Designed by Kenzo Tange to resemble a computer chip, Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Office Building is a set of three towering skyscrapers, in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo.
Two of the towers have a panoramic Observatory on the 45th floor, or 202 metres up, and there’s a few things about them that are rather special.
As well as one of the most amazing illuminated Cityscape outlooks you’ll find, the T.M.G. Building Observatory is open to the public, every night till 9pm, and what’s more – entrance to the observatory is FREE to the public.
Now that’s something that doesn’t come along too often, does it?
But back to the building. Impressive by day, the view was spectacular by night.
This is one of the views that awaits you.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building complex occupies an entire block close to Shinjuku station. Entrance is via street level or a subterranean shopping arcade and underground walkway. There are actually two observatories, one in the North tower and one is the South tower, each with alternate openings times, so that if you visit two nights in a row, you might see two different views.
This is important to note, as it can be somewhat disorienting, if you exit via a different lift than you entered previously. Or perhaps it is only a sign of my approaching the elder years?
Uniformed Security Personnel are on hand to check bags prior to entering the lifts in the main foyer. In typical Japanese fashion, these Assistants are immaculately dressed, polite and helpful. Note that there will be a queue to enter the lifts, so factor this into your time allowance when visiting.
I would allow 45 minutes to an hour for this experience. Longer if you want to browse the gift shop or eat at the rooftop restaurant – which comes complete with faux Roman columns! The few trip advisor reviews for the restaurant I read, were mixed but they would surely have a first class view.
When you return to ground level, don’t forget to keep an eye out for an interesting clock in the foyer.
Even in the daytime, the building is quite impressive. In the foreground is a walkway across the busy street.
If you are observant of details and the resolution is not too small, you might note there is what appears to be a homeless person in the foreground. This was the only one I ever saw in the time visiting Japan. He appeared to be reading his Buddhist scriptures in the morning mist. I know that he was Buddhist, not that it is of any consequence to me what religious persuasion he was.
I realized this at a much later date, when I was informed by one of our guides that Shintoism does not have any written scriptures. In fact, anyone can invent a deity in Shinto if it is meaningful for them. They have thousands of deities.
Something to Ponder About
I have put this building on The List for my next trip to Tokyo – thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH Great! When are you going?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haven’t yet decided but it will be in autumn as I was last there during sakura.
LikeLiked by 1 person
During Sakura? You lucky thing! I am not game to book a trip then as I feel sure that I would be either too early or too late for Sakura. Was it extraordinarily busy to travel there during that time?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was back in 2007 and we were just fortunate that our business trip/holiday fell during cherry blossom time. Of course, Japan quite rightly has since become a more popular holiday destination.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you posted about it, on your blog, Sheree?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have but as it was before my blog started its one of my 40 years of memorable moments. There are not many photos and its a short summary of our trip, nothing particularly detailed. I enjoyed it so much I’ve been wanting to go back for years and see more but probably not next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds very exciting, Sheree. For sure, you will notice a lot of differences in 40 years. For instance, there are loads more English signs in Japan. I intend to post a little more about Japan. Have you seen the previous posts about the Shinjuku area and the Gyoen National Garden that I posted recently?
LikeLike
Impressive! 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I didn’t know that we can go inside the Governmental Building. Thanks for the info 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed, Len. Only the ground floor, mezzanine where you can get the lifts, subway arcades and the observatory, as far as I know. I guess security covers the rest of the building so it is restricted. Are you planning another trip soon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Currently I don’t have a concrete plan. But I hope I can travel to Japan this winter 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exciting. Are you going to ski too?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, I don’t even know how to ski 🙂 I just want to see the snow-covered landscape. But I am still concerned about the coldness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No? Then it is high time you gave it a try, Len. Everyone has to start somewhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks very impressive! I love the evening view ❤ My daughter went to Tokyo last year and speaks very highly of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that is good to hear, Suvi. Did she visit this building by any chance?
LikeLike
I don’t think so, she did mention a building with a view but said they missed it. Not sure if it was this same one. They had Tokyo Disneyland on their agenda 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The young ones love that place, don’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look like a computer chip. The night view is gorgeous. What struck me most though was how clean the building looked in daylight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Japan is ultra clean, Chris. Everyone is responsible for disposing of their own rubbish in Japan. There are very few rubbish bins visible on the streets and as a consequence there is very little litter seen. It sometimes seems we could learn a lot from this concept.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Impressive building!!! I think I’m so used to see photos of cherry blossoms and pagodas that I forgot that Japan is also quite modern!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is this recurring dichotomy in Japan, of old versus new. Oriental versus Western. Natural versus Man-made. That is what makes it such an interesting destination, I think, Mercedes.
LikeLike
Incredible building!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a bit unique, Sabine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is! 😊
LikeLike
Japan is on our wish list. Thanks for sharing the info about this amazing building.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am surprised that you have never been, Peggy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We reckon it’s an easier destination that we can save for later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes, I think you may have mentioned that. Do the physically demanding destinations while you are young and fit, hey?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s worked for us so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!
LikeLike