Tokyo City View: Stunning Views and Art in Roppongi

Visitors to Tokyo have a tough choice of which observation deck to book. There’s the iconic and gorgeous Tokyo Tower, the humungous Tokyo Skytree, and the new kid on the block, Shibuya Sky. However, an often-overlooked observatory is Tokyo City View in Roppongi, which offers one of the best views of Tokyo.

Tokyo City View is on the 52nd floor of the huge Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. This observatory is in Central Tokyo and offers 360-degree panoramic city views from 229 metres high. With its central location, you can spot the famous landmarks of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, the Bay of Odaiba, and much more.

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is also an art hub featuring special exhibitions and seasonal events, and it hosts the Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor.

In this article, I examine the pros and cons of Tokyo City View and compare it to other popular Tokyo observatories. I also offer practical information about visiting this experience, such as how to get there, the best way to purchase tickets, and tips to enhance your visit. Finally, I  give my thoughts on whether Tokyo City View should be added to your busy Tokyo plans.

Click Here to Join our Travel to Tokyo Facebook Group

Disclaimer:  This article has affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you. See privacy policy.

Tokyo City View Observation Deck

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower started construction in 2000 and opened on 25 April 2003 as a 54-storey skyscraper in the heart of Roppongi, Tokyo. It is the sixth-highest building in Tokyo, standing at an impressive 238 metres, with the observatory situated at 229 metres.

Mori Tower is primarily an office space, with various corporations having offices on floors 7 to 49 including Google, Apple, Pokemon, Riot Games, and Barclays Bank. As well as offices, the tower also hosts many retail shops and restaurants on the first six floors.

Most tourists flocking to Mori Tower visit the Mori Arts Centre and the Tokyo City View observation decks. The Mori Arts Centre is spread over the tower’s top six floors from 49 to 54. The Mori Art Museum takes up the 53rd floor and Tokyo City View, often called Roppongi Hills Observation Deck, is on the 52nd floor.

Also on the 52nd floor is the Mori Arts Centre Gallery, which features exhibitions focused on work from manga, anime, video games, film, fashion, and more. These exhibitions constantly change, so checking what is currently on display before planning your visit is worth checking.

The Mori Tower previously featured an open-air roof deck on the 54th floor, but that, unfortunately, closed in 2024 due to a change in its operational policy. 

Visitor Experience of Tokyo City View

After scanning my QR ticket and entering the main observatory, I was immediately in awe at the views from the huge windows.

I think the Tokyo skyline is one of the best, especially when it includes the Tokyo Tower. From most of the observatories, including Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky, you can see the Tokyo Tower, but it’s pretty far away. From the Roppongi Hills Tower Observation Deck, Tokyo Tower looks so close that I wanted to reach out and touch it. This is the best unrestricted view I have ever seen of the iconic landmark.

But it’s not all about Tokyo Tower. The Roppongi Hills Observatory is right in the middle of Tokyo, giving you views of the whole city and the bay. You can spot the newly built Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, which looks humungous as it towers over nearby buildings. Looking further into the horizon, you can spot the Sky Tree standing tall behind the metropolis.

Another notable structure that you can see from Tokyo City View is the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building in Shinjuku. This resembles the Empire State Building mixed with a clock tower.

If you are looking for a helping hand in spotting landmarks from Tokyo City View, free paper guides show panoramic photos from the observatory with notes on where these locations are. These guides made it much more fun to spot landmarks as I was unsure exactly which direction some landmarks were.

There is also an online version, which you can access by scanning a QR code, available in various Roppongi Hills Observatory locations. The online guide is available in multiple languages. However, it wasn’t as detailed as the paper version.

The Tokyo City View observatory is 229 metres high, giving you a perspective similar to the Tokyo Tower Top Deck, which is 250 metres. If you prefer more of a birdseye view of the city, the Tokyo Skytree top observatory is 450 metres and allows you to see the furthest.

Compared to other popular Tokyo observatories, Tokyo City View has a more chilled and relaxed atmosphere, which is created with a spacious layout and 360-degree panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows with unrestricted views. The only restricted windows were in the restaurant, but if you dine in them, you might be lucky to get a window seat.

Tokyo City View is less overcrowded than other Tokyo observatories, which adds to the relaxed vibe. I was surprised during the day to see that there was plenty of space to move and loads of empty windows to stand at and soak in the views. It became a little busier in the evening, but it never reached the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower levels. The reduced crowds also made it more fun to capture some photos without feeling like I was getting in another visitor’s way.

The floor-to-ceiling windows are also within reaching distance, so you can press your camera lens against them to capture the best photos without reflections or glare. However, in the evening, many bright interior lights make photo opportunities a little more challenging.

Throughout the walk around Tokyo City View, I was happy to see lots of seating and rest areas to enjoy the views. There is no time limit after you enter the observatory, so this was more than welcome for a rest while waiting for the sun to set. Some of the seats are near the windows, allowing you to enjoy the view while you sit, while some seats are set back further and offer a relaxing break while not being too close to the action.

