This is the third in a series of 5 posts this week focusing on Japan. The topics will be in this order, Travel, Temples, Skyline, Food and Crypto.
In case you missed the first two days of this series they are here:
Day 1 - Hanami
Day 2 - Temples
After living in Tokyo off and on since 2001 you would think I would have visited the government buildings in Shinjuku before. After all they have free observation decks in both towers that offer 360degree views of the city. Amazingly it was only 2 weekends ago that I finally made it up and I am so glad I did. Let's have a look around the city from 45 stories up!
When you arrive at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings in Shinjuku it is easy to get to the reserved elevators going up to the observation decks. There are signs that you can miss and usually lines of people waiting to go up.
The elevator ride up takes about 1 minute of uncomfortable silence and squirming to avoid looking at one another, even amongst all the foreigners. We're strange like that aren't we?
Once the doors open it all goes away as you pour onto the 45th floor which has a 2 story high ceiling making it more grand. Immediately to the left are the first banks of windows looking out over Shinjuku station.
Most of the buildings have been there since I first arrived in 2001. Only the building on the right with the giant eye and crisscrossed exterior is new. It's really not the best view since all of the skyscrapers obstruct too much of the view though.
As we wind around the windows clockwise we get to the next view of Skytree off in the distance.
Next we see the Docomo Tower and behind it the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi, the financial district which includes Tokyo Station.
Now we reach my favorite part of the city, Shibuya which is on the right just beyond Yoyogi Park in the center. Roppongi and Tokyo Tower are to the left of Yoyogi.
And the last photo before moving to the west tower. I like this picture a lot, but can't quite figure out why...
Now we head over to the north tower to get better views of the area where I live.
Of of the first pictures I took surprised me. This guy seemed lost 202 meters, 45 stories above ground.
This is a view west. The sprawl of this city makes Los Angeles look small.
Then we look a bit more north west.
As we look to the ground we are reminded it's a long way down. It seems there was some event going on at the park below.
And finally we wind up looking at Shinjuku station.
Actually I just noticed I had another view of that Lord Sauron type building. I believe it is a design university.
That's it! It's a pretty amazing activity you can do in Tokyo for free. I would definitely recommend putting it into your schedule if you plan on visiting Tokyo. That goes for you too @rawselectmusic!
Both towers have gift shops and cafe's on the 45th floor. The northern tower's cafe is much nicer though, like a nice restaurant incase you are hungry. Neither place will break your budget either.
Tomorrow I'll be back with everyone's favorite subject, food! Thanks for reading!
