Walking from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station to Nishi-Shinjuku | Free Observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Hours, Closed Days, Entrance) and Sights in the Skyscraper District

Overview

On the West Exit side of Shinjuku Station lies Nishi-Shinjuku, a district packed with skyscrapers. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is here too.

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Main Building No. 1, has observatories on 45F, and anyone can enter for free. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, you can look out over Tokyo from 202 meters above the ground.
• Next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is Shinjuku Central Park, and next to the park is Juniso Kumano Shrine. For details, see Shinjuku Central Park and Juniso Kumano Shrine Guide | Getting There from Tochomae Station and Shinjuku Station, Park Facilities and Rules, Kumano Shrine History and Worship.
• Some of the skyscrapers have restaurants and shops gathered in their basements or lower floors. This article introduces the buildings we could identify from the information boards in the photos.

Getting there

From Shinjuku Station to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, you can reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in the following ways.

• JR Shinjuku Station: About 10 minutes on foot from the West Gate.
• Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line: The closest station to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's information does not give the walking time from the station.
• Toei Bus: From the bus stops in the basement at the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, take the bus that circles the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho Junkan), and get off at a stop such as "Tocho Daiichi Honchosha" (Main Building No. 1).

In October 2026, when the photos were taken, construction was under way along the road in front of the West Exit. Walking routes through the area may change, so follow the signs on site. We have not confirmed what the construction is for or how long it will last.

The Road through the Skyscraper District

As you walk from the West Exit toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the road is lined with skyscrapers on both sides. The building with a mesh pattern in the background of the photo is Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.

Opening hours

Observatory Hours and Closed Days

There are two observatories on 45F of Main Building No. 1: the South Observatory and the North Observatory.

• If a closed day falls on a national holiday, the observatory is open that day and closes on the next weekday instead.
• On days when the South Observatory is closed, the North Observatory stays open until 22:00.
• Both observatories are closed during the New Year holidays (December 29–31 and January 2–3) and on inspection days for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings. January 1 is not listed among the closed days in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's information.
• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's information does not say what happens when the South Observatory and the North Observatory have their closed days on the same day.
• Hours and closed days may change. Before you go, check the opening calendar on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's observatory page.

How to Enter the Observatories

1. Go to 1F (ground level) of Main Building No. 1.
2. On 1F, take the elevator that goes only to the observatories (the observatory elevator).

• Phone inquiries about the observatories are handled on weekdays only, and in Japanese only.
• The North Observatory has a café and a shop.

Highlights

Shinjuku I-LAND and the LOVE Sculpture

On the way from the West Exit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you pass the Shinjuku I-LAND skyscraper. A curving walkway runs around the building.

In the outdoor area of Shinjuku I-LAND stands a large red and blue sculpture spelling "LOVE".

The outdoor information board (when the photo was taken) read "SHINJUKU I-LAND" and "RESTAURANT & SERVICE & SHOP", and showed the shops on B1F to 2F along with a floor map.

Shinjuku Nomura Building

The outdoor information board of the Shinjuku Nomura Building (when the photo was taken) indicated restaurants and other shops on B1F and B2F.

Hotels as Landmarks

This is the Hilton Tokyo building. In front of it, there was a sign for "Hiltopia", an underground restaurant area.

This is the Keio Plaza Hotel building. It is a large hotel near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and serves as a landmark when you walk around the area.

Good to know

• The observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are free, but when it is crowded, you may have to wait in line.
• In October 2026, when the photos were taken, construction work was underway in front of the station at the West Exit. Roads and signs may change, so follow the signs on site.
• Near the West Exit of Shinjuku Station is Omoide Yokocho, a lane lined with yakitori stalls and other eateries. For details, see Omoide Yokocho Guide (Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokocho) | Getting There from Shinjuku Station, Bringing Cash, Shop-by-Shop Rules, and How It Differs from Golden Gai.
• To look up maps and train transfers, you need mobile data on your smartphone. For how to choose an option, see eSIM, SIM Card or Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan: How to Choose | 5 Ways to Get Online Compared, What to Check First, and Airport Pickup.