TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT BUILDING

Description

Essentials about the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in brief

You don’t have to be interested in Tokyo’s local politics to pay a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The impressive building complex of the Tokyo prefectural administration is a real eye-catcher, not only from an architectural point of view, but also because of its viewing platforms at a height of over 200 meters. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the sea of buildings in the Japanese capital – and it’s free of charge.

The history and architecture of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was completed in 1991 as the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The building complex is often mistakenly referred to as “Tokyo City Hall”, as Tokyo is not a separate municipal entity.

Designed by the famous Japanese architect Kenzō Tange, the structure consists of three parts. The largest of these is Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1, which at 48 stories and 243 meters high was the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo until the completion of the Tokyo Midtown Tower in 2006. Above the 33rd floor, the building forks into two parts and is thus somewhat reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral. The ensemble also includes the Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 2 with 37 floors and the seven-story Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Building.

The view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The observation platforms of the Tokyo Metropolitan Governement Building are much less known than those of the two television towers Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. Many visitors to Tokyo do not even know that there are viewing platforms in the prefectural government building. These are located on the 45th floor of both the north and south towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. From a height of 202 meters, you can enjoy a fabulous view of the gigantic sea of houses in the Japanese capital. From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you also have a great view of the city’s two famous television towers, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. On a clear day, you can even make out Mount Fuji in the distance. Best of all, the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are free to visit.