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Hi everyone, it’s Trip with Kim!
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, one of the first things you should book—right after your flight tickets—is Shibuya Sky Observatory. This open-air rooftop offers stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. Because of its incredible location and breathtaking views, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo, and tickets for prime time slots, especially during sunset and nighttime, sell out quickly.
Unlike some observatories where you can get tickets on the day of your visit, Shibuya Sky requires early booking, especially if you want to secure the best time slots. I learned this the hard way on my first visit when I missed out on the sunset view. This time, I planned ahead and made sure to book exactly four weeks in advance, which is the earliest time tickets become available. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to book tickets, the best time to visit, and what to expect once you’re there.
Shibuya Sky is an open-air observatory located on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. It’s famous for offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the city. Unlike traditional indoor observatories with glass windows, Shibuya Sky lets you experience the view without any barriers, making it an incredible spot for photos and videos.
It’s located right next to Shibuya Station, making it one of the easiest observatories to visit in Tokyo. While Tokyo Skytree is taller and Tokyo Tower is iconic, I personally think Shibuya Sky offers the best overall experience, thanks to its modern design, central location, and incredible sunset views.
📍 Location: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
🎟 Ticket Price: ¥2,200 (around $15 USD)
🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Shibuya Sky tickets sell out very fast, especially for sunset and nighttime slots, so booking in advance is essential. Unlike some other attractions, you cannot buy tickets on-site, and they must be reserved online before your visit.
The most important thing to remember is that ticket sales open exactly 4 weeks in advance at midnight (Japan time).
For example, if you want to visit on March 10th, tickets will become available at midnight on February 10th. If you want to see the sunset, you’ll need to book as soon as tickets open.
I personally recommend using Klook to book your tickets, as they sometimes offer discounts and make the process easier for international travelers. Once booked, you’ll receive a QR code, which you can scan at the entrance on the day of your visit.
On the day of your visit, head to Shibuya Scramble Square, where the observatory is located. Once inside, take the dedicated elevator to the 14th floor, where you’ll find the ticket counter. From there, you’ll take another elevator up to the 45th floor, followed by an escalator to the 46th and 47th floors, where the main observation deck is located.
One thing to keep in mind is that Shibuya Sky has strict rules for rooftop access. You cannot bring large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, or even hats, as the wind on the rooftop can be quite strong. There are lockers available for storage, but you’ll need a 100-yen coin, so it’s a good idea to have one handy.
I visited during sunset, which I highly recommend. Arriving just before sunset allows you to experience both the daytime view and the transition into night, when Tokyo’s city lights start glowing. The open-air design makes it feel like you’re floating above the city, and it’s one of the best views I’ve ever seen in Japan.
If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, I highly recommend making Shibuya Sky one of your must-visit spots. However, proper planning is essential to ensure you get the best experience.
✔ Book tickets exactly 4 weeks in advance at midnight (Japan time).
✔ Sunset slots sell out fast—be ready to book as soon as they open.
✔ Bring a 100-yen coin for locker storage, as certain items aren’t allowed on the rooftop.
✔ Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a smooth check-in.
✔ Visit in the evening for the best city lights and an unforgettable view.
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, make sure to book your Shibuya Sky tickets as early as possible. The views are absolutely worth it, and this experience will be one of the highlights of your trip.
One of the most famous photo spots at Shibuya Sky is the escalator leading to the rooftop. The modern design, combined with the neon lights and cityscape background, makes for an iconic Instagram-worthy shot.
From the rooftop, you’ll get a clear view of Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance. However, the best way to capture this shot is from the Sky Bar area, where you’ll need to order a drink to access the prime viewing spot.
If you want a premium experience, consider booking a VIP seating area at the rooftop lounge. This gives you exclusive access to some of the best sunset and nighttime views.
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