Tokyo Metropolitan Building – the Tax Tower

Nicknamed the ‘Tax Tower,’ the huge building housing the offices of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is the perfect place to while away a blistering July or August afternoon in air-conditioned comfort – at no cost - all the while with a view unequalled in this part of Tokyo.

When it first opened in 1991 at a cost of US$1 billion, the tower was the tallest structure in the city. A decade and a half later, the ‘tallest’ title may have gone (see below-Tokyo Midtown) but ‘Tocho’ is still more than worth the 10 minute or so walk west of the massive Shinjuku Station with two towers – the north and south – stretching upwards for 243m with observation decks on the 45th floor (202m high) of each.

Access: 10-15 min walk from Shinjuku Station – various JR / subway lines – West Exit - follow signs for Tokyo Metropolitan Building or ask on the street for ‘Tocho.’

Fee: None

Opening Hours:

North Tower – Daily (inc. weekends / national holidays) from 09:30-23:00. (closed 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month)

South Tower – Daily (inc weekends / national holidays) from 09:30-17:30 // 09:30-23:00 on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. (closed 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month).