Sometimes, a late arrival can hold unexpected magic. When we finally reached our hotel room in Tokyo that evening and pulled back the heavy curtains of the panoramic window, we were left speechless. Right before our eyes: the glittering skyline of this vast metropolis – with the freestanding Tokyo Tower (333 meters) seemingly at eye level. From the 26th floor, the view opened up like a portal into a world of energy, elegance, and quiet grandeur.
But it goes even higher. As on previous visits, we headed to the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building that same evening. The elevator took us up – in under a minute – to the 45th floor, approximately 202 meters above ground, offering sweeping views in all directions over Tokyo’s impressive skyline. A place to breathe deeply, point out familiar places, and let memory and present merge into a new perspective.
Once considered a true insider tip, the observatory is no longer a secret. Although admission is still free, queues now form for both ascending and descending. Still, it’s worth the wait.
The true highlight of the evening, however, unfolded down below: the monumental façade of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building became the stage for a beautifully choreographed light show. Colors, shapes, and motion transformed architecture into poetry. This stunning production will continue through the beginning of May, drawing countless visitors every evening.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a few short smartphone videos that offer a glimpse of this mesmerizing night. For us, it was more than a scheduled stop – it was a moment of wonder in the heart of the city.
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