Tokyo's Tourist Center (Tokyo Tourism Office)
When you arrive in Tokyo, if you have the chance, take time to visit the Tourist Center at Shinjuku.
When you arrive in Tokyo, if you have the chance, take time to visit the Tourist Center at Shinjuku.
The Tokyo Tourism Office is located in the basement of the second tower of Tokyo City Hall.
While the tourism office has limited documentation, grab at least a comprehensive map of Tokyo, and especially the neighborhood fact sheets that detail the main attractions to visit in a given area (Shinjuku, Ginza...).
You also have access to 2 English-speaking hostesses who can guide you through your visit to the city (subway, JR, hotels...).
But the most interesting part are the volunteers who welcome tourists and offer you the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of Tokyo City Hall.
This tour lasts between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your guide, with a visit to the administrative offices of City Hall, the City Hall parliament, but above all a view from the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall tower.
Of course this visit is completely FREE, our guide was even unwilling to accept a coffee at the café on the 45th floor.
The view from Tokyo City Hall is quite impressive, as it allows you to see Yoyogi Park, part of Shibuya and the Shinjuku shopping complex.
On clear days it is even possible to see Mount Fuji.
If you don't have time for the complete tour, you can go alone to the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall Tower, just head towards the elevator (on the right as you enter), and a person in charge of managing the visit will authorize you to take the elevator.
Frequently asked questions
The Tokyo Tourist Center (Tourism Office) is located in the basement of the second tower of Tokyo City Hall, in the Shinjuku district. It is easily accessible from Tochōmae Station (Oedo Line) or from the west exit of Shinjuku Station.
Yes, the guided tour of Tokyo City Hall organized from the Tourist Center is completely free. It lasts between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the volunteer guide, and includes in particular a visit to the 45th floor of the tower with a panoramic view over Tokyo.
Yes, it is possible to go to the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall Tower on your own without participating in the guided tour. Simply head towards the elevator (located on the right as you enter): a person on site will authorize you to take it. Access is also free of charge.
On clear days, it is indeed possible to see Mount Fuji from the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall. The best chances are early morning in winter or spring, when the air is clearest. The view also extends over Yoyogi Park, Shibuya and the Shinjuku shopping complex.
Tokyo's Tourist Center provides comprehensive city maps as well as neighborhood fact sheets (Shinjuku, Ginza, etc.) detailing the main attractions. Two English-speaking hostesses are available to answer your questions about the subway, JR trains, hotels and organizing your stay.
