For one of the best views of the city, head to the impressive, Kenzo Tange-designed City Hall in west Shinjuku, comprised of three buildings. There are observatories on the 45th floors of both its north and south towers, at a height of 663 ft/202 m. Panoramic photos below the windows are labeled—in Japanese and English—so you know what you're looking at. Mount Fuji, to the west-southwest, is usually obscured by haze, but its silhouette is often visible at sunset in winter. One or both of the observation rooms, which contain a small cafe and souvenir stands, are open daily 9:30 am-11 pm (last entrance 10:30 pm). Both observatories are closed 29 December-1 January and for regular maintenance checks. Free. 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku (Tochomae station on the Oedo Line), Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Phone 5320-7890 for the observatory guidance desk. http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/TMG/observat.htm.
