Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office (TMG) Tours

In the Shinjuku district of the Japanese capital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building—more commonly known as Tocho—is one of the most distinctive buildings on the Tokyo skyline. It’s made up of three structures, each of which take up an entire city block

The Basics
The tallest structure of the three is the Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No.1, which is 48 stories tall and splits into two towers at the 33rd floor. Both towers have observation decks on each of their 45th floors, which at 663 feet (202 meters) high offer panoramic views—on a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji to the west. The view from the South Tower is considered slightly better but the North Tower remains open later, which makes it more suitable for night viewing.

Sightseeing tours of Tokyo—which take place during the day and night, and typically transport you by bus or bike—often include a visit to the observation decks. Visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as part of a larger sightseeing tour is a great way to save time and avoid the hassle of navigating your own way there.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a must-visit for travelers in Tokyo for the first time.
• Unlike most Tokyo towers, the observation decks are free to access.
• For security reasons, visitors must complete bag checks prior to boarding the elevators.
• The building is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to Get There
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is in the heart of Shinjuku and is within walking distance of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Kabukicho. Tocho-mae Station on the Oedo Subway Line is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Alternatively, Shinjuku Station, which is served by multiple JR, Tokyo Metro, and private rail lines, is less than a 5-minute walk away.

When to Get There
To spot landmarks such as Tokyo Dome, Meiji Shrine, and Mt. Fuji, visit the South Tower on a clear day. To see the city illuminated by neon lights, head to the North Tower in the late evening. Both towers do get busy, so if avoiding crowds is a priority, try to visit early in the morning soon after opening. The towers are closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (or the next day if Tuesday is a national holiday) and December 29 to January 3 (except January 1).

Tourist Information Center
On the second story of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, there’s a tourist information center where you can find useful information about visiting Tokyo and other parts of Japan. The center also holds occasional fairs showcasing regional products from around the country.