There are quite a few locations in Tokyo from where you can see Mount Fuji. But if there’s one that stands out, it’s the Bunkyo Civic Center (文京シビックセンター).
Visitors can access its FREE observation deck located on the 25th floor, to experience breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline and beyond, all the way to Mt. Fuji!
About the Bunkyo Civic Center
Located in the heart of Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, Japan, the Bunkyo Civic Center houses the municipal offices of Bunkyo, Tokyo Metropolis, and offers facilities for the usage of entertainment and sightseeing. Most famously, the Sky View Lounge located on its 25th floor offers stunning panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. And for anyone visiting Tokyo, this free observation deck is a must-visit.
Although the building was described as a “colossal Pez candy dispenser” by The Japan Times, I unfortunately never saw its sweet shape as I entered and exited the building through the metro station connected to its basement.
How to get to the Bunkyo Civic Center
Located adjacent to the Tokyo Dome, the Bunkyo Civic Center is easy to arrive at by public transport.
By train:
- The Korakuen Station (served by the Tokyo Metro) is a 1-minute walk from the Bunkyo Civic Center. Take exits 4a and 5 if arriving via the Marunouchi Line, or exit 5 if arriving via the Namboku Line.
- The Kasuga Station (served by the Toei Subway) is also a 1-minute walk. Take the Bunkyo Civic Center exit whether arriving via the Mita Line or Oedo Line.
- The Suidobashi Station (served by JR) is a 9-minute walk. Take the East Exit to arrive at the Bunkyo Civic Center.
Take the elevator to the 25th Floor (Sky View Lounge)
Once you enter the building, locate the elevators and take it up to the 25th Floor. Notice the signs for the Sky View Lounge.
I personally found the elevator ride up to be quite fascinating as the glass elevator gave me a window into the government offices. Honestly, if I worked in this building, I’d be on the 25th floor at every chance I’d get!
Once you get off at the 25th floor, you will immediately be in awe of this incredible observation deck. The 330-degree panoramic view from the observation deck is simply stunning!
- Views of Tokyo to the east with the Tokyo Skytree being the main attraction
- Views of Tokyo from the Bunkyo Civic Center
- Admiring the train tracks from the observation deck
Hope you enjoy this video of the ride up to the Sky View Lounge and a virtual tour of the entire observation deck.
Located 105 meters above ground, visitors can take in the sights of Mount Tsukuba to the north, Tokyo Skytree to the east, and the bustling skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
- Views of the Tokyo Dome City from the Bunkyo Civic Center
- Views of Tokyo Skytree from the Bunkyo Civic Center
- The skyline of Shinjuku with Mt. Fuji in the background seen from the Sky View Lounge of the Bunkyo Civic Center
And of course, the views of Mount Fuji are to the west.
- Mt. Fuji can be seen with the naked eye on a clear day
- Mt. Fuji views from the Bunkyo Civic Center
I was also pleasantly surprised with how the observation deck was so empty.
But what really sets this view apart is the clever design — the observation deck is encased in tilted glass windows that minimize indoor lighting reflection, ensuring a truly unobstructed view.
Opening Hours
The Sky View Lounge on the 25th Floor is open daily from 9:00 am to 08:30 pm. The entrance is free.
Few Points Worth Mentioning
- Needless to say, the views are best enjoyed on a clear, haze free day. If the views are hazy or cloudy, there is a high chance that Mt. Fuji may not be visible.
- Remember to carry a pair of binoculars to get a better view of Mt. Fuji. If you’re a photographer, don’t forget to carry your zoom lens. But having said that, Mt. Fuji is easily visible through the naked eye.
- The best time to visit is during sunset or sunrise (within the opening hours). Just after sunrise, the sun is the east, illuminating Mt. Fuji. And during sunset, you can enjoy the sun setting behind Mt. Fuji.
Amazing views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji for Free
When researching for where to see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, most of the options I noticed were all paid options. But when I learned about the Bunkyo Civic Center, I thought it was too good to be true.
And honestly, it felt like it was too good to be true. From the stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, to catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji, and all for free! As a tourist, I am extremely grateful to the Bunkyo Civic Center for allowing us to visit their Sky View Lounge.
If you have some time to kill in Tokyo or really want to see Mt. Fuji, I highly recommend visiting the 25th floor of the Bunkyo Civic Center.
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