TRAVEL

Tokyo From The Sky

June 30, 2018

Tokyo City Skyline



While Tokyo can be seen on ground-level with its enchanted streets filled with Japanese Pine trees (called Matsu), temples and shrines, skyscrapers, and neon lights, one of the other ways to experience this city is from the sky. The best skylines and city views can be seen from tall skyscraper buildings above the city with observation decks. Here are the top 5 observation decks you should visit to view Tokyo from above!



1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

NISHI-SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU

 This is the most recommended observation deck to visit as it is free of charge, and has a full 360 degree view of Tokyo that can reach as far out as Mount Fuji on a clear day. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is situated in Shinjuku and is 243m high, with two buildings - the North and South-facing buildings, with each their own observatory. Both decks feature a cafe to relax in with amazing views during the day and night, with sunset being highly-recommended.

Important to keep in mind is that the North Observation Deck is closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month, while the South Observation Deck is closed on the first and third Tuesday of each month.


Opening Hours: North Observation Deck 09:30 - 23:00, South Observation Deck 09:30 - 17:30
Admission: Free


2. Tokyo SkyTree

SUMIDA

The Tokyo SkyTree in Sumida has just as amazing views as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, but what makes this observation deck stand out from the rest? It is the tallest building in Japan, and the second tallest in the world, following the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It stands at 634m, with its first observation deck standing at 350m, and its second at 450m - almost double the height of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The SkyTree also has a large shopping mall at its base with shops and restaurants to suit everyone's needs.


Opening Hours: 08:00 - 22:00
Admission: 350m Observatory ¥2060, 350m + 450m Observatory ¥3090


3. Tokyo Tower

SHIBA-KOEN, MINATO

The Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous cites in Tokyo, having been based off of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, yet taller. It stands at 333m high and has two observation decks that provide views of the Tokyo Bay area: the main observatory at 150m and the special observatory at 250m. Aside from the observatory decks and restaurants, one can also find a Shinto Shrine, museums, galleries and an aquarium at the Tokyo Tower.


Opening Hours: 09:00 - 23:00
Admission: 150m Main Observatory ¥900, 150m Main Observatory + 250m Special Observatory ¥2,800


4. Sunshine60

EAST IKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA

The Sunshine60 building was the tallest building in Japan for over a decade from when it was first built in 1978 in East Ikebukuro. The top floor of the building is called Sky Circus and is one of those places to visit when you'd like to have a fun day away from the hustle and bustle, including its observation deck standing at 226m. Apart from gazing at the beautiful skyline, the one thing that Sunshine60 has above the rest is that it allows individuals to have lots of entertainment including an aquarium, planetarium, VR (Virtual Reality) games, Kaleido-illusion light and mirror rooms, and so much more!
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Admission: ¥1200

5. Helicopter Ride

Voyagin

Last but not least, a surprising adventure may await you if you decide to see Tokyo from the sky - literally. While an observation deck may be the most sought-after way of seeing a city from above, a private helicopter tour with a 600m panoramic view is another way for adrenaline junkies or folks with a bit more cash, to spend on an experience of a lifetime. See the sights of Odaiba, the Rainbow Bridge, the city of Ginza, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree all underneath you, lit up by neon lights in the country of the rising sun.

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