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Tokyo Sky City

Tokyo sky city developed as room ran out out on the ground. With nowhere left to go but up, architects and designers have come up with some very funky buildings that also give you some great views of the landscape below.

Tokyo may not be the prettiest city in the world, but it's breathtaking all the same.

Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building

First of all, this is a free adventure. If you want a view of the city without spending lots of dosh, this is the option for you.

Easily accessible from Shinjuku station West exit - although be warned that Shinjuku station can sometimes feel a little like a maze - just follow the signs that head you towards the Metropolitan Government Building or follow this map. You can't miss it once you get outside.

The building is made up of two towers and a smaller assembly hall. It's primary job is to house the civil servants that work for the Tokyo government. To reach the observation deck you need to enter the originally named, Number 1 building.

Take the express elevator to the 45th floor (202 meters up) - you can choose to go to the North or South side of the building - why not do both I say. The viewing area is enclosed with maps showing you what you are looking at from each window.

Built at a cost of ¥157 billion under the guidance of architect Kenzo Tange, the building is designed to look like a giant computer chip and stands at 243 meters tall.

These Tokyo sky city observation decks are open for most of the year but are closed during the end of year holidays, December 29-31 and the New Year holidays, Jan 2-3. It is also closed on Government building inspection days and sometimes the day after National Holidays.

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Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Sunshine City is a massive complex full of shopping, an aquarium, a planetarium, and an arcade park. Sitting in the middle of it is an office tower called Sunshine 60. The observation deck here is on the 60th floor so you are literally standing on top of the world.

The main deck is enclosed but there is also access to a roof level that takes you outside so you can take in the view in the fresh air. Don't worry, at this Tokyo sky city location, the perimeter is well protected with railings that are set back from the edge - it still left me feeling a little light-headed though.

To get to the top you need to take the express lift - follow the signs - and pay ¥620 for the privilege if you're an adult, ¥310 for children. I'm not a great fan of lifts and I had a heart stopping moment when it set off and all the lights went out. You can relax though - this is part of the ride and the ceiling is lit up with pretty luminescent pictures.

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Alternative Options

Other places to grab a good view include Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo Tower and Ebisu Garden Place. The list could go on but these are the best places in my opinion.

If you like the idea of relaxing and looking out over Tokyo sky city, why not have a romantic meal with the city lights as your backdrop. Odaiba has a fantastic view over Rainbow Bridge at night and a multitude of dining choices.

For the daring, how about a helicopter ride over Tokyo Bay.