The Best Viewpoints in Tokyo

The infamous city of Tokyo, a metropolitan area spread far and wide. Within the vast landscape of the city, it hosts a unique and special skyline renowned around the World. To gain and be able to see and understand the pure scale and size of Tokyo, the best way of viewing the city is from above. Furthermore, if you’re lucky and it’s a clear and sunny day, from a number of viewpoints it’s also possible to view Mt. Fuji.

In this blog I will be sharing some of the best viewpoints I’ve visited during numerous visits over the years to Tokyo. Considering the huge nature of the city, the number of incredible viewpoints is aplenty, and therefore even though this blog will cover a number of main and important locations, both paid and free, there are also many more out there for all to find and discover. Each location that is covered in this blog is open to the public, and also easy to get to and access.

Shibuya Sky

To kick things off, we’ll start with possibly the best viewpoint of them all, Shibuya Sky. Located in Shibuya right next to the station, this powerhouse of a location has it all. The iconic Shibuya Crossing has long been a centrepiece of Japanese and Tokyo attractions, and from here you have the incredible access to view the crossing from above. Overbearing the crossing, Shibuya Sky offers stunning 360° views of the city, and moreover not only do they have a great indoor area with interactive experiences, but also a highly impressive outdoor area with viewing platforms too.

I only came here at night, and immediately regretted not coming during the day too. Unsurprisingly, this location is in high demand, and therefore I recommend booking tickets ahead of time as they can be sold out weeks in advance. Although this can be frustrating as it means tying yourself to a certain date and time, it however also means a more stress free and relaxed experience during your visit. On a side note, if the weather is bad they will shut the outdoor area, and if you have a Camera, you will be required to wear a neck strap, although you can rent a strap if needed.

Tokyo Skytree

Next up we have the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Tokyo. Standing at a lofty 634 meters tall, the Skytree weighs in as the third highest structure in the world. Located in the Sumida Ward in the north east of Tokyo, it offers sweeping full 360 panoramic views across the city and beyond. Given its high nature, from here you can easily pick out and identify many locations down below with the city, pinpointing exact details on the map. Simply put, the views are amazing.

The downside of this location is because of its soaring high status and popularity, it naturally is always very busy. Compared to other viewpoint locations, due to the fact their system feels as though they want to filter as many people and visitors in as quick as possible, it can lead to a more chaotic experience. Therefore for example when you’re up top, you have to deal with a large portion of people fighting it out for the same viewpoint at all times. It can be more difficult than it should be to access a clear relaxing view. With all being said, and despite a more chaotic nature, I would still recommend a visit.

Tokyo Tower

The last of the golden trio of the major viewpoints within Tokyo is the infamous Tokyo Tower. Instantly recognisable by its crimson red colour and Eiffel Tower like design, the tower stands out in the Tokyo skyline with ease any way you look. It has two observation decks located 150 metres above the ground, and also a further option of the Top Deck standing at 250 meters high. On the ground levels the tower also has several entertainment sections and shopping areas for all the family to enjoy.

As far as the views go, I’ll be honest, compared to other viewpoints they won’t blow you away with awe, however of course you’ll still get to see a different side of Tokyo, and the area around the tower is ideal for a gentle stroll around the parks. My personal opinion is that the Tokyo Tower is one of those which actually looks much greater from the outside than from within. Which leads perfectly onto the next viewpoint…

Mori Tower/Tokyo City View

Not far away from the Tokyo Tower and located in the hills of Roppongi, here is where you’ll find the Mori Tower, and furthermore the Tokyo City View. Making your way up to the 52nd floor, the views from here will honestly leave you speechless. Not only do you get a great view of the Tokyo Tower, but also a whole 360° panorama of all of the city and beyond. Its location is literally perfect, smack bang in the middle of Tokyo which therefore allows you to see just about everything. Shibuya one way, the Tokyo Tower and Skytree the other, and although I didn’t see it but apparently you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day too which I can very much believe. As far as an all-round option as seeing the whole city goes, given its location this would be my number one choice.

One negative I found here though is in front of the huge beautiful open bay windows, when you walk round into the observatory they have a huge stage right in front of them, which I guess promotion wise makes sense but… by blocking the view? Of course you can still go round the back of the stage and see the same view, however why waste the opportunity of utilising the view to the maximum, it’s stunning as it is, but this literally blocks the chance for it to be even better.

Bunkyo Civic Center

An absolute gem of a viewpoint, and high up there as one of my favourites, is the Bunkyo Civic Center. Honestly, the view from here is incredible, and moreover somehow it’s free. From the top you have a 360° view of the whole of Tokyo, including the most spectacular view of the Tokyo Skytree as you’re not too far away at all. The height of the observatory is literally perfect, you aren’t too low so you can still easily see above the skyline, and more importantly you aren’t too high as to seeing ants on the ground below. If you want to see an amazing view of the Tokyo Skytree as opposed to actually going up it, this is the ideal alternative.

To reach the Bunkyo Civic Center, take the JR Line or Metro to Suidobashi Station, then from there walk past the infamous Tokyo Dome to reach the destination. Once inside, head on up to the 25th Floor and prepare to be amazed.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Located in Shinjuku, the Tokyo Government Building Observatory offers fantastic views across the whole of Tokyo and beyond. The building has two observatories, and in my experience the south observatory offer the best views, mostly because you have the possibility of seeing Mt.Fuji. Granted, of course you aren’t guaranteed to see Fuji-San, and it’s taken me numerous trips to Tokyo and Japan over the years to finally see it from Tokyo, and during my visit here, I could finally confirm the rumours are true. The views out towards Shinjuku and east Tokyo were stunning enough, but then when I turned my attention south, I was completely in awe. The pure complexion and scale of the city below with Mt. Fuji overbearing in the distance, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.

Given it’s a government building, there will be a gradual queue for entry due to security and baggage checks, however it’s then a quick elevator ride up to the 42nd floor. Bare this in mind when visiting, as obviously it will add on time to your visit.

Yebisu Garden Palace Tower

An underrated and furthermore free viewpoint in Tokyo is the Yebisu Garden Palace Tower. Located in the district of Ebisu, the tower allows you to have a great view over Shibuya one way, and also a relativity good view of the Tokyo Tower looking out the other. Racing up to the 38th Floor, here you’ll also find a selection of fancy restaurants and dining opportunities, therefore if you want a swanky meal and a glass of Wine while overlooking the city, this is a great location to do so.

Sky Carrot Observatory

For something a little more secluded and away from the tourist path, the Sky Carrot Observatory is worth a visit. Located in the Sangenjaya neighborhood, the Carrot Tower is only a five minute journey out from Shibuya, and also has free admission. The views from the tower look out towards Shibuya and beyond, making the short journey away from the centre of the city worthwhile. With that being said, if you’ve been to other viewpoint locations in the same area, I wouldn’t neccesarily go out your way to visit. However if you plan on visiting the popular Gotjukti Temple, then you have to change lines at the station here anyway coming from Shibuya, therefore a free visit to the tower wouldn’t go amiss.

Odaiba

For the final spot on this list, and for a viewpoint of the city skyline at ground level, head over to the manmade island of Odaiba. Located on the south east side of Tokyo, from here you can experience a great view of the city which is made even better at Sunset. For the best view of the harbour and cityscape, head towards Team Labs and work your way along the shoreline towards the Rainbow Bridge from there.

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