In this post we will describe the free viewpoints that we have visited in Tokyo. We only rely on our experience.
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Carrot Tower (キャロットタワー)
The Carrot Tower is a 26 floors commercial building in the Setagaya neighborhood. It is directly connected to Sangenchaya station, from which one of the two electric tram lines still in operation in Tokyo starts: the Setagaya line.
The building contains offices, shops and even a theater. On the 25th floor there is a free observation deck with 360º views and the Sky Carrot, a restaurant with views.
It’s worth stopping by and admiring the views on the way to the tram line.
Adress: 4 Chome-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0004.
How to get: We can easily get there from Shibuya with the private line Tōkyū Den-en-toshi. The price of the ticket is ¥160 (€1.30) and the JR Pass is not valid.
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Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁)
Opened in 1991, it was the tallest building in Tokyo with its 243 meters high and 48 floors, until 2006 when it was superseded by the Midtown Tower.
It is located in the Shinjuku neighborhood, very close to the station of the same name. It has two towers in which there is (in both) a viewpoint 202 meters high from which we can enjoy wonderful views of practically the entire Tokyo metropolitan area. It is said that, on clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen, but we have not been able to see it any of the times we have climbed it.
We recommend going up before sunset. The sunset is spectacular when it begins to get dark while the millions of lights of the city come on.
Of the two trips we have made to Japan, only the north tower observatory has been open. In it there is a small restaurant and a gift shop. oh! and also drink machines (of course).
To go up, you have to pass a strict security check at the entrance.
Adress: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001.
How to get: About a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (by Chuo-Dori Avenue exit).
We can also get there from the Tochomai station of the Toei subway, which is located next to the building.
Shibuya Hikarie (渋谷ヒカリエ)
It is a commercial building 183 meters high and 43 floors, opened in 2012.
It has approximately 200 stores and boutiques spread over 8 floors (from -3 to 5). It also has 26 restaurants and cafes on the 6th and 7th floors, an art gallery on the 8th floor.
And, between floors 11 and 16, is the Tokyo Theater Orb, a theater with capacity for almost 2,000 spectators. On the 11th floor, we find a large window in a corner from which we can see (somewhat removed) the Shibuya crossing and its hive of people. It is worth approaching.
Adress: 2 Chome-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8510.
How to get: About a 5 minute walk from Shibuya crossing.
Find a multitude of activities and tours in Tokyo on the Civitatis website:
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And you, have you visited any of these viewpoints or any other that we have not visited? Leave us your comment or experience to learn a little more.