11 of the Best Views in Tokyo and Where To Find Them

Opened in 2012, the Skytree is a relative newcomer on Tokyo’s observation tower scene, but it’s the tallest, with one of the highest observation decks in Tokyo. In fact, it’s one of the tallest structures in the world, at 2,080 feet (634 meters), so if you’re after panoramic views of Tokyo, you’ll find them here. Ride an elevator to one or both of the observation decks (at 1,148 feet, or 350 meters and 1,476 feet, or 450 meters, respectively), where you can enjoy cafés, restaurants, and shops. On a clear day, you’ll see far across Kanto.

Only about half the height of the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Tower is no longer the city’s tallest tower by a long shot. But the red-and-white striped communications tower offers a completely different viewing experience to its taller counterpart across the Sumida River. It’s still one of the top places for city views in Tokyo. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 600 steps up to the observation deck. (If you’re not, there’s an elevator.) The Tokyo Tower is also more centrally located, and you can look down on the green expanse of Shiba Park below.

Walking from one side of the street to another via the multi-directional pedestrian crosswalk without bumping into someone takes a mammoth effort, but visitors to the central Shibuya neighborhood need to try the Shibuya Scramble Crossing at least once. You can also watch the action from a less chaotic perch at one of the nearby cafés, restaurants, or shops that overlook the crossing. Walking tours of Shibuya help you navigate Shibuya Crossing without getting too frazzled.

You might think you’d stumbled into New York City when you explore Odaiba Seaside Park with its replica of the Statue of Liberty, although it’s much smaller than the original. The bayside development of Odaiba was built on a string of reclaimed islands in Tokyo Bay and offers photo-worthy views, including of the central metropolis. The Rainbow Bridge connecting Odaiba to the mainland, which you can walk across, lights up colorfully at night. Odaiba Seaside Park is one of the best Tokyo skyline photography locations, best explored on a scenic walking tour or by bicycle, including a Tokyo Bay Cruise.

Most of the observation decks in Tokyo will separate you from quite a few yen, but there’s a happy exception. The twin 662-foot (202-meter) observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s two towers are free to visit. As the building is located in the central Shinjuku district, you’re treated to a panoramic view from the heart of the city, including sprawling Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen). On a clear day, you may be able to see all the way to Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san) although views of the mountain are quite rare from the capital.

If you’re seeking views that take you back to old Tokyo, before its World War II destruction and subsequent redevelopment, then the Imperial Palace Outer Garden is the place to stroll. It’s one of the most scenic spots in Tokyo. Japan’s emperor still lives at the Imperial Palace so access to the building itself is restricted, but you can walk along the moats and through ornamental landscaping in the Outer Garden, then tour the ruins of Edo Castle. The views are especially beautiful in spring, when the garden’s thousands of cherry trees bloom and locals hold hanami, or flower-viewing, parties.

Sometimes, the best views are all about timing. Neon-lit Ginza is one of Tokyo’s more upmarket shopping districts, featuring some of its most creative commercial architecture. If you visit during peak midweek traffic, you may not fully appreciate the neighborhood’s appeal. However, on weekends and public holidays, Ginza’s main street (Chuo-dori) is pedestrianized. Walking down the center of the street, safe from vehicles, lets you gaze up at the grand department store buildings on either side at a more leisurely pace.

Despite being the definition of an urban jungle, Tokyo offers pockets of respite from the hustle. The Hama Rikyu Gardens, although less well-known than Shinjuku Park or Ueno Park, are among the loveliest for Japanese garden lovers—it’s a hidden gem for views in Tokyo. The former imperial gardens display many traditional Japanese elements, such as arched bridges and teahouses, and are especially attractive in the spring and fall. The contrast between the traditional gardens and central Tokyo’s skyscrapers looming behind the trees create an interesting juxtaposition, ideal for photo snaps.

Although Tokyo may not be as well-known as a maritime city as nearby Yokohama or further-afield Nagasaki, it opens up onto the busy Tokyo Bay. A cruise on the bay provides unique perspectives on the city’s skyline. Board a traditional Japanese boat for a lunch or dinner cruise, take a waterbus between the reclaimed islands in the bay, or join a cruise that also navigates up one of Tokyo’s rivers, such as the Sumida, to see the sights along the way. Alternatively, avoid the risk of seasickness and fly high above Tokyo Bay on a helicopter tour.

Much of Tokyo Prefecture is urban heart or urban sprawl—but not all of it. On the western edge of the Tokyo Metropolis, and crossing the boundaries of Saitama, Yamanashi, and Nagano prefectures, is the refreshingly forested Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The mountainous park can be reached on a day trip from central Tokyo, and offers hiking trails, cultural attractions, and plenty of nature-viewing spots. Ride the Mt. Takao Cable Car to the top of the sacred mountain, visiting temples and shrines along the way, or hike to the summit for views of Mt. Fuji when the weather’s clear.

OK, Mt. Fuji isn’t actually in Tokyo: It’s located in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, about 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of the city. But if you don’t want to wait for Tokyo’s haze to clear so you can catch a glimpse of the sacred volcano, you might need to take matters into your own hands. Enjoy epic Fuji views on a sightseeing helicopter flight directly from Tokyo. En route, watch the landscape morph from skyscrapers to mountains and lakes.