Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a complex of three buildings, each occupying its own city block. It serves as the headquarters for the Tokyo metropolitan government and is well-known for the breathtaking views it offers from its observation decks, which are open to the public at no cost.
Locals often refer to this building as the "Tax Tower," and it stands as one of the tallest structures in the city. The renowned architect Kenzo Tange designed it to resemble a computer chip. The main tower consists of 48 floors, with a division on the 33rd floor. The central structure houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly building, with eight floors, including one underground, and the second main building has 37 floors, including three below ground.
Each of the two observation decks in these buildings features cafes and gift shops, and visitors can easily access them in less than a minute thanks to high-speed elevators. Both decks provide stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Early morning visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji and other mountains on clear days before the city's smoke and smog obscure the scenery. The south observation deck offers views of the Odaiba Entertainment District during the day, while the north observation deck provides panoramic views of the illuminated city at night.
Why You Should Visit:
One of the best views you can get in the city and even better still, it is completely free of charge with no time limit on how long you can stay.
Tip:
If you're looking for a free guided tour full of interesting background stories on Tokyo and Japan, just go to the tourist office downstairs from the main entrance.
Locals often refer to this building as the "Tax Tower," and it stands as one of the tallest structures in the city. The renowned architect Kenzo Tange designed it to resemble a computer chip. The main tower consists of 48 floors, with a division on the 33rd floor. The central structure houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly building, with eight floors, including one underground, and the second main building has 37 floors, including three below ground.
Each of the two observation decks in these buildings features cafes and gift shops, and visitors can easily access them in less than a minute thanks to high-speed elevators. Both decks provide stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Early morning visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji and other mountains on clear days before the city's smoke and smog obscure the scenery. The south observation deck offers views of the Odaiba Entertainment District during the day, while the north observation deck provides panoramic views of the illuminated city at night.
Why You Should Visit:
One of the best views you can get in the city and even better still, it is completely free of charge with no time limit on how long you can stay.
Tip:
If you're looking for a free guided tour full of interesting background stories on Tokyo and Japan, just go to the tourist office downstairs from the main entrance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings on Map
Sight Name: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Tokyo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Yanaka Walking Tour
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With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Ueno Park Walking Tour
Ueno Park, found next to the Ueno subway station in Tokyo, is a sprawling urban oasis. Home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, each year during the cherry blossom season (between late March and early April) it becomes a site of pilgrimage equally popular with locals and tourists.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Asakusa District Walking Tour
The Asakusa district is one of the few places in Tokyo that retains the old world's charm. Known as Tokyo's oldest geisha district, this neighborhood houses narrow streets, temple markets, traditional shops and restaurants that collectively create the air of old Tokyo.
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
At the heart of Asakusa, you'll find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, a helpful starting point... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Ginza Shopping Tour
Often compared with New York's Fifth Avenue, Ginza is the most luxurious shopping district in Tokyo. Its two main avenues running through the area, Chuo-dori Street and Harumi-dori Street, are lined with high-end boutiques, enormous department stores, and flagship stores of renowned international brands carrying a wealth of merchandise, from fashion and jewelry to electronics and cosmetics.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tokyo Imperial Palace Walking Tour
The Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Emperor, is a vast expanse of green in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats. The palace stands on the site previously occupied by the Edo Castle, in the 17th–19th centuries. While the royal residential compound is closed for visitors (except for two days a year – January 1st and December 23rd), a big part of the palace grounds, including... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Shinjuku Walking Tour
Known as the best entertainment district in Tokyo, Shinjuku abounds in venues where visitors can play, eat, and shop to their hearts' content all day long. Besides the endless list of fun, shopping, and dining options available, the district also offers some truly amazing sightseeing opportunities which are often underrated.
One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One of its iconic landmarks is the two towers of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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