Tokyo can be enjoyed in many ways but the best way to see the city from on high is via one of Tokyo’s observation decks – better still, there are several Tokyo observation decks that are free admission and offer a glimpse of Mount Fuji!
From Tokyo’s tallest tower Tokyo Skytree to some lesser known hidden gems like Ginza’s Caretta Shiodome Sky View or the Asakusa Observatory, this is our list of the best Tokyo observation towers to visit that are all still open in 2025.
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Featuring popular places like Shibuya Sky to fantastic free finds like Yebisu Garden Place Tower, these are the tallest observation decks in Tokyo (with some serious ‘altitude’).
Note that all the featured Tokyo observation decks are proper viewing platforms. For rooftop gardens and shopping mall terraces, check out our guide to the top Tokyo parks and rooftop gardens >
This article was originally published on 24 June 2024.
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Shinjuku Observation Decks
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (Free)
OK, this might sound like a boring place to visit (most Government buildings usually are) but on top lies a free viewing area and deck where you can see the Tokyo cityscape unfurl before you. Plus if you are lucky (like we were), you can even see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Plus if you go at sunset (arrive well before and be prepared to queue), you can also see a free light show projection afterwards on the side of the building, featuring fun animations and iconic Japanese characters like Pacman and Godzilla (weekends only for Godzilla).
See our pictures of the world’s largest permanent projection mapping show >
We’d rate the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory as one of the best free observation decks in Tokyo.
Although there can be big queues to get in, it is totally worth it as there are panoramic views (although you may have to hustle to get a window view at sunset, especially looking towards Mount Fuji).
The free Tokyo observation deck is on the 45th floor of building number 1 – you may need to queue on the ground floor plus go through security.
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Shibuya Observation Decks
2. Shibuya Sky
One of Shibuya’s top things to do, we recommend booking a Shibuya Sky ticket in advance, as it often sells out days before.
For unparalleled panoramic (360 degree) views of Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is a stunning outdoor observation deck (be aware it closes in bad weather). It is definitely one of the best observation decks in Tokyo.
Located atop the Shibuya Scramble Square on the 47th, Shibuya Sky is located 750 feet up and gives Tokyo Skytree a run for its money in terms of ‘best Tokyo observation deck’.
On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance (if you don’t get too distracted by the aerial view of Shibuya Scramble Crossing below).
We like Shibuya Sky but the queue to get it and all the people at the top can be a little overwhelming if you don’t like crowds. We’ve been in the morning and all was fine but we’ve heard the locker queue (to store your bags and valuables) can be LONG at sunset so please take that into account.
Book your Shibuya Sky tickets in advance here (please note the evening tickets for sunset sell out immediately).
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Roppongi Observation Decks
3. Roppongi Hills Observatory / Tokyo City View Observation Deck
Head to the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills to experience the Tokyo City View Observation Deck – as well as panoramic views of Tokyo and sunset vistas.
They often host pop up art or cute kawaii exhibitions as well as the permanent Mori Art Museum (on floor 53).
Roppongi Hill is an indoor observation deck that opened just over 20 years ago and welcomes thousands of visitors every year – please note the outdoor area has since closed.
Book your Roppongi Hills ticket in advance here >
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4. Tokyo Skytree
Located in Sumida and very close to Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree is Tokyo’s tallest observation deck and tower, a heady 634m in height – talk about some serious ‘altitude’!
Opened in 2012, it appears many locals have a love / hate relationship with Tokyo Skytree as some residents feel it has ruined the landscape – all we know is that the views from the top are spectacular and this is the world’s highest skywalk at 450m in the air.
The lower deck (at 350m) has a couple of cafes and souvenir shops whilst the upper deck is 100 metres higher with the scary but fun skywalk.
Plan My Japan tip – book your Tokyo skytree tickets 30 days in advance to save up to ¥400 per person. From July 2024 onwards, the cheapest ticket to Tokyo Skytree costs ¥1,800 for the lower deck.
You can also book this Asakusa guided tour with Tokyo Skytree tickets combo on GetYourGuide >
P.S. If you are in Tokyo for Christmas, there is a free Tokyo Skytree Christmas Market every November and December >
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Minato Observation Decks
5. Tokyo Tower
One of Japan’s most famous observation decks, the Tokyo Tower looks like a brightly coloured Eiffel Tower from afar. It was built in the late 1950s as a telecommunications tower and was Japan’s largest tower until Tokyo SkyTree opened in 2012.
There are actually two observation decks to enjoy – the two-tier Main Deck is at 150m height while the smaller Top Deck is a 100m higher at around 250m up.
Note that the Top Deck is more than twice the price of the main deck at ¥3,500 (the lower deck is ¥1,500 as of October 2025). A small discount can be made on top deck tickets if booked in advance (3,300 Yen).
