Tokyo has no shortage of free and paid observation decks. A number of years ago, I started exploring whether there are off-the-beaten track locations for unique vantage points. Since many of Tokyo's tall buildings have restaurants on its upper floors, this isn't a difficult search.
One of my favourite hidden gems is Yebisu Garden Place, a fairly long walk along a mostly-covered pathway from JR Ebisu station on the Yamanote Line.
Located south of Shinjuku and west of Roppongi and Shinagawa, this is a great spot to see Tokyo's vast skyline especially on a winter afternoon when the sun shines from behind you, offering the perfect lighting.
There are long stretches of open windows along the best corners of the building so even visitors who are not dining here can walk up and soak in the views. This is not an observation deck, and definitely not a known tourist attraction but I'm thankful the building's management has created such a wonderful public space for everyone to enjoy discreetly.
I like this place even more than the Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks in Shinjuku.
Let's start with a view northwards towards Shibuya & Shinjuku :
Next, I headed to the east-facing windows for a grand view of Roppongi all the way to Tokyo Tower and the bay beyond :
By mid-afternoon, the sun would make seeing Mount Fuji a bit more difficult, but the west-facing windows have an unobstructed view as well.
