Tokyo Observatories Compared: 5 Decks & Free Options

🗼 Looking for the best Tokyo observatory recommendations?
Compare the top 5 observatories by height, price, and reservation requirements,
And find the perfect viewpoint for your trip
With our complete selection guide!

Hello! This is Tokyo Mate, bringing you all the insider tips for Tokyo travel. 🗼

One of the most common questions I get when planning Tokyo itineraries is:

“There are so many observatories—if I can only visit one, which should it be?"

With varying admission fees and views, Tokyo’s observatories can be overwhelming. Simply going based on “pretty” reviews might leave you disappointed by expensive tickets and long waits.

That’s why I’ve prepared this guide. To save you time searching, I’ve compiled a complete Tokyo observatory comparison based on height, price, and reservation requirements, along with booking tips and a situation-based selection guide to help you find your perfect viewpoint.

1. Tokyo Observatory Comparison Table (Height, Price, Reservation Summary)

Here’s a comprehensive comparison table of Tokyo’s observatories.

2. Tokyo Observatory Selection Guide (Recommendations by Type)

Here’s a customized recommendation to solve your decision paralysis. Check your travel style.

📸 If Instagram-worthy shots and trendy spots are your priority?
👉 [Shibuya Sky] is a must-visit. The glass-free rooftop view is irreplaceable.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveling with kids or love shopping?
👉 [Tokyo Skytree] is perfect with its connected shopping mall (Solamachi) and aquarium—ideal for a half-day course.

🧡 Want retro vibes & iconic symbolism?
👉 [Tokyo Tower] offers classic charm with its red steel tower.

🗼 Want a night view “with Tokyo Tower in it”?
👉 [Roppongi Hills] offers the most beautiful angle of Tokyo Tower—a top Tokyo night view spot.

💸 Want to save money! Looking for free options?
👉 [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory] is free but the view quality rivals paid observatories.

1️⃣ Overwhelming #1: Shibuya Sky (SHIBUYA SKY)

“The only place to feel Tokyo’s wind without glass barriers”

Shibuya Sky is currently Tokyo’s most competitive observatory to book. After passing through the 46th-floor indoor gallery (SKY GALLERY), you reach the rooftop (SKY STAGE) with an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view.

• Recommended for: Instagram enthusiasts, trendy hotspot lovers
• Features: 229m height. Famous for photos overlooking Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the escalator shot.

📝 Shibuya Sky Basic Information

• Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:30 (last entry 21:20)
• Observatory structure: 14F (ticket office) → 45-46F (indoor gallery/lockers) → rooftop (SKY STAGE)
• Access: Direct connection from Shibuya Station Exit B6 (Shibuya Scramble Square Building)

📍 View on Google Maps

💰 Admission Fee

• Reservation method: Sales begin 2 weeks before entry date at midnight (sunset time slots sell out in 1 minute—be careful)

➡️ Buy Shibuya Sky tickets online (KKday)

🚨 Visit Tips & Precautions

1. No personal items allowed (very strict ❌): Bags, hats, selfie sticks, and tripods are not allowed on the rooftop. (Must store in 46F 100-yen return lockers)

2. Luggage storage tip: 46F lockers are small (H32×W37.5×D43cm). For large luggage, use shibuya-san on Shibuya Fukuras 1F. (50% drink discount with ticket)

3. Late arrival restrictions: If you’re late for your reservation time, entry may be denied or you’ll wait for the next slot. If the time slot changes and the fee increases, you must pay the difference—arrive with time to spare.

4. Children & strollers: Personal strollers are not allowed on the rooftop. The information desk lends dedicated strollers, but ID is required. (18kg limit only)

5. Bad weather & refund policy: The rooftop may close during strong winds/rain. (Full refund available if before entry)

2️⃣ Walk Above the Clouds: Tokyo Skytree (TOKYO SKYTREE)

“Japan’s tallest at 634m—overwhelming scale”

Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower. On clear days, you can see not only Tokyo city but also Mt. Fuji in the distance. Beyond the observatory, the lower-level shopping mall Solamachi and aquarium are connected, making it perfect for combining sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

• Recommended for: Those wanting to experience "the highest point," families with children, shopping enthusiasts
• Features: At 634m, it's Japan's tallest. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji, and it's perfect for a half-day course.

📝 Tokyo Skytree Basic Information

• Hours: Weekdays 10:00 ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:00) / Holidays 9:00 ~ 22:00
• Observatory structure: 350m (Tembo Deck/cafe) + 450m (Tembo Galleria/sky walk)
• Access: Direct connection from Oshiage Station (Z14) or Tokyo Skytree Station (TS02)

📍 View on Google Maps

💰 Admission Fee

• Reservation method: Advance tickets sold from 30 days before to the day before entry date, weekday and holiday prices differ.

