Tochomae

Tochomae Station takes its name from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Tocho - which sits directly above it. The station is essentially the underground entrance to one of Tokyo's most recognisable landmarks: the twin-tower complex designed by Kenzo Tange, completed in 1991, its observation decks offering what is arguably the best free view in the entire city. On a clear morning, Mt Fuji is visible from the south tower deck - the mountain appearing remarkably close and large on the western horizon, framed by the urban sprawl of Tokyo spreading in every direction below.

The area around Tochomae is Nishi-Shinjuku - the western skyscraper district that grew from the 1970s on reclaimed reservoir land. It is a concentrated cluster of high-rises housing corporate headquarters and hotels, functional rather than atmospheric, but the street-level public spaces - particularly Shinjuku Central Park immediately adjacent to the station - provide welcome open space. The station is also the Oedo Line's departure point for a loop through central and east Tokyo, making it a useful transit hub for specific journeys.

Station Overview

Tochomae Station is served exclusively by the Toei Oedo Line, which opened in 2000. It sits in Zone 1. The station is deep underground - the Oedo Line is one of Tokyo's deepest metro lines - and reaches the government building complex via a long but well-signposted set of escalators. Shinjuku Station (all other lines including JR, Marunouchi, Oedo from Shinjuku proper) is about a 10-minute walk east along the surface or a few stops by metro.

Lines and Connectivity

The Oedo Line runs in two directions from Tochomae: north-east toward Higashi-Shinjuku and the Shinjuku Station hub, and south-east through a loop covering Aoyama-itchome, Roppongi, Daimon, Tsukishima, Ryogoku, Ueno-okachimachi, Iidabashi and back around via Shinjuku-nishiguchi. This loop structure means the Oedo Line is useful for reaching specific destinations - Roppongi (about 10 minutes), Daimon for Zojo-ji temple (about 18 minutes), and Iidabashi for Kagurazaka (about 22 minutes).

Station Layout and Facilities

Tochomae is a single-line station on the Oedo Line with exits surfacing in the Nishi-Shinjuku government district. Exit A4 leads toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building main entrance and Shinjuku Central Park. The station concourse has toilets and an information board. ATMs are available inside the government building complex and at nearby convenience stores. The government building complex itself has several restaurants and cafes on the ground floor.

Accessibility

Tochomae Station has lifts to the platform. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has full accessibility - both observation decks are reached by lift and are wheelchair accessible. Shinjuku Central Park has accessible paths.

Travel Tips

• The observation deck (202m, 45th floor) is free and open until 23:00 most nights - evening visits for city lights are exceptional and far less crowded than daytime.
• Both the north tower and south tower decks are accessible separately - the north tower is generally open later and both are free.
• On clear winter mornings (typically January to February), Mt Fuji is visible from the south tower observatory - arrive before 10:00 for the clearest views.
• Shinjuku Central Park (adjacent) is a quiet green space in the skyscraper district - good for a rest before or after visiting the observatory.
• Shinjuku's main nightlife and commercial area (Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho) is a 10-15 minute walk east along Koshu-kaido Avenue.
• The Oedo Line from here reaches Roppongi in about 10 minutes - a useful connection without going through the crowded Shinjuku main station complex.

Nearby Attractions

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory - 2 min walk. Free observation decks on the 45th floor of both towers (202m). Open until 23:00 (south tower); one of the best free viewpoints in Tokyo and offers Mt Fuji views on clear days.

Shinjuku Central Park - 2 min walk. A landscaped urban park adjacent to the government complex. Free, open daily. Good for a quiet break in the otherwise dense skyscraper district.

Nishi-Shinjuku Skyscraper District - walkable. The cluster of 1970s-90s high-rises around the station includes the Keio Plaza Hotel, Hilton Tokyo, Park Hyatt (Lost in Translation hotel) and various corporate headquarters - worth exploring at street level for architecture enthusiasts.

Park Hyatt Tokyo - 10 min walk south-west. Famous as the setting of the film Lost in Translation, the New York Bar on the 52nd floor serves cocktails with panoramic Shinjuku views.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Toei Oedo Line services at Tochomae run from approximately 05:30 to just after midnight. The observatory is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 23:00 (south tower) and Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 22:30 (north tower) - both are closed one day per week for maintenance, alternating between towers. Evening visits for the city lights are recommended. The area around the government building is very quiet on weekends and public holidays when the offices are closed.