Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building joins iconic skyline spires in Star-Spangled Banner-style welcome.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one other famous landmark change their colors as infections rise following lifting of restrictions.
All-you-can-drink beer costs just 600 yen (US$5.80), which will barely get you a single glass in many other Tokyo restaurants.
With 2014 winding down, it’s time to make plans for the new year holidays. For many people in Japan this means finding a place to watch the first sunrise of the year, or hatsu hinode; a common custom of the season.
However, many Tokyoites may be unaware that the perfect spot to view the sunrise is standing in plain view: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This 243-meter (797 ft) building has a pair of observation rooms which offer the greatest views in the city and is a spot popular amongst tourists, though few ever think of when it comes to New Year’s Day, assuming that because it’s a government building it would shut down for the holidays.
But ever since 1995 the building has been opening its doors to a handful of visitors, giving them the chance to take in the first sunset of the year from high above the city. Here’s how to apply for a spot on the observation deck.








Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower backtracks on its gender-neutral toilets, rejigging them to appease public
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mr. Sato asks the police how he can avoid getting hassled by them
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mr. Sato asks the police how he can avoid getting hassled by them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
If Fast and Furious was about 1970s Japanese truckers, this dekotora would be the star【Photos】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Burger King’s new sumo burger thuds into Japan…but is it worth the hype?