Shibuya Sky vs Skytree vs Roppongi Hills: Which Tokyo View Is Worth It?
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Tokyo has more observation decks than you have evenings, and they’re not cheap. I’ve been to Tokyo four times. I’ve been up Shibuya Sky and Roppongi Hills, and I haven’t done Tokyo Skytree yet, so for that one I’ll stick to the facts.
The quick answer
- Want sunset and open air? Go for Shibuya Sky. It’s the only one of the three where you stand on an open rooftop, and the sunset slot gives you day, golden hour and night in one visit.
- Want Tokyo Tower in your photos, for less money? Go for Roppongi Hills. It’s the cheapest of the three, and it looks across at Tokyo Tower rather than standing on top of the view.
- Want the highest view in Tokyo? Go for Tokyo Skytree. At 450 m on the upper deck, nothing in the city is higher.
| Option | Price | What's included | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shibuya Sky TicketBest for: Sunset + open-air rooftop | USD 16.90from · per personchecked |
| Book on Klook |
| Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observatory Deck TicketBest for: Tokyo Tower in your photo, lowest price | USD 10.00from · per personchecked |
| Book on Klook |
| TOKYO SKYTREE® TicketBest for: The highest view in Tokyo | USD 12.50from · per personchecked |
| Book on Klook |
Shibuya Sky: the one to book for sunset
Shibuya Sky sits on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, about 230 m up, and the main event is the open-air rooftop. Book the slot that starts about 30 minutes before sunset. You get the city in daylight, the golden hour, and then the lights coming on, all in one ticket.
Getting there: Scramble Square is built right on top of Shibuya Station, so you don’t need to go outside. Follow the signs for Shibuya Scramble Square and take the lift to the Shibuya Sky entrance on the 14th floor.
Good to know:
- Sunset slots sell out, so book as early as you can.
- Big bags and loose items aren’t allowed on the rooftop. There are lockers before you go up.
- The rooftop can close in rain or strong wind, so check the forecast before you go.
Shibuya Sky Ticket
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- Rated 4.7★ (47,090 reviews) · 3M+ booked
Insider tip: Book the sunset slot, about 30 minutes before sunset, so you see day, golden hour and night in one visit. Photograph the crossing from above first, then walk across it.
Roppongi Hills: Tokyo Tower in the frame
Tokyo City View is an indoor deck on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower, about 250 m above sea level. Its selling point is the angle: you’re looking across at Tokyo Tower, so the tower is in your photo, instead of being the thing you’re standing on.
Getting there: take the Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station and use Exit 1C, which takes you straight into Roppongi Hills. Follow the signs to Tokyo City View for the ticket counter and lifts.
Good to know:
- It’s the cheapest of the three, and the ticket price is often discounted on Klook.
- Because it’s indoors, it’s the better choice on a rainy or cold evening.
- There’s also an open-air Sky Deck on the roof, for an extra fee and only when the weather allows.
Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observatory Deck Ticket
- Instant confirmation
- Rated 4.7★ (5,278 reviews) · 200K+ booked
Insider tip: Roppongi Hills views are from the opposite side. If you can only choose one, choose by what you want in the photo: the tower itself or the skyline.
Tokyo Skytree: the highest view in the city
I haven’t been up Skytree myself yet, so here are just the facts. At 634 m, it’s the tallest tower in Japan. The Tembo Deck is at 350 m, and the higher Tembo Galleria is at 450 m for an extra charge.
Getting there: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) and Oshiage Station (Asakusa and Hanzomon lines) both connect straight into the Skytree complex. It’s close to Asakusa, so it’s easy to pair with a morning at Senso-ji.
TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
- Instant confirmation
- Rated 4.7★ (25,469 reviews) · 1M+ booked
Insider tip: Check the forecast the night before. The lower deck is enough for most people. Only pay more for the higher deck if you want the extra height.
Can you do more than one?
Yes, but don’t do two on the same evening. They give you a similar experience, and you’ll pay twice for the same sunset. If you have the time and budget, try one of these:
- Skytree in the morning (paired with Asakusa), then Shibuya Sky at sunset on another day.
- Roppongi Hills on a rainy day, and keep Shibuya Sky for a clear evening.
FAQ
Which is better, Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree? They’re good at different things. Shibuya Sky gives you an open-air rooftop and the Shibuya Crossing below. Skytree is much higher (350–450 m vs about 230 m), so the view reaches further, but you’re behind glass.
Which Tokyo observation deck is cheapest? Of these three, Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View, from USD 10 on Klook when I checked.
Do I need to book Shibuya Sky in advance? For a sunset slot, yes. Those sell out first. Daytime slots are easier to get.