Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Situated in the west part of Shinjuku, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the fifth tallest building in Tokyo. This skyscraper is the office area for Tokyo metropolitan government and Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, what’s more, one of the best places to overlook the whole city.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

What Does Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Look Like?

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a City Hall Complex of three parts: Building No.1 with 48 stories, Building No.2 with 34 stories and Assembly Building with 7 stories. TMG No. 1 Building is split into two parts from the 33rd floor and the highest point is 243 meters (797 ft.). These grand structures were finished in 1990 and put into formal use in 1991.

Japanese master architect Kenzo Tange designed Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with a combination of postmodernism and Gothic, which makes it a magnificent landmark in Tokyo that often appears in Japanese animation works and science fictions like Conan, Godzilla. 

What to See & Do

1. Overlook Tokyo from a Height of 202 m (663 ft.)

There are two observatories - the South Observatory and the North Observatory on the 45th floor of TMG No. 1 Building. Visitors could take the Observatories Elevator from the first floor for about 55 seconds to get there at a height of 202 m, but you may need to wait for some time if it’s peak hours. Besides, free English guided tour is available.

From different directions you will get a panoramic view of different Tokyo landmarks like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Bay, Shinjuku Park Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu. And if the weather is fine and clear, you may see Mt. Fuji as well. Clear pictures and signs in the observatories will show you where to enjoy the scenery. Nightfall is a good time to visit if you want to admire the scenery from twilight to nighttime. Coffee and seats are supplied in both observatories.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2. Watch the Colorful Light Show

TOKYO Night & Light, a light show using TMG No. 1 Building as the canvas, is the largest architectural projection mapping listed by Guinness World Record. The light art is displayed every night from 18:30 to 21:45 except in stormy weather. Different projection mapping shows are screened on weekdays and weekends, of which TOKYO CONCERTO is the most striking one showing essences of Tokyo from the past to the future with both light and music. The nearby Tokyo Prefecture Hall Civic Plaza is a good spot to look up at the TMG Building and watch the light show. 

3. Sit in on a Meeting in Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly

On the second floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 186 free tickets per day for sitting in on a meeting are available for visitors who want to learn about Tokyo parliament system. You can get a ticket one hour before the meeting. Free pamphlets offered there can help you learn more about Japan’s politics. 

4. Play a Music on a Unique Piano

There is a Tocho omoide piano for memorial at the South Observatory mentioned above, which is designed by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama with yellow-black tone. Everyone can play a music on this piano for 5 minutes. If you are interested, just line up and bring everyone a music enjoyment.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

5. Have a Lunch in the Officials’ Cafeteria

Even if you are not an official of TMG, you can also enjoy a meal in their Cafeteria as long as you get a pass at the reception desk on the first floor of TMG No. 1 Building. Cafeteria is on the 32nd floor, offering noodles, Japanese set meal, Western set meal, etc. from 11:00 to 14:00 on workdays. You may have a try of Tokyo officials’ lunch while enjoying the city view by the window.

Tips on Entering the Building

1. Please note that tripods are not allowed in TMG buildings. 
2. No smoking is allowed.
3. Do not enter an unauthorized area without permission.

Opening Hours

	Opening Hours	Closed
South Observatory	9:30-22:00, Last entrance at 21:30	1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month
North Observatory	9:30-17:30, Last entrance at 17:00	2nd and 4th Monday of every month

The observatories will be closed during Dec. 29-31 and Jan. 2-3 due to New Year’s holiday.

Ticket Fare

 Free

How to Get to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

1. By train

Take a train on JR Line and get off at Shinjuku Station. Then get out from the Southeast Exit and you may walk west for about 15 minutes to get to TMG.

2. By subway

Take the subway Oedo Line and get off at Tochomae Station, then walk west for about 5 minutes to get to TMG.

3. By bus

Take the Toei Bus CH 01 and get off at Tochō-Daiichi-Honchōsha (Tokyo Metropolitan Government No.1 Building).

Nearby Attractions

Shinjuku Chuo Park: An urban oasis for people to stroll and relax. The park is opposite to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. You may walk for 2 minutes to reach it.
Meiji Jingu Shrine: The biggest and the most popular shrine in Tokyo to worship the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. You can walk north for 19 minutes to get there. You could also take Keio Dentetsu Bus at Shibuya Station and get off at Sangubashi Station, which costs 230 JPY, 10 minutes.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: It is one of the best places to appreciate cherry blossoms in Tokyo, containing three main gardens in different styles. You may take the subway Oedo Line from Tochomae Station and get off at Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, which costs 180 JPY.