This was our 2nd visit to Tokyo & another great experience viewing the city. We took in the view on a weekday evening with virtually no line-up and limited crowds. The observation deck (indoor) has a 360 view of the city + a very good sitting area & gift shop. On our particular night visit, we were able to take our time without a crowded viewing area. Elevator up & down (45th floor) was quick. There are a few other observation decks in Tokyo that one can visit however the TMG Building is easy to find, quite accessible in the Shinjuku area. I recommend a night visit & perhaps a day one if possible during a weekday when crowds are less.

04/01/21 [The Guardian] > The South Observatory and the North Observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have been closed since December 23, 2020, but the North Observatory has reopened since May 14, 2024. The South Observatory is crowded all the time, presumably because of the decorated "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Memory" by Yayoi Kusama. However, the South Observatory is open from 09:30 to 22:00, while the North Observatory is open from 09:30 to 17:30. I personally recommend that you enjoy the landscape overlaid with 【Tokyo Tower】, a typical landscape of Shinjuku, from 【North Observatory】 (see the attached photograph).

Q: What was the most challenging part of drawing the "Tokyo Sightseeing Panoramic View"? A: (1) Normally, it takes 3-4 months to complete a project like this, but this time we were given only one month. I drew the initial sketch, and with the help of two others for coloring and logos, we completed the work as a team of three. (2) During the Edo period, many roads were designed with sharp curves to make it difficult for enemies to invade. This posed a challenge. Q: What did you pay particular attention to when drawing? A: I put effort and creativity into all aspects of the drawing. I especially focused on Mt. Fuji, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Disneyland, and Yokohama. I was also delighted that many guests noticed the Gundam in Odaiba. Although the Kabuki Theater faces south, I drew it facing east so that the front view would be clearly visible. Q: Can you tell us about the process of creating it? A: After discussing it with the client, we decided that the focus would be on Tokyo. Since Mr. Anraku specializes in condensing and distorting images, we compressed the whole of Japan, including Mt. Daisetsu in Hokkaido and Mt. Sakurajima in Kyushu. When I asked, "Shall we include Saitama?" the client replied that since the focus was on Tokyo, places like Saitama Super Arena and Tokyo Disneyland didn’t need to be included. However, Mt. Anraku was eager to include Tokyo Disneyland, so he made sure to depict it carefully. He also wanted to add more details of Yokohama but had to restrict it to specific landmarks like the Yokohama Landmark Tower to keep the focus on Tokyo. Q: Tokyo has many famous landmarks. Are there any that you wanted to include but couldn’t due to space limitations? A: (1) I wanted to include more buildings along the Chuo Line. (2) I regret not being able to draw the distinctive and beautiful bridges over the Sumida River, including Kachidoki Bridge, Eitai Bridge, and Kiyosu Bridge. Q: Until when will the "Tokyo Sightseeing Panoramic View" be displayed? A: The souvenir shop currently displaying it renews its contract every two years, so there’s a high possibility it will be removed if the shop changes.

We went on a Saturday morning around 9:30am, and queued for around 25mins before the bag search and then the lift up to the 45th floor. It wasn’t too crowded, and we got to see the spectacular full 360deg views. It was a sunny day, and you can see Mt Fuji quite clearly. There is a gift shop too, and a piano in the middle of the floor which I think the public can play. Well worth it.

We went early in the day on a Friday…it wasn’t too crowded at all. Easy to find from Shinjuku area. Building is beautiful…and it’s FREE…all other Observation decks cost you $$$. View of city is superb…no view of Fuji today…that’s normal. Souvenir shop and little cafe at Ob deck is there if you need it. TGOD is well worth it.

Our Number 1 top attraction Tokyo! This is a FREE viewing platform! We arrived at 8:45am on a Wednesday and the line up was already 45 minutes long. The lineup is underground and a bit difficult to locate. The signs are good...just follow them. The line moved very quickly, we were processed like cattle into the elevator and up we went. The views were good. Far reaching if somewhat foggy. This was our fist sighting of the elusive Mt Fuji, having travelled to Japan 4 other times. Blessed with a clear warm spring day. The Cherry Blossoms 🌸were fully extended below and beautiful! There were paid performers and visitors playing the piano 🎹. It was magical! Would I return to view this again...definitely! It's FREE!! Worth the time in line.

The view from the observation deck is great, if you are lucky you will be able to see Mount Fuji. Sadly on both of our visits we were unlucky, but the view is still very good and it's free. Get there as early as you can as there will be queues, even on poor visibility days. You may also hear some very good pianists as you admire the view, from the Yayoi Kusama piano. The souvenir shop is more interesting than some, and there is a cafe too and plenty of space to rest your legs if you are weary. We also visited the sky tree and to be honest it wasn't really worth the entrance fee. This is a much less crowded deck.

This building is free to visit the viewing platform. The first day we went we were too early as it doesn't open until 9am. So we went on other adventures and came back at 6pm but the line was so long we didn't bother. The next day we turned up at 7pm after a full day of activities we stood in a long line ( not as long as the day before) but it moved relatively quickly. When we got up to the viewing platform it was great and really showcased how large Tokyo is. There is a gift shop for those who want. For us when we got back to the ground floor there was the largest laser light show on Earth on the building facade it was amazing, no sure how much longer it will be on, you will need to google it.

It's definitely worth stopping by the government building with its sky-high twin towers. Just the square in front with its fine sculptures is a lovely sight. It's free to go up to the large room with a 360-degree spectacular view of Tokyo's skyline. On clear days, you can reportedly see all the way to Mount Fuji. In the middle of the room stands a piano, and here local talents entertain with good music while we guests enjoy both the view and the sweet sounds. Thank you, Tokyo, for this fine attraction.

The Tokyo government buildings in Shinjuku has two observation decks, south and north decks. This is free and have fabulous views. By comparison with Asakusa sky tree, besides being free, there's no queues. At night and daily, from sunset to 9:30 pm there's a light show projected on the facade of building number 1. Free and very enjoyable.