It isn’t just about the spectacular Tokyo cityscape and panoramic views – there are several restaurants to enjoy brews with views, plus walk over the glass floor “Lookdown Window” – not for those scared of heights!
Get your Tokyo Tower observation deck ticket here with Klook or Get Your Guide.
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Ginza Observation Decks
6. Caretta Shiodome Sky View (Free)
For the best aerial views of Ginza (and also nearby Hamarikyu Garden), head up to the free observation deck / skyview on level 46 of the Caretta Shiodome.
As well as home to the sumptuous Skyview restaurant, there is a small indoor observation deck that offers vistas across Tokyo’s bay, where you can see as far as Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge.
Similar to Yebisu Garden Place Tower, this seems to be one of Tokyo’s hidden gems and one of the less busy free observation decks in Tokyo. Combine this with lots of other things to do in Ginza like Tokyo’s oldest beer hall or the world’s largest UNIQLO store.
In the basement of Caretta Shiodome, there is also a theatre and several small restaurants including a popular branch of cheap chain restaurant Marugame Seimen.
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Asakusa Observation Decks
7. Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Free)
One of the best things to do Asakusa and a great way to get a feel for the whole area from up high – head to the free Asakusa Observatory atop the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
Located on the top floor, the Asakusa observatory is open daily from 9am until 10pm and offers stunning views of Sensō-ji temple, nearby Nakamise-dori Street and the Sumida River.
You’ll also see the Asahi Golden Flame building, jokingly known locally as the ‘golden turd’ due to its interesting shape – read more about this in our ‘weird and wonderful Tokyo’ guide.
A fantastic way to get an awesome Asakusa aerial view, the observatory can be accessed via the lifts. The tourist information centre below is also very useful with information leaflets in various languages, incredibly helpful staff and some cute Asakusa souvenirs.
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Odaiba Observation Decks
8. Fuji Television Headquarters “HACHITAMA” Spherical Observation Room
For spectacular views of Odaiba, Tokyo Bay (and possibly even Mount Fuji on a clear day), head on up to the the 25th floor of Fuji TV’s Odaiba headquarters to see their super sky deck (or ‘Spherical Observation Room’ as they call it).
We loved this Tokyo Observation Deck as you could see all the water and Tokyo cityscape, with Mount Fuji looking impressive in the background!
A panoramic Odaiba observation deck that has James Bond baddy base vibes, the Fuji TV viewing platform is over 120 meters high from the ground.
Highlights include aerial views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower and the Odaiba Marine Park seascape.
At the top, you’ll also find a few gachapon machines featuring Fuji TV characters plus telescopes and binoculars.
Tickets for the Odaiba sphere observation deck are available from a ticket booth near the entrance. On the ground floor, there is also a free to visit shop featuring Fuji TV character merchandise.
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Toyama District Observation Decks
9. Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck, Ikebukuro
Located on the 60th floor of Sunshine City Mall, Sky Circus Sunshine 60 is an old-school observation deck with 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
It doesn’t rely on gadgets or gimmicks and is just about the views (well, apart from the children’s play area and seasonal selfie spots).
You can even see Mount Fuji on a clear day and there is a small cafe area where you can enjoy brews with views.
We visited Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck during the Japanese school holidays and it was full of families having a fun time, especially the kids in the play area.
Admission for adults starts from 700 Yen on weekdays when booked in advance with a maximum price of 1200 Yen during ‘peak times’ – book your advance Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck tickets on Klook >
Ebisu Observation Decks
10. Yebisu Garden Place Tower Tokyo Observation Deck (Free)
One of the top observation decks in Tokyo, check out the free Yebisu Garden Place Tower observation deck on the 38th floor. It has amazing views of Tokyo and costs nothing.
This was the quietest observation deck in Tokyo we visited and no-one seems to know about it (the entrance is quite discreet, as it is in an office tower block.
Many of the restaurants at the top of Yebisu Garden Place Tower were closed when we visited one Sunday afternoon – BUT the best feature is that you can take high res pictures of yourself using a special camera which are then sent to your phone. So a free Tokyo observation with free pictures – nice!
Afterwards, treat yourself to a craft beer in one of Ebisu’s numerous craft beers. This was where Japan Beer Brewing Company (now now as the Sapporo Brewery) began.
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Tokyo Skytree vs Shibuya Sky – which is best?
The BIG question – is Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky better?
If you want an outdoor view with unencumbered photography opps, Shibuya Sky is the best – however, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the highest skywalk in the world so offers a higher elevation.
Shibuya Sky is also slightly cheaper than Tokyo Skytree as of summer 2024.
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Or if you just want to see more of our Japan photos and videos, follow our Plan My Japan Facebook page >
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