Tokyo Open-Air Observation Decks: Complete Rooftop Guide 2025

Finding Tokyo’s Best Open-Air Observation Experiences

Planning to experience Tokyo’s skyline from an open-air rooftop? Not all observation decks in Tokyo offer outdoor access. This comprehensive guide reveals which towers provide authentic open-air experiences and which are fully enclosed, helping you choose the perfect spot for your Tokyo adventure.

Towers WITH Open-Air Rooftop Experiences

Shibuya Sky: Tokyo’s Premier Open-Air Observatory

Shibuya Sky stands out as Tokyo’s most accessible and impressive open-air observation deck. Located on the roof of Shibuya Scramble Square, this 360° observatory sits 229 meters above the heart of Shibuya.

The Shibuya Sky Experience (Three Zones):

Sky Gate (14th floor): Entry point with ticket booths and anticipation-building displays
Sky Gallery (46th floor): Indoor corridor featuring large glass panels and art installations, perfect for enjoying views regardless of weather conditions
Sky Stage (47th floor, rooftop): The main attraction—a fully open-air observatory with unobstructed panoramic views

Sky Stage Rooftop Features:

Synthetic lawn areas for comfortable lounging
Hammock nets designed specifically for stargazing
Sky Edge photo zones for dramatic cityscape shots
Comfortable seating with spectacular light effects after dark
Unobstructed 360° views including Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing, Tokyo Skytree, and Mt. Fuji on clear days
Glass safety walls that maintain an open feeling while ensuring visitor safety

Seasonal Rooftop Bar: From April to early December, the rooftop transforms with THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY bar, serving drinks from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). This seasonal addition makes sunset visits particularly special.

Pro Tips for Shibuya Sky:

Advance tickets highly recommended—sunset time slots sell out quickly
Height: 229 meters offers excellent views without extreme altitude
Regarded as a must-visit Tokyo attraction by both locals and international tourists
One of the most exhilarating city view experiences available in Tokyo

For a detailed comparison of Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree’s different experiences, see our comprehensive Shibuya Sky vs Tokyo Skytree guide.

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower: Sky Deck (Currently Closed)

Important Update: The open-air Sky Deck at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is currently closed and no longer accessible to the public. This closure has been in effect since at least April 2024, with no announced reopening date.

What Was Available (Historical Reference):

Sky Deck at 238-270 meters elevation
Open-air rooftop where visitors could feel wind and sunrays unobstructed by glass
Unique outdoor observation experience at significant height

Current Alternative: Visitors can still enjoy panoramic Tokyo views from the indoor Tokyo City View observation deck on the 52nd floor. However, the unique outdoor rooftop experience previously offered by the Sky Deck is no longer available.

Towers WITHOUT Open-Air Rooftop Experiences

Tokyo Skytree: World’s Tallest Tower (Fully Enclosed)

Despite being the world’s tallest tower at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree features only indoor observation decks. Many visitors are surprised to learn there’s no open-air access at this iconic landmark.

Tokyo Skytree’s Two Indoor Observation Levels:

Tembo Deck (350 meters): Lower observation level with 360° glass windows and special glass floor sections for looking straight down
Tembo Galleria (450 meters): Upper level featuring an “air walk” experience—a sloped 110-meter glass corridor ascending from Floor 445 to 450

Why No Open-Air Deck? At 634 meters, extreme altitude creates:

Powerful wind conditions unsafe for outdoor access
Temperature variations
Structural and safety challenges

The trade-off: While fully enclosed, Tokyo Skytree’s immense height (450m observation deck) offers unparalleled distance views impossible from open-air decks at lower elevations.

What Tokyo Skytree Offers Instead: The indoor experience compensates with:

Floor-to-ceiling glass providing unobstructed sight lines
Climate-controlled comfort year-round
Special glass floor sections for vertigo-inducing downward views
The highest observation point in Tokyo
Better visibility on windy or rainy days when open-air decks might close

Want to know which deck to choose? Read our Tokyo Skytree observation decks comparison guide for detailed insights on the Tembo Deck vs Tembo Galleria.

