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The Best Observation Decks and Elevated Views in Japan

Brush up on the best lookouts in Japan.

By Abhijit Sen Dec 23, 2024 9 min read

Major Japanese cities, with their intricate patterns of narrow streets and vibrant neighborhoods, often appear like beautifully crafted puzzles. You can best appreciate them from above. This ultimate guide to the best observation decks and elevated views in Japan takes you on a tour through 10 cities where you can experience the captivating mix of modern architecture and tradition.

Sapporo

Observation Decks and Elevated Views in Japan — A trip to Odori Park will take you right to the famous TV Tower.

Sapporo is known for its Winter Olympics heritage and beer culture. This city offers great mountain views and modern buildings that are visible from various scenic viewpoints. The Sapporo TV Tower, at 147 meters, offers stunning city views. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the Mount Moiwa Observatory, which is accessible by ropeway.

Sapporo TV Tower

Iconic View: Odori Park
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Odori
Address: 1 Odorinishi, Chuo ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido(Map)

Mount Moiwa Observatory

Iconic View: Panoramic night view of Sapporo
Entry Fee: ¥1,400
Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Maruyama Park
Address: 1 Moiwayama, Minami, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Map)

JR Tower Observation Deck T38

Iconic View: The surrounding city and mountains
Entry Fee: ¥740
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Sapporo
Address: 5-2-5 Nishi, Chuo, Sapporo (Map)

Okurayama Observation Deck

Iconic View: Panoramic view of downtown Sapporo
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nearest Station: Maruyama Koen
Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo, Sapporo (Map)

Sendai

Sendai, or the City of Trees, offers stunning views that combine urban life with nature. Alternatively, explore the Aoba Castle Site, learning about Masamune Date’s legacy while savoring picturesque vistas of the city and its surrounding forests.

AER Observation Terrace

Iconic View: City views
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Nearest Station: Sendai
Address: 1-3-1 Central, Aoba ward, Sendai, Miyagi (Map)

Aoba Castle Site

Iconic View: Sunset and night view of Sendai
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Nearest Station: International Center
Address: 1 Kawauchi, Aoba ward, Sendai, Miyagi (Map)

SS30 Building

Iconic View: Twilight cityscape
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Nearest Station: Sendai
Address: 4-6-1 Central, Aoba ward, Sendai, Miyagi (Map)

Tokyo

Japan’s capital is home to some of the best observatories in the world. See the sprawling metropolis from different vantage points spread all throughout the city. Some promise views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, while others showcase the best of the hustle and bustle of the downtown shopping districts.

Tokyo Tower

Iconic View: City Nightscape
Entry Fee: ¥1,500
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Nearest Station: Onarimon
Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo (Map)

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Iconic View: Mount Fuji
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nearest Station: Tochomae
Address: 2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Map)

Mori Art Museum

Iconic View: 360-degree panoramic view of the city
Entry Fee: ¥2,000
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Roppongi
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo (Map)

Shibuya Sky

Iconic View: Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Entry Fee: ¥2,500
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Nearest Station: Shibuya
Address: 2−24−12, Shibuya, Tokyo (Map)

Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge

Iconic View: Mount Fuji above the Shinjuku skyline
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Nearest Station: Korakuen
Address: 16-21 Kasuga 1, Bunkyo, Tokyo (Map)

Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park

Iconic View: Mount Tsukuba and Nikko Mountain range
Entry Fee: ¥700
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nearest Station: Ikebukuro
Address: 3-1, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo (Map)

Carrot Tower

Iconic View: A clear view of Mount Fuji and the sprawling city
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Nearest Station: Sangenjaya
Address: 4-1-1, Taishido, Setagaya, Tokyo (Map)

Tokyo Skytree

Iconic View: Entire Kanto region
Entry Fee: ¥2,400
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Tokyo Skytree
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo (Map)

Yokohama

This port city is Japan’s second-largest city and is situated just south of Tokyo. The Yokohama Landmark Tower features a Sky Garden that offers sweeping views over the harbor and the famous Cosmo Clock. Don’t forget to visit the Yokohama Marine Tower, where the sea breeze and the skyline merge for a refreshing experience.

Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Iconic View: Yokohama’s bayside skyline
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nearest Station: Minatomirai
Address: 2-2-1, Minatomirai, Yokohama, Kanagawa (Map)

Yokohama Marine Tower

Iconic View: Yokohama’s night view
Entry Fee: ¥1,200
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Motomachi-Chukagai
Address: 14-1 Yamashitacho, Yokohama, Kanagawa (Map)

Nagoya

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER — Get a good bird’s eye view of Japan’s fourth-largest city.

Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, boasts stunning architecture and scenic views from various observation decks. The 180-meter Nagoya TV Tower features a 90-meter observation deck with stunning views, especially at dusk. Though not a traditional observation deck, the top levels of Nagoya Castle offer delightful views of the castle grounds and the city beyond.

