What are the top 3 must-visit night view spots in Tokyo?

The three essential night view spots are the iconic Tokyo Tower, the towering Tokyo Skytree (the world's tallest radio tower), and the new trending hotspot, Shibuya Sky.

How much does it cost to go up Tokyo Tower?

The Main Deck (150m) costs 1,500¥ (approx. $10 USD) for adults. The Top Deck Tour (150m + 250m) costs 3,500¥ (approx. $23 USD).

Is there a good free observation deck in Tokyo?

Yes, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers free admission to its observation decks on the 45th floor, providing excellent views of the city.

What is special about Shibuya Sky?

Shibuya Sky is an open-air observatory on the rooftop (approx. 230m) of the Shibuya Scramble Square building. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and is especially popular during the 'magic hour' at sunset.

Where can I get the best photo of Tokyo Tower?

Roppongi Hills 'Tokyo City View' (Mori Tower 52nd floor) is highly recommended as it offers one of the most beautiful views for photographing Tokyo Tower along with the city skyline.

Tokyo Night View: Best Spots ft. Skytree, Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Sky

Tokyo is a city with different charms by day and night. Especially the night view, when the entire city is colored with light from sunset until deep night, is one of the scenes you can't miss on your Tokyo trip. Among the countless observatories and night view spots, the landmarks of Tokyo—Tokyo Tower, the overwhelmingly tall Tokyo Skytree, and the recently trending Shibuya Sky—are essential stops. This article will focus on these three locations, along with other major spots to enjoy the Tokyo night view, tips for finding free views, and photography advice. If you are looking for practical information to fully enjoy the beautiful Tokyo night, this guide will be a great help.

Landmark Night View Spots That Light Up Tokyo's Night

The Symbol of Tokyo: Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower, a 333m tall landmark built in 1958, was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Its orange and white 'Landmark Light' warmly illuminates the Tokyo night, and it sometimes features special lighting to commemorate special days. Tokyo Tower operates two observatories: the Main Deck at 150m and the Top Deck Tour at 250m, offering a panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape.

Tokyo Tower

Location: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 09:00–23:00 (Last entry 22:30)
Admission:
- Main Deck (150m): Adult 1,500¥ (approx. $10 USD)
- Top Deck Tour (150m + 250m): Adult 3,500¥ (approx. $23 USD) (3,300¥ or approx. $22 USD if booked online)
Features: You can also experience climbing the outdoor stairs to the Main Deck, and the 'Skywalk Window,' a section of the transparent floor, offers a thrilling experience.

The Newest Hotspot: Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky, which has recently emerged as a new hotspot for Tokyo's night view, is an open-air observatory located on the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square building. At about 230m high, you can enjoy a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the Tokyo cityscape. It is particularly crowded during the 'magic hour' at sunset, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and the spectacular Tokyo night at the same time.

Shibuya Sky

Location: Shibuya Scramble Square Rooftop, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00–22:30 (Last entry 21:20)
Admission (On-site purchase):
- Adult (Ages 12+): 2,700¥ (approx. $18 USD) (Before 15:00), 3,400¥ (approx. $22 USD) (After 15:00)
Features: It is better to book online in advance. The rooftop observatory may close during bad weather, so it's advisable to check the official website before visiting.

Overwhelming Height: Tokyo Skytree

At 634m, the Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest broadcasting tower and a place where you can view Tokyo's night scenery from an overwhelming height. From the 350m Tembo Deck and the 450m Tembo Galleria, you can see not only the Tokyo cityscape but also Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The Tembo Galleria is a tube-shaped glass corridor that makes you feel like you are walking in the sky.

Tokyo Skytree

Location: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 09:00–21:00 (Last entry 20:00)
Admission:
- Tembo Deck (350m): Adult 2,100¥ (approx. $14 USD)
- Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria (450m): Adult 3,100¥ (approx. $20 USD)
Features: It has various restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, making it a good place to enjoy meals and shopping.

Capturing the Vibe of Tokyo Tower: Roppongi Hills

'Tokyo City View' on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills' Mori Tower is one of the best spots to see the night view of Tokyo Tower and the city center. It's particularly popular as a photo spot for taking pictures with Tokyo Tower, and the 'Sky Deck' on the rooftop allows you to enjoy the night view while feeling the breeze outdoors.

Roppongi Hills

Location: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
- Indoor Observatory: 10:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
- Sky Deck: 10:00–20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
Admission: Adults from approx. 1,500¥ (approx. $10 USD) (may vary by booking site)
Features: Tokyo Tower is visible up close, making it a great spot for night photography. Note that the Sky Deck may close in strong winds or rain, and tripods are not allowed.

Hidden & Free Night View Spots in Tokyo

The Most Practical Free Observatory: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

If the admission fees for paid observatories are a burden, we recommend the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. You can enjoy the Tokyo cityscape for free from the South Observatory and North Observatory on the 45th floor. It is considered one of the best free night view spots, offering views of Shinjuku's skyscraper forest, Tokyo Tower, and even Mt. Fuji.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Location: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
- South Observatory: 09:30–23:00 (Last entry 22:30)
- North Observatory: 09:30–17:30 (Check website, as it may be closed)
Features: Besides the advantage of free admission, its convenient accessibility makes it easy to include in a Shinjuku travel itinerary.

Romantic Seaside Night View: Odaiba Seaside Park

Odaiba is a place where you can enjoy the night view in a different atmosphere from the city center. Especially at Odaiba Seaside Park, you can enjoy a beautiful night view featuring the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. In summer, you can watch fireworks, and it is also a romantic place for a walk.

Odaiba Seaside Park

Location: 1-4 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Features: Taking a picture with Odaiba's Statue of Liberty is an essential course, and you can also enjoy the night view for free from the rooftop terrace of the nearby Aqua City Odaiba.

Another Way to Enjoy the Tokyo Night View

Night View Restaurants with Atmosphere

If you want to dine while enjoying the night view, try visiting a restaurant near Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree. 'The Tavern - Grill & Lounge' at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills or 'Sky Restaurant 634' at Tokyo Skytree are places where you can dine with a stunning view. 'Katsura Steak House', which overlooks Tokyo Tower, is also a good choice.

Sky Restaurant 634

Recommended Restaurants: Katsura Steak House (Tokyo Tower view), Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Tokyo Tower view), Sky Restaurant 634 (Tokyo Skytree), etc.

Tokyo Night View Photography Tips

If you want to capture the beautiful night view in photos, refer to these tips.

Magic Hour: Aim for the 'magic hour' during sunset and just after it gets completely dark. You can get photos where the sky's color and the city lights harmonize.
Avoid Glass Reflections: In indoor observatories, press your camera lens as close to the glass as possible and block surrounding light with your hand or a black cloth to reduce reflections.
Use a Tripod: Long exposure is essential for night photography, so a small tripod can help you take clear, blur-free photos. However, some observatories prohibit tripods, so you need to check in advance.

Tokyo's night is filled with countless lights. You can experience Tokyo's splendor at landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Sky, and Tokyo Skytree, or find practical ways to enjoy the night view for free, like at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. If you're with a partner, spending a romantic time at a restaurant with a good atmosphere will also be a great memory. We hope your Tokyo trip will shine even brighter by referring to the Tokyo night view spots recommended in this article.