Tokyo Tower: Iconic Red Tower (Indoor Only)

Tokyo Tower also features no open-air observation decks. This 333-meter iconic red tower offers two fully enclosed viewing areas:

Main Deck (150 meters): Features a glass “lookdown window” floor section for dramatic downward views
Top Deck (250 meters): Provides 360° enclosed panoramic views of Tokyo

Base-Level Rooftop Alternative: While the tower itself has no open-air observation access, Tokyo Tower does offer the Rooftop Highball Garden at its base (ground level). This casual dining venue features:

Barbecue and all-you-can-eat options
All-you-can-drink specials
Outdoor seating (though not an elevated observation experience)

Wondering which tower to visit? Our Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree comparison covers views, pricing, access, and unique experiences to help you decide.

Premium Rooftop Restaurants & Bars

For those seeking open-air rooftop experiences combined with dining and entertainment, Tokyo offers excellent alternatives:

Top-Rated Rooftop Dining Venues

SOAK Rooftop Restaurant & Music Bar (Shibuya)

Location: 18th floor, Miyashita Park
Rating: 4.6/5
Features: Outdoor seating, live music, excellent cocktails, Italian cuisine, all-you-can-drink options
Best for: Dinner reservations, music lovers

Rooftop Bar Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Location: 52nd floor
Features: Epic panoramic views, cocktails, wine, full food menu
Atmosphere: Romantic, upscale
Best for: Special occasions, date nights
Reservations: Required

Cé La Vi Tokyo (Shibuya)

Location: 17th-18th floors, Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
Features: Barbecue, fine dining, observation deck atmosphere
Drinks: Great cocktails and wine selection
Reservations: Required

Accessible & Casual Rooftop Options

Roof Top Bar & Terrace G (Shinjuku)

Location: 13th floor, Shinjuku Grand Bell Hotel
Features: Reasonable prices, professional service, happy hour specials
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Payment: Multiple options including PayPay

Black Terrace Grill & Bar (Meguro)

Cuisine: Grilled steaks, European bistro dishes
Atmosphere: Sophisticated, romantic
Pet-friendly: Dogs welcome
Service: Lunch and dinner

86 Rooftop Bar (Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo)

Theme: Prohibition-era cocktails
Features: Open terrace overlooking Shinjuku skyline
Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts

Year-Round Rooftop Access

Most premium rooftop venues in Tokyo offer:

Heated outdoor spaces during cooler months
Year-round accessibility
Modern payment methods (credit cards, digital payment systems)
Reservation systems for peak times

Pro Tip: Dinner reservations are strongly recommended for premium rooftop venues, especially during sunset hours and weekends.

Making Your Choice: Open-Air vs Enclosed Decks

Choose Open-Air Observation Decks If You Want:

✅ Authentic outdoor atmosphere with natural wind and elements ✅ Sky Stage at Shibuya Sky - The top open-air option (229m) ✅ Photo opportunities without glass reflections ✅ Seasonal rooftop bar experience (Shibuya Sky, April-December) ✅ Comfortable altitude that’s dramatic but not extreme

Choose Enclosed Observation Decks If You Want:

✅ Maximum height - Tokyo Skytree’s 450m Tembo Galleria ✅ Year-round comfort regardless of weather ✅ Protection from wind and rain ✅ Consistent experience not affected by outdoor conditions ✅ Glass floor sections for unique downward views

Final Recommendations

For the Best Open-Air Experience: Shibuya Sky is your top choice in Tokyo. With its accessible 229-meter rooftop, hammock nets, seasonal bar, and unobstructed 360° views, it delivers the most complete open-air observation experience currently available.

For Maximum Altitude: Tokyo Skytree remains unbeatable at 450 meters, offering the highest observation point in Tokyo—just be aware it’s fully enclosed.

For Traditional Landmark Status: Tokyo Tower provides iconic red-tower views and nostalgic appeal, though also fully enclosed.

For Open-Air Dining: Combine your observation experience with rooftop restaurants like SOAK, Cé La Vi, or Andaz Tokyo for elevated dining with panoramic views.

Booking Strategy:

Purchase Shibuya Sky tickets in advance—sunset slots are extremely popular
For Tokyo Skytree, consider skip-the-line tickets to maximize your time
Make rooftop restaurant reservations weeks ahead for weekend dining
Check weather forecasts—open-air decks may close during storms

Best Combined Experience: Visit Shibuya Sky for the authentic open-air rooftop feel during sunset, then explore Tokyo Skytree for the ultimate altitude experience and nighttime illumination views. Each offers distinct advantages that complement each other perfectly.

Whether you prioritize outdoor atmosphere or maximum elevation, Tokyo’s observation deck scene offers world-class options to suit every preference.