The main show begins when the sun starts to set and Tokyo comes alive. The views during the day from Tokyo City View are excellent, but the night views are spectacular. Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree look amazing at night, and their lights emphasise their structural beauty. The views towards Shinjuku and Shibuya are also elevated, and thousands of twinkling lights add to the perspective.

There are seasonal events held at Tokyo City View; these often change, so it’s best to check out what is on before you visit. These cost an extra fee if you want to add it to your experience. On the day I visited, the exhibition was Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64 Eyes of the Storm. While this exhibition didn’t tickle my fancy, it was popular and well-received by visitors.

What Else is in Mori Museum and Observatory

Visitors to Tokyo City View looking to experience more than the observation deck will be pleased to discover that the top of Roppongi Hills Tower offers much more to see and do.

Also on the 52nd floor is the Mori Arts Center Gallery, an art space that hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions. These are all high-quality and change from themes of manga, video games, anime, films, fashion, and more.

These exhibitions require you to buy a separate ticket to enter. On the day I visited it was a Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary exhibit titled “Monster Hunter Grand Exhibition.” This exhibition features artwork, special video footage, and even a Monster Hunter AR experience. This exhibition ran from July until August.

If you want to do some shopping during your visit, on floor 52, there is also the official Tokyo City View Shop. They sell various goods, most themed around Tokyo City View and Roppongi, so it’s a great chance to pick up some unique souvenirs. They also sell limited collaboration goods and exhibition-related merchandise.

Some of the standout items I came across were Hikeshi Spirit fashion clothing featuring neon cats and postcards displaying views from the observatory and street photography featuring Roppongi. There were also some unique soft drinks for sale, including curry pan cider. However, I wasn’t brave enough to try this peculiar drink.

The 52nd floor is also the home of the Museum Cafe and Restaurant. If you want a more casual experience, The Sun is a relaxing cafe that sells a variety of food, including sandwiches, pasta, curry, and a range of desserts. They also sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. On the day I visited, The Sun cafe had been transformed into a Monster Hunter collaboration cafe. They sold food and drinks based on characters from the franchise. Even though I wasn’t familiar with the game, the food was still impressive and fun.

If you want something more fancy, The Moon restaurant has you covered. This upmarket eatery serves lunch courses, afternoon tea and dinner courses. The dinner and afternoon tea are either French or Japanese-themed, with the lunch offering meals such as sirloin steak and a Kobe beef burger. Unfortunately, on the day I visited, this restaurant was closed for a private function, so I never had the chance to check it out. 

If you head to the 53rd floor, you can visit the Mori Art Museum. To enter, visitors are required to purchase a separate entrance ticket. The Mori Art Museum showcases original exhibitions featuring contemporary world art, cultural exhibits, and architecture. The museum has a changing lineup, which is planned well in advance, so checking the official website to see what is currently running is worthwhile.

From April to September, the Afro-Mingei exhibition is showing art by a Black artist which combines Black and Japanese culture through the use of ceramics, architecture, and music. From 25 September until 19 January 2025, the exhibition will be “Louise Bourgeois: I have been to hell and back. And let me tell you, it was wonderful.” This unique exhibit focuses on the work of Louise Bourgeois, whose career spanned 70 years and who is celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the last century.

Click Here to Join our Travel to Tokyo with Kids Facebook Group

Practical Information

Tickets can be purchased either directly or through agents such as Klook. The official website sells tickets for City View and the Mori Art Museum. The official site requires you to register and can be a little tricky to navigate at times. Tickets can also be purchased on the day from ticket machines at the location. However, there is a chance they could sell out. 

Direct Tokyo City View Tickets

Here’s the cost for City View tickets on both weekdays and weekends bought directly.

Weekdays:

Adults: ¥1,800 | Students: ¥1,300 | Children: ¥700 | Seniors: ¥1,500

Weekends:

Adults: ¥2,000 | Students: ¥1,400 | Children: ¥800 | Seniors: ¥1,700

Direct Mori Art Museum Tickets

Here’s the cost for Mori Art Museum tickets when you buy them directly.

Weekdays:

Adults: ¥1,800 | Students: ¥1,300 | Children: Free | Seniors: ¥1,500

Weekends:

Adults: ¥2,000 | Students: ¥1,400 | Children: Free | Seniors: ¥1,700

Tickets are sold for one month at a time, so you can’t book too far in advance.

Tickets are also available to buy on Klook. On Klook you can book further in advance with the current and the following month being available to purchase. Klook only offers the City View tickets and doesn’t sell the Mori Art Museum tickets.

Tokyo City View Tickets (through Online Travel Booking Providers)

You can also purchase Tokyo City View tickets through online travel booking companies such as Klook, Get Your Guide, KK Day, and Rakuten.

