The Metropolitan Government Building has long offered 2 free observatories that are a must-visit on the tourist radar. They are located in each of the north and south towers with one usually open well into the night.
Situated on what was once a water purification plant, these buildings were completed in 1991. At the time, they were the tallest in the country.
Today, Shinjuku has a cluster of skyscrapers but these are a bit set back from the train station so you still get a very decent view.
After a 25 second elevator ride, you reach a height of 202m above the city on the 45th floor for plenty of panoramic views.
There are windows on all sides that you can walk around in a circular route.
Both north and south observatories were fairly busy on the day of my visit. However, I still prefer the view from Yebisu Garden Place, which are even nicer since there are less tall buildings in that area and it is far quieter.