➡️ Buy Tokyo Skytree tickets online (Klook)

🚨 Visit Tips & Precautions

1. Weather variables: Due to the extreme height, clouds can obstruct the view. Visit on the clearest day of your trip.

2. Avoid crowds: Weekend queues can be long—morning visits recommended.

3️⃣ Tokyo’s Eternal Symbol: Tokyo Tower

“Classic Tokyo vibes from the red steel tower”

Tokyo Tower is Tokyo’s eternal symbol, beyond height competition. The 333m red steel tower offers analog charm by day and warm orange-lit night views. Its appeal is feeling the cityscape up close and three-dimensionally.

• Recommended for: Retro atmosphere lovers, those wanting to visit Tokyo's iconic landmark
• Features: Feel the urban jungle three-dimensionally, atmospheric even on rainy days

📝 Tokyo Tower Basic Information

• Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:30)
• Observatory structure: Main Deck (150m) / Top Deck (250m)
• Access: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station Exit, 8-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station Exit 1

📍 View on Google Maps

💰 Admission Fee

• Reservation method: Advance tickets available from 3 months before to the day before entry date

➡️ Buy Tokyo Tower tickets online (KKday)

🚨 Visit Tips & Precautions

1. Sunset timing: The transition from daylight to night view is spectacular—arrive 30 minutes before sunset.

2. Rainy day charm: The rain-soaked city lights create a unique, cinematic atmosphere.

4️⃣ Tokyo Tower in Your View: Roppongi Hills

“The most beautiful angle to see Tokyo Tower”

Roppongi Hills Observatory (Tokyo City View) is famous for its Tokyo Tower view. At 250m height on the 52nd floor, you get an unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower framed perfectly in the cityscape—one of Tokyo’s top night view spots.

• Recommended for: Those wanting a night view "with Tokyo Tower," photography enthusiasts
• Features: Best angle for Tokyo Tower, can also see Mt. Fuji on clear days

📝 Roppongi Hills Basic Information

• Hours: 10:00 ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:30)
• Observatory structure: 52F Tokyo City View (indoor) + 53F Mori Art Museum
• Access: Direct connection from Roppongi Station Exit 1C (Hibiya/Oedo Lines)

📍 View on Google Maps

👉 2026 Roppongi Hills Observatory Complete Guide｜Closed Days, Discount Booking, Traffic Restrictions (Including January Notice)

💰 Admission Fee

• Reservation method: Advance tickets available from 3 months before to the day before entry date

➡️ Buy Roppongi Hills tickets online (KKday)

🚨 Visit Tips & Precautions

1. Best photo timing: The “blue hour” right after sunset (around 30 minutes) offers the most beautiful Tokyo Tower view.

2. Weekday vs weekend: Weekends can be crowded—weekday evenings recommended for a quieter experience.

5️⃣ Best Value: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

“Free admission with paid-quality views”

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory is the ultimate value option. At 202m on the 45th floor, it offers free admission with panoramic views of Tokyo—including Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, Tokyo Tower, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji.

• Recommended for: Budget travelers, those wanting quality views without admission fees
• Features: Completely free, views rival paid observatories, convenient Shinjuku location

📝 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Basic Information

• South Observatory: 09:30 ~ 22:00 (night views available, closed 1st & 3rd Tuesday)
• North Observatory: 09:30 ~ 17:30 (closed 2nd & 4th Monday)
• Observatory structure: South observation room / North observation room (45F)
• Access: Direct connection from Tochomae Station (Oedo Line) or 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit

📍 View on Google Maps

👉 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Free Observatory Light Show Times, Access, Closed Days, Shinjuku Night View Complete Tips

💰 Admission Fee

Completely FREE (0 yen) - No reservation required, walk-in only

🚨 Visit Tips & Precautions

1. Closed days: South and North observatories have different closed days—check before visiting.

2. Evening crowds: Popular for sunset views—arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot.

3. Light show: Special light shows on certain days—check the official website for schedules.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. Which observatory is best on rainy days?

A. I don’t recommend outdoor “Shibuya Sky” or “Tokyo Skytree” (clouds can obstruct views). Instead, visit Roppongi Hills or Tokyo Tower, which offer comfortable indoor viewing environments.

Q. Do I need to book in advance?

A. Yes, especially for weekends and sunset time slots. For Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree, advance reservations reduce wait times and offer discount benefits.

That wraps up our Tokyo observatory comparison and rankings. My personal top pick is Shibuya Sky. While reservations are challenging, the sense of openness is absolutely unmatched anywhere else.

Which one appeals to you most? 😊

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