Sky Promenade

Iconic View: Night view of Nagoya castle.
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Nagoya
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura ward, Nagoya, Aichi (Map)

Nagoya TV Tower

Iconic View: Twilight view of city
Entry Fee: ¥1,300
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nearest Station: Hisaya-Odori
Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka ward, Nagoya, Aichi (Map)

Higashiyama Sky Tower

Iconic View: A night view recognized as a ‘Night View Heritage of Japan’ and one of its 100 best night views
Entry Fee: ¥300
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Nearest Station: Hoshigaoka
Address: Kameiri-1-8 Tashirocho, Chikusa ward, Nagoya, Aichi (Map)

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, features stunning observation points amidst its rich history. The tall Kyoto Tower contrasts with nearby temples, while Ginkakuji’s observatory offers breathtaking autumn views. Fushimi Inari Shrine’s trails through Mount Inari reveal panoramic scenery, showcasing the captivating interplay between the city and its landscape.

Nidec Kyoto Tower

Iconic View: Panoramic night views
Entry Fee: ¥900
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nearest Station: Kyoto
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo, Kyoto (Map)

Kiyomizudera Temple

Iconic View: A sunset view of the temple with Kyoto in the distance
Entry Fee: ¥500
Opening Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Nearest Station: Kiyomizu-Gojo
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama, Kyoto (Map)

Shogunzuka Seiryuden

Iconic View: Panoramic view of entire Kyoto
Entry Fee: ¥600
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nearest Station: Keage
Address: 28 Zushiokukachocho, Yamashina, Kyoto (Map)

Osaka

Osaka is a lively city known for its delectable cuisine and vibrant streets. The Umeda Sky Building offers stunning 360-degree views, ideal for sunsets. Nearby, the 112.5-meter Tempozan Ferris Wheel showcases the beautiful sights of Osaka Bay, while Namba Parks features a rooftop garden for a serene escape and great views. Osaka Castle offers a blend of history and stunning views. Climbing to the top provides panoramic city views amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

Umeda Sky Building

Iconic View: City night view
Entry Fee: ¥2,000
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Nearest Station: Osaka
Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita, Osaka (Map)

Tsutenkaku Tower

Iconic View: Night view of the vibrant commercial district of Shinsekai
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Nearest Station: Ebisucho
Address: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa, Osaka (Map)

Abeno Harukas

Iconic View: Sunset over Yumeshima Island.
Entry Fee: ¥2,000
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Osaka-Abenobashi station
Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno, Osaka (Map)

Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory

Iconic View: Osaka Bay, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Trade Center-mae station
Address: 1-14-16 Nanko Kita, Suminoe, Osaka (Map)

Kobe

Visit Kobe for a perfect mix of city life and coastal charm. The Mount Maya Kikuseidai Observatory offers breathtaking views of the city and bay, while the Kobe Port Tower provides a stunning harbor backdrop. Don’t miss Mount Rokko’s first observatory for beautiful panoramic sights, especially at night.

Kikuseidai

Iconic View: Kobe and Osaka (one of Japan’s top three-night views)
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Nearest Station: Hoshino
Address: 2-2 Mayasancho, Nada ward, Kobe, Hyogo (Map)

Rokko-Shidare Observatory

Iconic View: Awaji Island to Osaka
Entry Fee: ¥1,000
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nearest Station: Hankyu Rokko station
Address: Gosukeyama-1877-9 Rokkosancho, Nada, Kobe, Hyogo (Map)

Kobe Port Tower

Iconic View: Panoramic view of Kobe
Entry Fee: ¥1200
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Nearest Station: Minato Motomachi station
Address: 5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo ward, Kobe, Hyogo (Map)

Fukuoka

Fukuoka Tower, Japan’s tallest seaside tower at 234 meters, reflects the waters and offers stunning sunset views from its deck. The Atago Shrine observatory provides a more serene experience, offering a peaceful view of the city and surrounding mountains. Don’t overlook the Hakata Port Tower, which is especially striking against the ocean backdrop.

Fukuoka Tower

Iconic View: 360-degree Fukuoka cityscape and Hakata Bay
Entry Fee: ¥800
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Nishijin station
Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara, Fukuoka (Map)

Atago Shrine Observatory

Iconic View: Night view of Fukuoka city with Fukuoka Tower
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hour
Nearest Station: Muromi station
Address: 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi ward, Fukuoka (Map)

Hakata Port Tower

Iconic View: Islands in Hakata Port, passing ships, and a vibrant city
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Nearest Station: Nakasukawabata station
Address: 14-1 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata ward, Fukuoka (Map)

Mount Aburayama Katae Observatory

Iconic View: 120-degree panoramic night view of the entire city
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Fukudaimae station
Address: 106-1 Katae, Jonan ward, Fukuoka (Map)

Nagasaki

Mount Inasa Overlook — Check out the city views of Nagasaki.

Finally, Nagasaki, a city steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, offers some of the most stunning observation decks and viewpoints in Japan. Mount Inasa Observatory offers stunning views of the city, hills, and sea. Outside the city, the whimsical Dom Tower (Domtoren) at Huis Ten Bosch theme park provides a unique experience. At the same time, Mount Yumiharidake lets visitors connect with the natural beauty of the area.

Mount Inasa Observatory

Iconic View: Nagasaki Bay (one of Japan’s three most spectacular night views)
Entry Fee: ¥1,250
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearest Station: Nagasaki
Address: 407-6 Fuchimachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki (Map)