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Best Observation Deck?

San Francisco...
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Best Observation Deck?

We are a family with teens and love going to observation decks in new cities. What is the best observation deck to choose? We've been looking at the Metropolitan Building, Shibuya Sky, Azabudai Hills, and Tokyo Skytree. We would only want to do one.

Main criteria are the best view- I know Tokyo is an immense city and each of these is quite far from the other so we know the views will be different. In addition to the city view we would love to get a glimpse of Mount Fuji if it's a clear day.

Thank you!!!

5 replies to this topic
Tokyo, Japan
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19,958 posts
48 reviews
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1. Re: Best Observation Deck?

It is topic often comes up here and everybody has their own taste. I believe Azabudai Hills is the best now. It is in the city Center and Tokyo Tower is so beautiful from there. You can also see the bay area with Rainbow Bridge.

Unless it is a clear day in Autumn or Winter you might not see Mount Fuji from Tokyo unless you're super lucky. I rember seeing Mount Fuji from Toikyo Tower last December.

The haze and humidity will block your view.

Long Island, New...
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2. Re: Best Observation Deck?

Shibuya Sky is the one that is both open air and has a glass floor. Unfortunately, there is zero chance you will land tickets for anytime after 5pm.

Level Contributor
783 posts
137 reviews
57 helpful votes
3. Re: Best Observation Deck?

If you're into observation decks, as my family is, then why not do 2 - one during day time and one at night, if your itinerary allows?

We thought Shibuya Sky after dark was absolutely fantastic on our last trip in December (didn't have any trouble getting evening tickets off their website, 1 mth in advance). We also did the Metropolitan Building during day time - slightly boring surrounding area in terms of walking to/from the building, but the view was great and we had a crystal clear view of Mt Fuji - an obvious benefit of travelling in December.

We've also done Tokyo Sky Tree twice, once in day and once at night - you can't go wrong with this option either, provided you're in the general area and it works with your itinerary.

Next visit we'll try to combine Azabudai with our visit to TeamLabs Borderless.

California
Destination Expert
for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Shinjuku, Japan, Nara
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4. Re: Best Observation Deck?

I recommend doing 2 also because Shibuya Sky is a different experience from an indoor observatory, and it's fantastic.

I don't recommend the Metropolitan Government Building. It's inferior to other good ones such as Tokyo City View, Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower, and Azabudai Hills.

Long Island, New...
Level Contributor
2,568 posts
33 reviews
42 helpful votes
5. Re: Best Observation Deck?

Tokyo Skytree is a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Only taller!

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