Travel in Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory · 東京都庁南展望室
Visit the government building's South Observatory for a free view over the city from Shinjuku. It fits a day exploring the surrounding area.
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Visitor information
Opening hours
Open 09:30–22:00, with entry until 21:30. Closed the first and third Tuesdays, or the next weekday when Tuesday is a public holiday. Check the official calendar and notices for temporary closures over year-end holidays, during inspections or in severe weather.
What to see at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
A free city view in Shinjuku
Head to the South Observatory to look over the city during your Shinjuku sightseeing day.
How to get to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
Walk about 10 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station's West Exit to the government building. Take the observatory elevator from the first floor of Main Building No. 1, allowing additional time for the queue.
Visiting tips
Allow time for the elevator queue
Take the dedicated observatory elevator from the first floor of Main Building No. 1. Entry waits are additional to the walk from Shinjuku Station. On departure day, also leave time afterwards to collect your luggage and reach the airport.
Regular and temporary closures
Closed on the first and third Tuesdays, or the next weekday when Tuesday is a public holiday. Year-end holidays, building inspections and severe weather may also cause closures. Check the visit calendar; skip the stop if a long queue would make your next journey too tight.
Questions about Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
Can you visit the South Observatory in the evening?
Open 09:30–22:00, with entry until 21:30. Check your date's calendar because regular or temporary closures prevent access. Leave time for the elevator queue.
Official sources
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