5 Best Observation Decks in Tokyo: Spectacular Places to Capture the City View

1. Tokyo Shibuya Sky Observatory Admission Ticket (Indoor and Outdoor Observation Decks)

Image: Klook

Shibuya Sky refers to the observation deck located in Shibuya Scramble Square at the heart of Tokyo. The 45th floor features an outdoor observation deck that provides a breathtaking view of the cityscape, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo’s major attractions such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, and Roppongi Hills on clear days. There is also a rest area where visitors can take a break and relax.

On the 46th floor, there is an indoor observation deck where visitors can enjoy the view regardless of the weather. There is also a photo exhibition showcasing the beautiful cityscape of Tokyo. Visitors can also enjoy digital art exhibitions at the Sky Gallery and purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. The lounge area allows visitors to enjoy drinks while taking in the city view.

Please note that rooftop operations may be suspended for safety reasons depending on the weather, but visitors can still enjoy the indoor observation deck on the 46th floor.

We highly recommend visiting Shibuya Sky to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tokyo and capture memorable photos.

To get there, take the east exit from JR Shibuya Station’s central ticket gates or from JR South ticket gates and head towards the east exit.

Image: Klook

Recent Reviews on the Klook Website in the Last 6 Months note:
・We highly recommend making a reservation before visiting. Without a reservation, entry may not be possible, and it may be difficult to use the facility during your desired time slot.
・We recommend entering between 3 PM and 6 PM to enjoy the beautiful scenery from daytime to sunset, and to take memorable photos. If you want to see the night view, it’s best to visit after 6 PM.
・A 100 yen coin is required to use the locker room for baggage storage, and hats are not allowed inside the observatory.

2. Tokyo Skytree® Admission Ticket (Indoor Observation Deck)

Image: Klook

Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest buildings in Japan and offers the perfect vantage point to see Tokyo at a glance. With a height of 634 meters, visitors can enjoy the cityscape from the Tembo Deck or the Tembo Gallery. Tokyo Skytree offers a view of Tokyo’s landmarks such as Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo Tower. Visitors can also take memorable photos of the stunning scenery from Skytree. We highly recommend experiencing the breathtaking view of Tokyo Skytree for any traveler visiting Tokyo.

To get there, visitors can take the train to Tokyo Skytree Station or Oshiage Station.

Image: Klook

▶ Recent Reviews on the Klook Website in the Last 6 Months note:
・It’s highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as purchasing tickets alone may take over an hour.
・We recommend visiting from sunset to nighttime to enjoy the stunning view. It’s absolutely amazing. It was perfect to go up around 4 PM.

3. Tokyo Tower Admission Ticket (Indoor Observation Deck)

Image: Klook

Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, is a famous landmark that is considered a symbol of Tokyo. It features a large observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tokyo from the observation deck. Additionally, the tower houses shops and restaurants, making it a great place to commemorate your Tokyo trip. Tokyo Tower is located near many shopping and leisure activities, and on clear days, visitors can even see Mount Fuji. It is one of the must-visit attractions when in Tokyo, despite the various observation decks that have emerged in recent years.

Although there is now competition from various observation decks, this red tower remains a beloved tourist destination for locals in Tokyo.

To get there, visitors can use various trains, but the Oedo Line can take you there with just a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station.

Image: Klook

▶ Recent Reviews on the Klook Website in the Last 6 Months note:
・We highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
・We recommend visiting from sunset to nighttime to enjoy the stunning view. After that, seeing the beautifully lit-up Tokyo Tower from below is also amazing.
・Tokyo Tower has souvenir shops, so it’s a great place for a quick shopping trip too!

4. Tokyo Roppongi Hills Observation Deck Ticket (Indoor and Outdoor Observation Deck)

Image: Klook

The “Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Indoor Observation Deck” located on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is a place where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo, where the atmosphere of a large city and traditional culture coexist. Indoors, you can overlook the Tokyo downtown area from a space surrounded by glass windows that cleanly capture the city’s appearance, and for an additional fee, you can also enjoy the city skyline from the outdoor Sky Deck.

From the clear sky to the setting sun and the illuminations of Tokyo buildings that resemble starlights at night, you can see the various charms of Tokyo anew every moment. Inside the observation deck, there are also cafes and souvenir shops, so there are plenty of things to enjoy while admiring the view of Tokyo. Let’s go to Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observation Deck to experience the diverse attractions of Tokyo firsthand.

To get there, take the Hibiya Line subway to Roppongi Station and exit from the 1C exit to reach the square. From there, you can see an escalator that leads up to the entrance of the Roppongi Hills complex, 66 Plaza. Go straight through the plaza, and you will see a glass building, which is the entrance to the observation deck and art museum.

Image: Klook

▶ Recent 6-month reviews on the Klook website note:
・It is recommended to make a reservation in advance above all else.
・Although we saw it from sunset to night view, the night view is still amazing. The brightly shining Tokyo Tower looks so beautiful.
・There is an advantage of being able to see it outdoors if you pay an additional 500 yen and go to the Sky Deck.

5. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck (Indoor Viewing Area)

Image: Tokyo Metropolitan Government

At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory, which stands about 202 meters high, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo’s city center. Especially at night, the view is breathtaking with countless city lights from buildings, advertisements, and neon signs. The building itself is also one of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, so it is a great opportunity to visit and enjoy the city’s stunning view.

One of the biggest advantages of the observatory is that admission is free, and there are two observation rooms, one facing north and one facing south. However, admission is only available on designated days, which can be checked on the calendar, indicating whether the North, South, or resting rooms are open.

To get there, visitors can take a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station.

Bonus: Enjoy a Private Helicopter Experience in Tokyo

Image: Klook

While observation decks provide stunning views of Tokyo, there’s an even more thrilling way to see the city from above: a private helicopter ride! Imagine soaring over Tokyo’s iconic landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Skytree along the Sumida River, all while taking in the breathtaking panorama view from 600 meters up in the helicopter. It’s definitely an unforgettable way to experience Tokyo’s beauty.

Image: Klook

When traveling to Tokyo, there are plenty of things to see and eat, but it’s highly recommended to visit a viewpoint at least once. The memories of the experience are sure to last a long time, and you may even feel the desire to visit again in the future.

* The information in this article is as of April 2023. Please check the official website or other sources for the latest information.