Cityscape around Shinjuku with high-rise buildings and streets

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 18/07/2024

Introduction

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, often referred to as Tochō (都庁), stands as a monumental symbol of Tokyo’s rapid urban development, modernity, and ambition. Completed in 1991 and designed by the celebrated Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the building is not only the administrative center of Tokyo but also a popular tourist attraction due to its distinctive postmodern architecture and free observation decks offering panoramic views of the city. Situated in the bustling Shinjuku district, the building’s twin towers rise 243 meters (799 feet) high, showcasing Tokyo’s skyline and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The building’s design was inspired by integrated circuit boards, reflecting the technological advancements of its time. This guide explores the rich history, architectural significance, and visitor information to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic Tokyo landmark (Tokyo Metropolitan Government).

Street view of Shinjuku district in Tokyo with busy roads, tall buildings and vibrant city lights at dusk

Southwest end of Shinjuku Central Park with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in the background

Tocho bus stop facing north in Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo with Shinjuku WE Bus stopped

Bus stop Tocho Honchosha in Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, south view with Shinjuku WE Bus

Tocho bus stop with Shinjuku WE Bus in Nishishinjuku Tokyo

View of Tsunohazubashi overpass from southwest in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku NS Building

Tokyo Ueno neighborhood views in April 2019 with urban streets and buildings under blue sky

Former Tokyo Metropolitan Revenue Stamp used for passport application

Introduction
History of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- The Need for a New Seat of Government
- The Design and Construction
The Tochō’s Significance
Visitor Information
Special Events and Photographic Spots
Conclusion
FAQs

History of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Need for a New Seat of Government

Before the Tochō, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government operated from a building in Marunouchi, constructed in 1923. However, by the 1980s, this building was deemed insufficient for the city’s growing administrative needs. Tokyo, having long recovered from the devastation of World War II, was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth and urban development. The city’s population was booming, and its global influence was on the rise. A new, larger, and more modern government building was needed to reflect Tokyo’s status as a leading global city.

The Design and Construction

In 1985, a design competition was held, attracting over 100 entries. The winning design, by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, proposed a distinctive postmodern structure that would become a new landmark for Tokyo. Tange, known for his bold and futuristic designs, drew inspiration from the integrated circuit boards found in computers, reflecting the technological advancement of the time.

Construction began in 1988 on a site in Shinjuku, a bustling ward that was rapidly developing into a major business and entertainment center. The choice of Shinjuku, rather than the traditional administrative center of Chiyoda, was a deliberate one, signifying the city’s westward expansion and the emergence of Shinjuku as a new core of Tokyo.

The Tochō’s Significance

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, completed in 1991 at a cost of ¥156 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion at the time), quickly became a symbol of Tokyo’s modernity and ambition. Its towering presence, visible from miles around, served as a physical manifestation of the city’s economic power and global influence.

More than just a government building, the Tochō was designed to be accessible to the public. Its free observation decks, offering panoramic views of Tokyo, quickly became a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. This accessibility reflected the metropolitan government’s commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is open to the public daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with the last admission at 10:30 PM. The observation decks are free to enter, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

The building is easily accessible via public transportation, with the closest station being Tochōmae Station on the Toei Oedo Line. The building is also a short walk from Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Tochō, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the bustling shopping district of Shinjuku, and the vibrant nightlife of Kabukicho.

Special Events and Photographic Spots

The Tochō often hosts special events and exhibitions, providing unique insights into Tokyo’s governance and culture. The observation decks offer some of the best photographic spots in Tokyo, especially during sunset and at night when the city is illuminated.

Conclusion

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building remains the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, housing the offices of the Governor of Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly. It continues to serve as a symbol of Tokyo’s dynamism and progress, its iconic silhouette a constant reminder of the city’s ever-evolving urban landscape.

The Tochō’s significance extends beyond its administrative function. It stands as a testament to Tokyo’s resilience and its ability to reinvent itself, constantly striving for progress while honoring its rich history. For tourists, the Tochō offers not just breathtaking views but also a glimpse into the heart of Tokyo’s governance and a tangible representation of the city’s remarkable journey.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building? The building is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with the last admission at 10:30 PM.