Tokyo Things to Do Views & Observation Decks

The 9 Best Observation Decks in Tokyo (2026)

Updated October 2026 · 9 picks

The best views in Tokyo in 2026 are from Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills and the free observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Book timed tickets online for Shibuya Sky and Skytree, and use free decks such as Caretta Shiodome, Shibuya Hikarie and Carrot Tower if you want a skyline without paying.

Tokyo has paid decks at the top of the biggest towers and a good number of free ones in office and shopping buildings. The paid decks are worth it for height and an open-air rooftop; the free ones are enough for a night view of the skyline. Weather decides everything: on a clear day you may see Mount Fuji, and on a cloudy one the upper decks sit in cloud.

Pair a deck with a nearby sight from our best things to do in Tokyo, or finish the night at one of the best cocktail bars in Tokyo.

1. SHIBUYA SKY — Shibuya

Open-air rooftop above Shibuya Scramble Square, looking down on the crossing.

¥¥¥Best for Couples · Groups

Shibuya Sky is the observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, about 230 meters above the crossing. It combines indoor galleries with an open-air rooftop, so you can look down on the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and across to Tokyo Tower and Yoyogi.

It sits directly above Shibuya Station.

Good to know: Buy a timed ticket online in advance, and pick a slot about an hour before sunset for day, dusk and night in one visit.

Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002

Google Maps Website

2. TOKYO SKYTREE — Oshiage

The tallest tower in Japan, with decks at 350 and 450 meters.

¥¥¥Best for Families · Couples

Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall. The Tembo Deck sits at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, giving the highest public views in the city. It stands in Oshiage, close to Asakusa and Senso-ji.

The official site recommends buying tickets online and lists expected crowd levels to help you choose a time.

Good to know: Buy tickets only on the official site; it warns about fake Skytree websites. Check the expected-crowds page before choosing a time.

1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045

Google Maps Website

3. Tokyo Tower — Shiba

The 333-meter red landmark with a Main Deck at 150 meters and a Top Deck tour.

¥¥Best for Families · Couples

Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall. The Main Deck is at 150 meters, and the Top Deck Tour goes up to 250 meters. There are also a Tokyo Diamond Tour with a lounge and an open-air external staircase, according to the official site.

Choose it for the tower itself and a close-up view of central Tokyo rather than for height.

Good to know: Tickets are sold on the tower's official ticket site; check which tour (Main Deck, Top Deck Tour or Diamond Tour) you want before you buy.

4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011

Google Maps Website

4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories — Nishi-Shinjuku

Two free observatories on the 45th floor in Shinjuku, about 200 meters up.

Best for Families · Solo · Groups

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has a north and a south observatory on the 45th floor, around 200 meters up, and admission is free. Take the observatory elevator from the first floor of Main Building No. 1.

It is the best free deck in the city, with views over Shinjuku's skyscrapers.

Good to know: Closure days differ for each observatory and they can close at short notice for weather; check the official site or the @tocho_tenbou account before you go.

2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001

Google Maps Website

5. Tokyo City View — Roppongi Hills

The 52nd-floor indoor deck in Mori Tower, open until 10 p.m.

¥¥Best for Couples · Groups

Tokyo City View is on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, looking over the Roppongi skyline. It is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m., and the official site offers combo tickets with the Mori Art Museum.

Roppongi Hills' restaurants and shops are in the same complex.

Good to know: Buy the combo ticket if you also want the Mori Art Museum, and check the official site for exhibition and special-event hours.

Mori Tower 52F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6150

Google Maps Website

6. Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory — Ikebukuro

A 60th-floor deck in Ikebukuro, renovated and reopened as Sky Circus in 2016.

¥¥Best for Families · Groups

Sky Circus sits on the 60th floor of the Sunshine 60 building in Ikebukuro. It was renovated and reopened under its current name in 2016.

Third-party sources list opening hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last admission at 8 p.m., though hours can change by season.

Good to know: Confirm opening hours and any special-event closures before you go, since third-party sources disagree on some days.

Sunshine 60 Building 60F, 3-1-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-6090

Google Maps

7. Caretta Shiodome SKY VIEW — Shiodome

Free 46th-floor viewing space over Tokyo Bay, near Ginza.

Best for Couples · Solo

Caretta Shiodome's SKY VIEW is a free viewing space on the 46th floor with views over the Shiodome skyscrapers and toward Tokyo Bay. Restaurants occupy the floors above.

Use the shuttle elevator from the B2 level; regular elevators do not reach the 46th floor.

Good to know: Sources list evening hours of about 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., but they differ slightly; confirm before you go.

1-8-1 Higashishimbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-7090

Google Maps

8. Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby — Shibuya

A free 11th-floor lobby with views over Shibuya Station and Yoyogi.

Best for Solo · Couples

The Sky Lobby on the 11th floor of Shibuya Hikarie is free to enter and connects directly to Shibuya Station through the 2nd-floor walkway. It gives a view across Shibuya's rail lines and toward the sunset.

Several guides say no reservation is needed.

Good to know: Hours differ across sources, from 7 a.m. to midnight to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; check the Hikarie floor guide before you go.

Shibuya Hikarie 11F, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8510

Google Maps

9. Sky Carrot Observation Lobby (Carrot Tower) — Sangenjaya

A free 26th-floor lobby in Sangenjaya, with a cafe and restaurant on the same floor.

Best for Solo · Couples

The Sky Carrot Observation Lobby on the 26th floor of Carrot Tower in Sangenjaya is free to enter. It is reached by a direct elevator from the second floor, and a restaurant and a cafe sit on the same floor.

It is a local favorite for a night view away from the central business districts.

Good to know: Time Out lists hours of 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., but another source says 10 p.m.; plan to arrive earlier than closing.

4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0004

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is the best observation deck in Tokyo?

Shibuya Sky is the most popular choice for its open-air rooftop above Shibuya Crossing. Tokyo Skytree is the tallest, with decks at 350 and 450 meters, and Tokyo Tower is the classic red landmark. The free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories are the best no-cost option.

Are there free observation decks in Tokyo?

Yes. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has two free observatories, and several buildings, including Caretta Shiodome, Shibuya Hikarie and Carrot Tower in Sangenjaya, have free viewing spaces. Hours vary and can change, so check before you go.

Do I need to book Tokyo observation deck tickets in advance?

It is worth doing for Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree, which sell online tickets and recommend buying that way. The free decks need no ticket, though you may queue at the elevator on busy evenings.

What is the best time to go up?

Go about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight, dusk and night in one visit. Clear winter days give the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji.

Where can I see Tokyo Tower in the view?

Look out from Shibuya Sky, Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills or the Government Building decks in Shinjuku, which all let you pick out the red tower. Standing on Tokyo Tower itself gives a closer city view but, of course, not the tower in the frame.

Can you see Mount Fuji from Tokyo?

Sometimes. On clear days, mostly in the cooler months, Fuji is visible from the higher decks. Do not count on it, and check the weather the day before you book.

1. SHIBUYA SKY — Shibuya

2. TOKYO SKYTREE — Oshiage

3. Tokyo Tower — Shiba

4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories — Nishi-Shinjuku

5. Tokyo City View — Roppongi Hills

6. Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory — Ikebukuro

7. Caretta Shiodome SKY VIEW — Shiodome

8. Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby — Shibuya

9. Sky Carrot Observation Lobby (Carrot Tower) — Sangenjaya

Frequently asked questions

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