Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Government office building in Nishi-Shinjuku, Japan.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building forms a striking twin-tower ensemble in the Nishi-Shinjuku district, with 48 floors and a height of approximately 243 meters (797 feet). Both towers rise in parallel and connect at the base through a shared podium that houses conference rooms and office spaces.
Architect Kenzo Tange designed the ensemble in postmodern style and completed it in 1991, making it the tallest structure in Tokyo until 2006. His design draws on classical Japanese temple motifs and merges them with the formal language of Western skyscrapers.
The complex serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tokyo metropolitan area, home to about 14 million residents who live and work across the region. Its twin towers mirror each other in form and create a symmetrical composition that remains visible from afar, embodying the city's governmental role.
The observation decks on the 45th floor of both towers are open to visitors free of charge and offer a sweeping view of the city. The north tower stays open until 11 PM, while the south tower closes earlier in the evening, making the late hours suitable for watching the illuminated skyline.
On clear days, Mount Fuji appears in the distance and stands out as a snow-covered cone against the horizon. The observation decks also reveal Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, and the broad edges of the metropolis, which bathe in warm light at sunset.
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