restaurants, and Shiba Park. 4. Sunshine 60 Observatory (Tenbō Park) Height: 251m – Get tickets Formerly known as Sky Circus, this "park" in the sky is around the same height as Tokyo Tower but almost half the price. There is a reason for that: it's missing a couple of important landmarks on the horizon -- namely, Tokyo Tower (you can just catch the tip) and Tokyo Skytree. If it's a clear day, you may be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance, though. The Sunshine 60 Observatory is located in the Sunshine City complex, and while not one to go out of your way for, if you are in Ikebukuro grabbing some anime goods, then it's worth a saunter up. 5. Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills) Height: Indoor deck (250m) – (some exhibition tickets come with access to the deck) Get tickets here (and save) Located on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, this observatory has the most iconic, postcard-perfect view of Tokyo. We personally recommend it to friends. The indoor viewing deck often holds exhibitions at the Sky Gallery, and so some event tickets will also give you access to the view. Note: The Sky Deck (270m) on the rooftop is no longer accessible to the public. Best free views in Tokyo Who says you have to fork out any yen to get a killer view of the capital? Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Height: 202m The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has spectacular views of Tokyo, especially at sunset, and costs absolutely nothing. You will miss Tokyo Tower, and the windows could do with a clean, but it's the price you have to pay to get one of the best Mount Fuji views in Tokyo. It's open late, until around 10 p.m., so it's the perfect way to cap off a day (or date). Just be prepared for queues. Last time we went, we waited around 20 minutes, but it can be shorter or longer, depending on the day. Pro tip: The building also has a daily free projection-mapping show that can be seen from the Citizens' Square. It is the largest of its type in the world. Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby Important: Entrance to the Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby is restricted to office tenants and those visiting Hills House, Dining 33, Sky Room Cafe & Bar, and the patisserie. The newest kid on the block for free views is the Azabudai Hills Complex. While the Azabudai Hills Mori JPTower has 64 floors and reaches 325.2 meters (making it the tallest building in Japan as of writing), the observation deck sits around halfway up on the 33rd floor. But you'll still get fantastic views overlooking Tokyo Tower and the city. The best thing is that it closes around 9 p.m., so you can also catch the exquisite night view. Other free viewpoints in Tokyo Caretta Shiodome Height: 200m The top of the world's largest advertising agency (dentsu) equals fancy restaurants and fancy views. But don't worry, you don't need to buy anything, you can stand and look out the window for . Take the elevator to Caretta Shiodome Sky View on the 46th and 47th floors and you'll be able to see the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, and more. Chairs and benches are provided so you can relax and take in the view. Bunkyo Civic Center Important update: From March 1, 2025, the sky lounge will be closed till December 2026 due to renovation work. Height: 105m The best time to catch the free view at Bunkyo Civic Center is at dusk. While there's no view to the south, you can still spot the main highlight: Mount Fuji nestled "next to" the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Also on the menu is nearby Tokyo Dome and Koishikawa Botanical Garden, as well as Tokyo Skytree. I-Link Town Observation Deck Height: 150m While a bit far from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo (it's technically in Chiba), I-Link Town can be directly accessed from Ichikawa Station. The view ticks off most of the main landmarks -- even Mount Fuji on a clear day -- and also includes the winding Edogawa River. There's a glass elevator on the way up, and it's even open during the Edogawa Fireworks Festival (reservations may be needed). Sky Carrot Observatory Height: 124m Disappointingly, this observatory has no relation to the vegetable in appearance, but it does let you see a better view of Shibuya after dark. It is located on the 26th floor of the Carrot Tower beside a restaurant and cafe. In ideal conditions, you get an unblemished view of Mount Fuji. This observation lobby is open late (till 10 p.m.) so you'll want to take advantage by checking out the spectacular night view. Tokyo observation deck FAQs We answer your burning questions. Tokyo Skytree vs. Shibuya Sky: Which is better? If the weather is good (not rainy and not windy), then Shibuya Sky is the better observation deck. The main reason is that there is space to breathe (and even lie down) on the top of Shibuya Sky, a luxury that will be hard to get during sunset at Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree top deck (Tenbō Galleria): Is it worth it? The difference in views between the bottom and top deck at Tokyo Skytree is hardly noticeable, but the extra almost is. The space is also narrower -- making it feel more squashed than the lower deck. That said, you do get to use the glass escalator -- something you won't get to use if just using the regular deck. What is the highest observatory in Tokyo? The highest observatory in Tokyo is Tokyo Skytree. The lower Tenbō Deck is 350 meters high, and above that is the Tenbō Galleria at 450 meters high. What is the best-value observation deck? Our heart belongs to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for being the tallest free observation deck on this list (at 202 meters) -- and one with the best Tokyo cityscape. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Last updated in July 2025

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