Shibuya Sky vs Tokyo Skytree: Which Observation Deck to Choose?

What is Shibuya Sky?

Shibuya Sky is a 229-meter-high open-air observation deck located on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. It opened in November 2019 and has quickly become one of Tokyo’s most popular observation experiences.

Location and Access

The observation facility is situated at 2-24-12 Shibuya, directly connected to Shibuya Station. The entrance is located on the ground floor, and visitors take an elevator to the 14th floor (Sky Gate) where tickets are checked before accessing the observation levels.

The Experience

Shibuya Sky spans multiple floors with distinct areas:

14th Floor (Sky Gate): Entry point with an exciting elevator experience featuring images, 3D sound, and light
45th-46th Floors (Sky Gallery): Indoor observation deck with art installations like Time River, Parallel Windows, and Data Scape, plus a café and bar
47th Floor (Sky Stage): The main attraction—a completely open-air rooftop deck with 360-degree panoramic views

What You Can See

From the rooftop, you’ll have unobstructed views of major Tokyo landmarks including the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing directly below, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Yoyogi Park, the Shinjuku skyline, Tokyo Bay, and Mount Fuji on clear days. The facility features hammocks for cloud-watching, an observation compass to identify landmarks, and the “Sky Edge” viewing area.

At night, the “Crossing Light” show illuminates the sky with 18 beams every 30 minutes after 19:00. The observation deck has received excellent reviews, with a 4.6 rating from over 21,000 visitors.

Best Time to Visit for Mount Fuji Views

The best time to visit Shibuya Sky for views of Mount Fuji is during the late afternoon to sunset, especially in the seasons from late autumn to winter. Clear, dry air at this time of day and year offers the highest probability of seeing Mt. Fuji distinctly against the skyline.

Golden hour (about one hour to thirty minutes before sunset) provides the most dramatic colors and clearest silhouette of Mt. Fuji.
Sunset itself offers the breathtaking “magic hour” lighting, with the mountain’s silhouette sharply outlined against the colored sky.
Early morning (before noon) can also offer clear Mt. Fuji views when the air is especially crisp, though the atmosphere is less dramatic.

Key considerations:

Mount Fuji is visible in the west from the observation deck, particularly from the “Sky Edge” glass corner area.
Air clarity is best after a cold front or rain clears out the haze, typically in late autumn, winter, or early spring.
Arrive at least one hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot, as this is peak time and crowds are common.
Always check the weather forecast for sunny, clear conditions—clouds or haze can easily obscure the view.

For more detailed information about Mount Fuji visibility from Tokyo’s observation towers, check our complete Mount Fuji visibility guide from Tokyo Skytree.

Shibuya Sky vs Tokyo Skytree: The Comparison

Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree offer distinctly different observation experiences, each with unique advantages depending on what you’re looking for.

Height and Views

Tokyo Skytree is significantly taller at 634 meters with observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters—the highest in Japan—compared to Shibuya Sky’s 229-250 meter rooftop. From Skytree’s upper deck, you can see up to 75 kilometers on clear days, offering sweeping panoramic views of the entire Tokyo metropolitan area, including Mount Fuji, the airport, and Asakusa.

Shibuya Sky provides excellent views of central Tokyo landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku skyline, and Yoyogi Park, with the unique advantage of looking directly down on the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Atmosphere and Experience

The experience differs dramatically between the two:

Tokyo Skytree features enclosed observation decks with floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass-covered spiral skywalk ascending to 451.2 meters, and thrilling glass floor sections that look straight down to the streets below. The surrounding Skytree Town includes a large shopping mall with a Pokémon Center and numerous dining options.

Shibuya Sky offers an open-air rooftop experience with no barriers between you and the sky, creating a more intimate, trendy atmosphere. The facility includes Instagram-worthy mirrored installations, hammocks for cloud-watching, an indoor Sky Gallery with art exhibits, and a sophisticated rooftop bar. Located in the heart of Shibuya, it’s ideal for experiencing Tokyo’s urban energy.

Best For

Choose Tokyo Skytree if you want record-breaking heights, the widest panoramic views, family-friendly activities, and a futuristic experience with shopping and dining. It’s more suitable for those uncomfortable with completely open heights.

Choose Shibuya Sky if you prefer an open-air rooftop experience, trendy downtown atmosphere, direct views of Shibuya Crossing, sunset cocktails, and more intimate city vistas. Many visitors who’ve experienced both favor Shibuya Sky for its unique ambiance and unobstructed viewing experience.

How Does This Compare to Tokyo Tower?

If you’re considering all of Tokyo’s major observation towers, you might also want to compare with Tokyo Tower. While Shibuya Sky offers a modern, open-air rooftop experience and Tokyo Skytree boasts the highest viewing decks, Tokyo Tower provides a nostalgic, heritage experience at Tokyo’s 1958 Eiffel Tower-inspired landmark.

For a detailed comparison between Tokyo’s two tallest towers, read our comprehensive Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree guide.

Final Recommendations

Visit both if you have time: Each offers a genuinely different experience that showcases different aspects of Tokyo’s character.

Limited time? Choose based on priorities:

Maximum height and panoramic views: Tokyo Skytree
Open-air atmosphere and trendy vibe: Shibuya Sky
Sunset cocktails and Shibuya district energy: Shibuya Sky
Family activities and shopping: Tokyo Skytree

Both observation decks deliver spectacular views of Tokyo, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. The key is matching the experience to your interests and travel style.