Sky Decks and Views in Tokyo
Part of the Tokyo travel guide — see every topic in All Tokyo Guides.
Tokyo is huge, and the best way to understand its size is from above. On a clear day you can see the city run to the mountains and even see Mount Fuji. This guide compares three popular views: the open-air roof of Shibuya Sky, the very high decks of Tokyo Skytree, and the free decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. It also explains when the air is clearest.
Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky is on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, a tower that opened in 2019 above Shibuya Station. The main part is an open roof deck about 230 metres above the street. There is glass at the edge, but no roof above you, so it feels very open. You look down on the Scramble Crossing and across to Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower. Tickets are for a time slot, and sunset slots often sell out, so book online a few days ahead. Bags and loose items must go in lockers before the roof. The roof can close in rain or strong wind. The indoor deck below stays open.
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower 634 metres tall. It opened in 2012 and is the tallest tower in Japan. It has two decks. The Tembo Deck is at 350 metres and has tall glass walls and a small glass floor. The Tembo Galleria is at 450 metres, with a sloping glass walkway that goes around the tower. You pay for each deck, and you can buy the higher deck as an add-on. The tower stands next to Tokyo Skytree Station and Oshiage Station. At the base is Tokyo Solamachi, a large mall with shops, restaurants and an aquarium. Asakusa is a short walk across the river.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The city government building in west Shinjuku has two observation decks on the 45th floor, about 202 metres high. Entry is free. You go through a short bag check, then take a fast lift. The view is indoors through glass. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji to the west. The decks often take turns, so on some days only one deck is open, and one may close for repairs. Check the official site before you go. In the evening, a large light and video show is projected onto the outside of the building. It is about ten minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station west exit.
Seeing Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is about 100 km from central Tokyo, so you only see it on clear days. The best months are usually December to February, when the air is cold and dry. Early morning is better than afternoon, because haze and cloud build up during the day. In summer, the mountain is often hidden. All three decks face west toward Fuji, but the view can change in minutes. A weather app with a cloud map helps you choose the day. If you see a clear blue sky in the morning, go up early. At sunset in winter, Fuji can appear as a dark shape against an orange sky.
Which one to choose
For an open-air feeling and the famous crossing below, choose Shibuya Sky. For the highest view and a sense of the city's size, choose Tokyo Skytree. For a free view with no booking, choose the government building in Shinjuku. If your budget is small, the free decks are a very good start. Night views are bright and full of lights, while day views show the shape of the city and the mountains. Sunset gives both, but it is the busiest time. Weekday mornings are the quietest time at every deck. Check the weather before you pay, since clouds can hide everything.
Sky Decks and Views at a glance
| Getting there | Shibuya Sky above Shibuya Station; Skytree at Tokyo Skytree or Oshiage Station; government building about 10 minutes from Shinjuku west exit |
|---|---|
| Hours | Most decks from morning until about 10 pm; check each official site for last entry |
| Cost | Shibuya Sky and Skytree charge entry; the government building decks are free |
| Best time | December to February mornings for Mount Fuji; book sunset slots early |
| Tip | Shibuya Sky roof can close in bad weather; check before you go |