The cheapest, easiest and best sunset Mount Fuji
“When Japan” should have just titled this article the “Shinjuku Metropolitan Building” however you don’t do there because of the building itself. The only reason to go is there is a free of charge observation deck at the top of each of the two towers that gives the best view of Tokyo, including the sun setting near Mount Fuji (on clear days).
Access to the towers
Getting there is more of a pain that you might expect. “When Japan” suggests you walk overground from Shinjuku station rather than underground. The network of underground walkways in Shinjuku is a nightmare to navigate due to the poor signage. You can get directly to the buildings underground, but we advise against it.
Instead, follow this map overground until you get to under a bridge. Google Maps isn’t very good recognizing that long, straight road as a long, straight road however it is long and straight. Walk on the left side when you can.
Once under the bridge, enter under the buildings and follow the signs. There is a sign that says “Observatory” if you zoom in. You can get to both North and South towers from here. Semi-permanent homeless who make their cardboard beds under the bridge. It is one of the few places in Tokyo where you see this.
Opening hours
As it typical of such places, the two towers have differing opening times and differing days when the towers are closed. Check the Observation Deck English homepage for details. A direct link to the schedule is here. Both towers offer views of Mount Fuji. You can also see the Skytree and Tokyo Tower, making going up either pointless as you will always not see the tower you are currently at the top of. Seriously, don’t bother with either. Waste of money.
Sunset times
The only other things you will obviously need is the sunset times for Tokyo. Aim to arrive about an hour before. As to be expected, the crowds start to gather towards sunset. You can also see Diamond Fuji from here on February 1-3 or November 9-11 (according to this site – Japanese). Also, this site in English. Expect it to be extra busy those days – assuming good weather.
