Free Tokyo observation decks: city hall and Asakusa

Compare free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center by opening hours, closing days and visitor restrictions.

Last checked:

  • Tokyo
  • Free attractions
  • Independent travel

You do not necessarily need to buy an observation deck ticket to see Tokyo. Official information marks both the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation rooms and the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center viewing terrace as free. This article compares opening hours, closure days and restrictions from official pages checked on 2026-10-28. Queue times and temporary closures are not provided officially and cannot be guaranteed here. Return to the Tokyo travel guide.

Key points

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku): Entry to both the South and North observation rooms is free. The South room opens until 22:00; the North room until 17:30.
  • Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: The observation terrace on floor 8 is free, open 9:00 to 22:00, with views of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree.
  • Tripods are not allowed at the Metropolitan Government Building, and rooms may close temporarily in severe weather.

Comparison

Item South observation room, Metropolitan Government Building North observation room, Metropolitan Government Building Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, floor 8
Price Free Free Free
Opening hours 9:30 to 22:00; last entry 21:30 9:30 to 17:30; last entry 17:00; until 22:00 when South room is closed 9:00 to 22:00
Regular closure 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month 2nd and 4th Monday of each month Not listed on the official page
Other restrictions No tripods; may close temporarily in severe weather Same as left Not listed on the official page
What you can see Shinjuku skyscrapers; official information describes projection shows; family attractions page mentions Mount Fuji views Same as left Asakusa streets and Tokyo Skytree
  • Metropolitan Government Building: If a scheduled closure falls on a holiday, it opens that day and closes the following day. It is closed 29 to 31 December, 2 to 3 January and on building inspection days. Temporary closure announcements are posted on the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation rooms X account.
  • Asakusa: Located in front of Kaminarimon Gate. The official page does not list the nearest station or closure days. Asakusa Station has three railway lines; see Tokyo attractions by area.

How to choose

Your situation Suggestion
Night views South observation room (until 22:00) or Asakusa floor 8 (until 22:00)
Traditional streets and Skytree views Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, floor 8
Shinjuku skyscrapers Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Visiting with children Both are free and can serve as rest stops; see Tokyo family attractions

Useful reminders

  • The Metropolitan Government Building’s closure days depend on the weekday and its position in the month. Check the calendar for your visit.
  • For night views, consider sunset time. The official information does not list it, so this article does not either.
  • Neither is a ticketed attraction, so there are no ticket reservation rules. The official pages do not give queue information.

Related: Three days in Tokyo and Tokyo cherry blossoms.

Sources