Metropolitan Government Building
The Metropolitan Government Building, otherwise known as City Hall, is the home of Tokyo's local government. At 243 metres tall it's one of the tallest buildings in the city.
On the building's first floor you'll find a tourist information office with maps, area plans, and everything a tourist might want, as well as being able to take free guided tours in English.
Observatories
The Metropolitan Government Building has two observatories at 202 metres high, one in the south tower, and the other in the north tower. These magnificent three hundred and sixty degree views are magnificent at any time of day, and the best of all is, it's completely free!
Although the bar in the north tower slightly obscures the view, both towers have similar visibility and what better place to take a break and have a drink?!
And as with most of the viewpoints in the city, you'll have no lack of souvenir shops at the viewpoints.
Shinjuku Central Park
Although it's perhaps not one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, the Shinjuku park can be found around the back of the Metropolitan Government Building, and is a good place to breathe in a little clean air. It's a very popular spot for local workers at lunchtime.
A good starting point
With fantastic views, the tourist information office, and its location in Shinjuku, one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in the city, the Metropolitan Government Building is ideal to get your bearings in the city.
Schedule
Tourist information office: from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
North Observatory: from 9:30 am to 11 pm (closed on the first and third Tuesday of the month).
South Observatory: from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed second and fourth Monday of the month).
Closed on the 29th, 30th, 31st of December and the 2nd and 3rd of January.
Price
Free
Transport
Tochomae Station.
Metro: Oedo (E) line.
Shinjuku station: 10 minutes walk from the west exit.
Metro: Oedo (E), Marunouchi (M) and Shinjuku (S) lines.
JR Trains: Yamanote Chuo lines.
Nearby places
Shinjuku (859 m) Yoyogi Park (2 km) Harajuku (2.4 km) Shibuya (3.4 km) Roppongi (4.7 km)