Booking this way means buying tickets will be quick and easy. You can also save a little bit of money. For example, weekday adult tickets booked through Klook cost ¥1,700 and weekend tickets cost ¥1,800.

Tokyo City View Opening Hours

Tokyo City View is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm with the last admission at 9:30 pm.

The Mori Art Museum is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm except for Tuesdays which is 10 am to 5 pm. Last admission is 9:30 pm and 4:30 pm on Tuesdays.

Location and How to Get There

The Roppongi Hills Mori Tower address is : Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo City View is accessible by train, and there are many nearby stations to choose from:

• The Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line goes to Roppongi Station. From there, take Exit 1C, which is a 3-minute walk. 
• The Toei Subway Oedo Line also goes to Roppongi Station. From there, take Exit 3, which is a 6-minute walk.
• The Toei Subway Oedo Line also stops at Azabu-juban Station. From there, take Exit 7, and it will be a 7-minute walk.
• The Tokyo Metro Namboku Line goes to Azabu-juban Station. From there, take Exit 4, and it will be a 10-minute walk. 
• The Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line goes to Nogizaka Station. From there, take Exit 5, and it will be a 10-minute walk.

You can purchase train tickets on the day from the ticket booths which are available in English.

Top Tips for Tokyo City View

Before planning your visit to Tokyo City View, you should plan the best day and time to go. It is busier on weekends and in the evenings when the lights of Tokyo come on. So, the windows might be more crowded at this point.

However, there is no time limit after you enter the Roppongi Hills Observatory. I recommend going an hour before sunset to get your money’s worth. Going at this time allowed me to see the city during the day, and then I watched the beautiful sunset. I then had a bite to eat and a little break, before walking around Tokyo City View again and catching some stunning night views.

Most of the windows offer the perfect chance to capture great photos. You might have to be patient to get the window that overlooks your favourite landmark. One of the best areas for photos, which was relatively quiet, was to the left after the entrance. This area has dark curtains between each window, reducing some of the glass’s reflections and glare. When this area is busy, the staff will ask you to move on after a few minutes, but you can quickly rejoin the queue and go again.

Tokyo City View offers free lockers plus a luggage and stroller wire lock system. They require a deposit of a 100 yen coin, which will be returned when you collect your belongings. These are inside Roppongi Hills Mori Tower before you enter the observatory. There are also free umbrella locks so you do not have to carry your umbrella during your visit. A free water station on the 52nd floor allows you to fill up your own bottle.

There is an accessible restroom on the 52nd and 53rd floors. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan from the Roppongi Hills Information Counter. And guide dogs and service dogs are also welcome at Tokyo City View.

What to Do in Roppongi Hills

Along with Tokyo City View and the Museum, there are other places in Roppongi Hills Mori Tower to keep you entertained. Floors 1 to 6 are called West Walk and feature over 200 shops, restaurants, and cafes. The shops and boutiques specialise in fashion and design and feature many high-end brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Cartier. The restaurants offer a variety of Japanese and international cuisine and are on the fine dining side.

Between the tall buildings of Roppongi Hills, the Mori Garden is a great place to relax. This traditional Japanese garden has a pond, waterfalls, autumn leaves, and sakura trees, so it’s a great time to visit during cherry blossom season.

There is also artwork around the bottom of the Mori Tower. There are nine artworks on display, including Maman, which is a giant spider sculpture and a popular photo spot. 

If you are looking for other things to do in the area, Tokyo Tower is a 25-minute walk away and is another excellent observatory in Tokyo. At the base of Tokyo Tower is an entertaining VR gaming centre called Tokyo Tower Red, which is a fun activity to enjoy after appreciating the views and the art.

Azabudai Hills is an 18-minute walk from Roppongi Hills, and this is home to the massively popular TeamLab Borderless. Borderless is a state-of-the-art digital art museum featuring projection mapping to create an immersive experience.

Final Thoughts

Visitors flocking to Japan’s capital usually visit the big 3 observatories: Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, or Shibuya Sky. These are all excellent observatories in their own right, but I feel that Tokyo City View is underrated and underappreciated.

The Roppongi Hills observatory offers one of the best views I’ve ever had of the city. It’s in a central location, and it’s also a little cheaper than the other competitors. For me, the city skyline is at its best when the Tokyo Tower is included, and this is one of Tokyo City View’s greatest strengths.

Another massive bonus of the Roppongi Hills Tower Observation Deck is that it’s less busy than the other observatories. Being less busy makes it easier to get tickets, as you don’t have to plan as far in advance. It also allows for a more relaxing experience where you won’t have long waits or queues for the most popular photo areas. 

However, each big Tokyo observatory is worth visiting for different reasons. If you want to visit the most iconic and historical observatory, visit Tokyo Tower. If you want the highest views in Tokyo, go to the Tokyo Skytree. If you want to have the best views of Shibuya Scramble and the nearby cityscape, then Shibuya Sky is definitely worth a visit.

Join our Japan Travel Facebook Groups