Which is the Best View in Tokyo: Top Observation Decks

Tokyo is the world’s largest city — and the best way of taking in its humongous size is to see it from up high at an observation deck.

With a city this size, though, where is the best place to behold a sultry sunset? We take a look at three of Tokyo's top observation decks — Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — to find out!

== LINKS ==
See our article for more free observation decks:

== CHAPTERS ==
0:00 Intro
0:42 Tokyo Skytree
2:03 Shibuya Sky
3:38 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
4:17 Which observation deck is the best?

★★★ TokyoCheapo ★★★

★★★ Credits ★★★
Intro sequence by the most talented Peter Laugesen

Creative commons images used in the intro:

[romeldinho]

we were not able to visit skytree but we had a good time in shibuya sky with the open air.

[bonwatcher]

For the trivia buffs: Tokyo Sky Tree isn't just over 600 meters, it is exactly 634 meters tall for a reason other than breaking the Guinness world record at the time. It can be read as mu-sa-shi in Japanese, which is the historic name for the area where it was built. 👍

[ashleighdearest]

I've got to also add: I really loved my visit to Tokyo Tower. It's not as tall as these others, but you still get a great view of the city and it's such an iconic part of the skyline! I recommend reserving a ticket for the Top Deck (which has a great audio tour) and booking for ~half an hour before sunset--you'll have a great chance of seeing the sun setting behind Mt. Fuji. :)

[vishalkaleeswaran]

Been to tokyo metropolitan government building twice, once in the day and once in the night! The view is amazing despite being free to enter, staff are courteous! You also have a piano there to play, enjoyed the view and some good music played by random people!

[roxannewaller]

There are several observation decks in Tokyo you can visit for free. Last June 2023 I visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Towers in Shinjuku (fabulous), the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre (only a few floors up, but sensational views of Kaminarimon gate and lantern, Nakamise-Dori, Tokyo Skytree, Sumida City Offices and the two Asahi Group buildings), and the Bun-kyo Civic Centre (25 floors up and a cool, funky looking building as well). I didn't get to the Carrot Tower in Sangenjaya, but that's apparently free too.

[Sunlest]

Shibuya Sky looks so cool. The open air just has a different feel!

[yareck]

My favourite one was Roppongi Hills Mori Tower because of it's rooftop open-air observation deck. The night views were breath-taking. Too bad they recently closed it indefinitely.

[OXGAMES_Z]

Waw I'm planning to travel next year to Japan and this video is GodLike. I hyped for the next videos. 😍

[riffgroove]

I'm amazed you didn't mention the iconic Tokyo Tower in Shinjuku.
The views from atop "Tha Eiffel Tower" are pretty great as well.

[DBZ]

Visited Government Metropolitan Building and Tokyo Tower, 2 weeks ago. Both very enjoyable. Remember there’s 3D Mapping shows on the Government Building for free, every Saturday evening. We enjoyed Godzilla Attack On Tokyo followed by a spectacular show. Shows are at 7.30, 8.30 and 9.30pm.

[rych]

I visited Shibuya sky in the evening and Skytree in the daytime.

Shibuya Sky was FULL of teens and young people taking photos. They weren't rude but there was so many, you couldn't get very close to the edge of the building in many places. It was also VERY cold in the wind and they have a "no hats" rule

SkyTree gave a better account of the scale of Tokyo, but the design of the building means you don't get the best pics as there's always a structural piece of the building in the way.

On balance Shibuya is probably the better option.

[jtdx_]

I prefer the Metropolitan Building, the view is amazing at night and you can see the streets😃

[areasevenpro]

I went to Tokyo Skytree in 2019 on a rainy day, resulting in a much smaller crowd. Still, I managed to take some great shots of the city in some light fog.
Earlier this year, I went to Tokyo Tower. It costs more than Skytree, but it's strategically better for city shots.
I didn't go to Shibuya Sky, but the Mag's Park Rooftop is perfect for taking pics and videos of the Scramble Crossing. Plus, you only need to buy a drink for 550 yen.

[seandavie]

We booked the Shibuya Sky ahead of time.... and it was pouring rain on the day. No refunds either. Not exactly cheap. It does look amazing though.

[glennorencia]

I have been in the Mori Tower Observation Deck (in Roppongi) before the pandemic and I like the view from there since the building is in the middle of Tokyo. I have not yet visited Shibuya Sky since it is a newer facility so I'm looking forward to visiting it when I come back to Japan next month 😉

[arceus]

i've never been to skytree because i think it's a little too high up to get a proper view of the city. also, i just learned from this video that there are a lot of obstructions in front of the glass (1:45) so you can't even get a clear view!

when i went to shibuya sky in june you didn't have to pay for the couch seats haha. but i went back a week ago and they closed off the entire section so you can't even access it without the more expensive ticket. overall though i'd agree shibuya sky is the best.

as an aside, i think the abeno harukas building in osaka is my favourite observation deck i've been to in japan

[zceylan]

Hello, I tried to find the rivate couches but I could not find it on klook, april is not on sale yet? Also what is the official website? Thank you

[Eithan]

Mori Tower at Roppongi has a great view too

[corazonnarcisosaekoo]

I am interested in the Shibuya Sky :) since it looks more relaxing and less crowded (I think). I am sure to book, like 3 weeks earlier. Would that be ok? Thank you so much for this useful VDO. Will watch more of your VDOs

[OmnipresentOneness]

Good point about Shibuya Sky and the weather! It's a toss up between The metropolitan building and Shibuya Sky for me. How far in advance would I need to book tickets for Shibuya Sky?