Tokyo Observation Decks

In my previous trip, I was awe-struck by the view of the cityscape of Tokyo from the Skytree and wanted to have a different birds-eye view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. However, I was unable to find the time to do it in my last trip.

View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

I set my sights on visiting it this time around, and visited a number of other observations decks in the process as well.


Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building/Central Park
We walked from our hotel via the Shinjuku walkway to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Since the Observation Deck is only open at 10am, we strolled to the adjacent Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park first. The park was peaceful and serene with different flowering plants and we came across the pretty Kumano Shrine, located at a corner of the park. It seems no matter where we go around Tokyo, it's always so pretty in spring.

We managed to go to both the South Tower and the North Tower, Both had queues but they moved swiftly.

For my next visit, I would like to have an evening view and a meal in the north tower :).

I also made a mental note to visit the tourist information centre on the second floor for more Things-to-do in Tokyo and Japan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Government_Building

Bunkyo Civic Centre 25F (142m)
Although the observation deck is only on the 25th floor, it offered a nice, open view of the city. Apart from admiring the far-reaching cityscape, we could also see the rides in Tokyo Dome City ;) and a small garden with numerous cherry blossoms near the subway entrance.

Before we took the subway, we spent some time admiring the cherry blossoms at ground level.

Bunkyo Information website:
Wikipedia Bunkyo Civic Centre
Tokyo Observation Deck Guide
Where in Japan L Bunkyo Civic Centre Observation Deck

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower at Night

We decided to visit the Tokyo Tower even though its height has been surpassed by the Skytree. We wondered if it had become, or was becoming, a relic of the past. Was it still well-known and popular as an iconic symbol of Tokyo?

We arrived after 8pm and were surprised that visiting the tower needed a 40 minutes wait. I was solely mistaken...
The deck was crowded but the night view was simply enchanting, with roads and rail tracks slicing across the glittery landscape, and extending far into the night. We circled the viewing deck a few rounds to watch the ever changing lights from the buildings and roads.

It is worth visiting the Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Metropolitan Building is also open at night, and in my next trip, I'll be sure to catch the night view of the city from there instead.

"Bird-eye view : the city hums along, the significance and insignificance of oneself" travelbooklet

On the Same Trip:
Cherry Blossom 
Nezu Shrine, Harujuku, Shinjuku Evening