Every time I visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is like the first time

One of the things I enjoy most about living in Tokyo is that even a simple train ride can feel like an adventure. On this particular day, I decided to travel from Kuramae toward one of the city’s most famous viewpoints: the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Important note – Asakusa is quite nearby, so travelers in Asakusa can use the same route.

What seemed like a straightforward journey quickly turned into another opportunity to explore a different side of Tokyo. As maybe some of you already know or researched – the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck is one of the best free deals in Tokyo.

Living around Kuramae means that many of Tokyo’s famous attractions feel surprisingly accessible. One afternoon, I decided to see how easy it would be to reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck using only the Oedo Line.

Starting the Journey in Kuramae

I began near Kuramae Station, a neighborhood I’ve come to appreciate for its quieter atmosphere and location close to Asakusa and the Sumida River. So if you are lodging in Asakusa, this way to get to the the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck is also for you.

The station itself is easy to navigate once you’re familiar with it, but like many Tokyo stations, it can feel overwhelming at first.

Before boarding the train, I took a moment to appreciate something that still impresses me about Tokyo: how efficiently millions of people move through the city’s rail network every day. Important note and a rookie error on my side – the first time I did this journey I went into the Ladies only carriage, but it serves for ladies only during the rush hours, so it was fine.

Across the City to Shinjuku with the Oedo line

The journey from Kuramae or Asakusa to Shinjuku offers a fascinating contrast between different parts of Tokyo. You enter the quiet and not so busy entrance at Kuramae and you end up in the skyline at Shinjuku.

For newcomers to Tokyo, this route is surprisingly straightforward and provides a good introduction to using the city’s public transportation system. However once you get outside the metro at Tochomae station you know you are in a different part of the city.

Arriving at Tochomae Station

After a comfortable ride on the Oedo Line, I arrived at Tochomae Station, which turned out to be much more convenient than I expected. Following the signs toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, I made my way through the station’s corridors and up to street level. Emerging from the underground, I was immediately surrounded by Shinjuku’s towering skyscrapers.

The contrast with Kuramae was striking. What had started in one of Tokyo’s quieter eastern neighborhoods now felt like the heart of a modern metropolis. As I looked up, the twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building were impossible to miss, standing prominently among the surrounding office buildings and making it clear that I had reached my destination.

Fortunately, reaching the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck is easier than it might appear. And you can find more info on their official website:

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks

Walking to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

The walk from the station is short and well-signposted.

As the twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building came into view immediately after surfacing from Tochomae station, I began to understand why it remains one of Tokyo’s most popular observation points. Actually for my money the best one – and in terms of actual money it is free of charge.

Unlike many observation decks around the world, this one is free to visit.

The Observation Deck Experience

After passing through security and taking the elevator up, I was rewarded with panoramic views across Tokyo. The security check is quick and efficient and the attendants and elevator operators are extremely kind and polite.

One thing I hadn’t realized before visiting is that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck actually consists of 2 decks, one in each of its twin towers. Both offer impressive panoramic views over Tokyo and are free to access, making them one of the best value viewpoints in the city.

My first time I chose to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck in the South Tower, taking the elevator up to the 45th floor. As the doors opened, I was greeted by sweeping views stretching across Tokyo in every direction. Looking out from above, the scale of the city became much easier to appreciate. Endless neighborhoods, clusters of skyscrapers, and distant landmarks spread across the horizon, giving a completely different perspective from street level.

What makes the experience even better is that there is no admission fee. In a city where many observation decks charge an entrance fee, being able to enjoy such spectacular views for free feels like one of Tokyo’s best hidden bargains.

On a clear day, visitors may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck.

Is It Worth Visiting?

For me, absolutely.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck offers one of the best free views in Tokyo and is easy to combine with a day exploring Shinjuku.

What I enjoyed most, however, wasn’t only the view itself. It was the journey across the city—from the quieter streets around Kuramae to one of Tokyo’s busiest districts.

Sometimes the route is just as interesting as the destination.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Kuramae to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building reminded me why I enjoy exploring Tokyo so much.

Even a simple train ride can reveal new neighborhoods, different atmospheres, and fresh perspectives on the city.

If you’re staying around Asakusa or Kuramae and have never visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck in Shinjuku, it’s an easy and worthwhile excursion that offers a completely different view of Tokyo, like for example my walk to Ryogoku.