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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Tokyo's Free Observation Deck

By the BeatTheCrowd team · Updated 21 October 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answer

The observation decks in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku are free, 202 m up, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days. Go at the 9:30 am opening for the clearest views and no lift queue, or after dark for the night view and the Tokyo Night & Light projection show on the building's facade. The South deck closes on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, and the North deck has its own closure days.

At a glance

Entry: Free
Height: 202 m (45th floor)
Hours: From 9:30 am. Closing varies by deck
South deck closed

How busy is the observation deck?

As Tokyo's best free view, it's popular with tourists, with a security check and a lift queue at busy times, especially sunset and weekends. Inside, there's a café, a gift shop and a public piano.

Time	What to expect	Verdict
9:30-11 am	Short queue, clearest air	Best
Afternoon	Moderate	Good
Sunset	Longest lift queue	Arrive early
After dark	Night view, then the projection show	Very good

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Before you go, check how busy the observation deck is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date.

Check today’s crowds at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck →

Deck	Closures	Notes
South Observatory	1st and 3rd Tuesday (next day if a holiday)	Usually the main deck
North Observatory	Its own closure days	Check the official site

Deck

Closures

Notes

South Observatory

1st and 3rd Tuesday (next day if a holiday)

Usually the main deck

North Observatory

Its own closure days

Check the official site

Best (and worst) times to go

9:30 am on clear winter days for Mount Fuji.

After dark for the night view and the projection show.

Worst: weekend sunsets, and hazy afternoons.

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Our hourly forecast for the observation deck shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.

Check today’s crowds at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck →

FAQs

Is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building deck free?

Yes.

When is the observation deck closed?

The South deck closes on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The North deck has its own closures.

Can you see Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?

Yes, on clear days, most often on winter mornings.

What is Tokyo Night & Light?

A free projection-mapping show on the building's facade in the evenings.

What is the best time to visit?

At 9:30 am on a clear day. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.

Sources

How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 21 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.

Cost	Free
Security	Bag check at the entrance
Piano	A public piano anyone can play, at set times
Time needed	45 minutes to 1 hour

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Tokyo's Free Observation Deck

How busy is the observation deck?

Which deck, and when

Tokyo Night & Light

Best (and worst) times to go

Plans by visitor type

On a budget

Families and limited mobility

Getting there

Practical info

Mistakes to avoid

Is it worth it?