Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory: Free Admission, Light Show Times, Directions & Night View Tips
Tokyo Mate
🌃 Enjoy Shinjuku nights for free at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory!
See Mt. Fuji, Skytree, and Tokyo Tower from the 45th floor,
Plus the 'TOKYO Night & Light' projection mapping on the 1st floor.
Here's everything you need for the ultimate free night view experience!
⭐ Want to see all of Shinjuku’s attractions, restaurants, shopping, and night views at once? ➡️ Complete Shinjuku Guide
🌆 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory Basic Information
South vs North Observatory - What’s the Difference?
✅ Official Observatory Schedule (South & North operating hours)
| South Observatory | North Observatory |
|---|---|
| ⏰ 9:30 - 21:30 | ⏰ 9:30 - 17:00 (21:30 on South closure days) |
| 📅 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month (Next weekday if holiday) | 📅 2nd & 4th Monday each month (Next weekday if holiday) |
| ❌ Year-end/New Year (Dec 29-31, Jan 2-3) both observatories closed | |
| 💰 Admission: FREE | |
| Kusama Yayoi designed "Memory Piano" | - |
| Gift Shop: TOKYO Mikke! | Cafe: CAFE&SHOP SOCOCOCO |
🌃 360° Panoramic Views from the 45th Floor
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory stands 202 meters high, offering a complete view of Tokyo’s skyline.
Check out what landmarks you can see from each direction before you go!
[Northeast] Tokyo Skytree
Looking northeast, you can spot Tokyo’s other symbol - the Tokyo Skytree.
[Southeast] Shinjuku Gyoen & Meiji Shrine
Looking southeast, you’ll see the massive green spaces of Shinjuku Gyoen (Garden) and Meiji Shrine in the heart of the city.
[Southwest] Shinjuku Park Tower
Looking southwest, you’ll see the distinctive Shinjuku Park Tower and Tokyo Opera City.
[West] Mt. Fuji (The Best View!)
Looking west on clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji! The best visibility is from December to February when temperatures are low and the air is clear.
⚠️ Tripod Use Prohibited
For safety reasons, tripod photography is not allowed inside the observatory.
Tokyo Sky Guide
This is an observatory-exclusive guide provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. No app installation required!
Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone to instantly access information about observatory landmarks in multiple languages including English!
Kusama Yayoi’s “Memory Piano” (South Observatory)
Hours:
- Morning: 10:00 - 12:00
- Afternoon: 14:00 - 16:00
Maximum 5 minutes per person. If you want to play again, you’ll need to line up again.
Duets are allowed, but joining someone mid-performance is not permitted.
🌟 Must-See! Tokyo Metropolitan Government Light Show
‘TOKYO Night & Light’ Projection Mapping (Free Viewing)
The best attraction in Shinjuku for 2025! This massive projection mapping show uses the east wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 as its canvas.
This show has been certified by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ as the “Largest Architectural Projection Mapping” at 13,904.956㎡!
1. Light Show Viewing Tips
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Citizens’ Plaza (1st floor outdoor area, NOT the observatory!)
Cost: 🌟 FREE
📌 Pro Tip! Watch the sunset from the observatory, then come down for the light show - the perfect course!
2. 2025 Show Times (Timetable)
The light show runs every evening at 30-minute intervals for 15 minutes each. (※ May be cancelled in bad weather)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Light Show Annual Schedule
| Time | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:30 | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||||||
| 18:00 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||||
| 18:30 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||
| 19:00 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ||||
| 19:30 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 20:00 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 20:30 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 21:00 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| 21:30 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
3. Featured Programs (Godzilla, Gundam)
Different shows run throughout the year, with special collaborations like ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Gundam’ being extremely popular!
TOKYO GODZILLAs (Sat, Sun, Holidays) Celebrating Godzilla’s 70th anniversary! Watch as Godzilla attacks the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, featuring an overwhelming finale with historic Godzillas.
TOKYO GUNDAM IN THE FUTURE (Sat, Sun, Holidays) A space elevator heading from Tokyo to space. See ‘Mobile Suits’ working not as weapons of war, but for space development.
PAC-MAN eats TOKYO (Daily) A giant Pac-Man game board appears on the building!
※ Other programs include ‘Ukiyo-e’, ‘Aimer’ collaborations, and more.
✅ Check Today’s Program ➡️ Official Program: https://tokyoprojectionmappingproject.jp/en/
🧭 How to Get to the Observatory
🚇 Oedo Line Tochomae Station (Most Convenient)
Directly connected via Exit A4.
🚶 JR Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk)
Exit from the West Exit and use the underground passage! (Highly recommended) The signs are clear, and you can walk without worrying about heat or cold.
To enter the observatory, take the ‘Observatory Elevator’ from the 1st floor of the main building.
On regular holidays (Sat, Sun, holidays), the 2nd floor entrance is closed, so you must enter through the 1st floor main entrance!
Wait Times & Temporary Closures
On weekends and around sunset, waits can exceed 30 minutes.
Check the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website for temporary closures due to bad weather or real-time crowd information!
Tokyo Tourism Official X (Twitter) ➡️ @tocho_tenbou (https://twitter.com/tocho_tenbou)
📍 Where to Go After the Observatory? (Shinjuku Course)
Experience the stunning light show and enjoy the million-dollar Shinjuku night view for free from the 45th floor!
Create an unforgettable Tokyo night. 😊
➡️ Complete Shinjuku Guide: Shinjuku Gyoen, Restaurants, Shopping, Golden Gai, and More
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.