Why it stays with you
In the middle of Shinjuku's high-rise district, a view over Tokyo from 202 meters up — and free. Before you pay for an observation deck, this one is worth trying. Open 9:30 to 22:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing). The most luxurious use of it is to go up before dusk and stay put through the stretch where the bright city turns into a night view. The official guidance says the queue to get in can run 20–30 minutes, so allow for that. One thing to note: the South Observatory is closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, the North Observatory on the 2nd and 4th Monday. When one is shut, the other is usually open.