A Free View of Tokyo Skyline

If you go Tokyo, you might want to visit the Skytree or Tokyo Tower to soak in some views of the Tokyo skyline. These attractions are neat and all, and lit up at night they are pretty awesome. But if you are a budget conscious traveler, you may want to head over to the free views offered by the Bunkyo Civic Center. The link is poorly translated English, but it tells you the viewing hrs (9am to 8:30pm daily) and the dates it is closed (Dec 29-Jan 3 and 3rd Sunday of May). The viewing platform is on the 25th floor and is FREE to everyone. On clear days you are able to see Mt Fuji. Unfortunately, the day we went it was hazy in the direction of Mt. Fuji.

To get there from where we were staying, near the Edo Tokyo Museum, we took the Oedo subway line to Kasuga station.

Gettting to the observation deck from Kasuga Station (Oedo Line):

Upon arriving at Kasuga station, take the escalator up to the next level for gates 1-6.

Exit to the underground walkway through the gate. A map should be in front of you and you can either go left or right. Go to the right, following the yellow signs for exits 1-6.

Walk a little and you should come to another escalator on your right. Take it up, continuing to follow the yellow signs that says "exits 1-6".

Walk a little until you see a signs that points for exits 1-4a-4b and 5 on your left. Take this hall and walk a little ways until you see an exit on your left.

You should see a pillar that has a yellow sign pointing exits 1-4 straight ahead and exit 5 to your left.

The entrance to the Bunkyo Civic Center is here. You are at the B2 level (basement 2 level).

Enter and go to the next available right. There is a blue and brown elevator sign, as well as a bathroom sign on the door.

If you have littles who need to use the facilities, here's a good place to stop and go potty. The bathroom is in the hall just to the left of the big elevator sign reminding you which one goes to which floors.

For those not going potty, take the BLUE elevator! This one takes you up to the 25th floor observatory. The elevator would be on your left as you enter. The ride up is in a glass elevator so you can see how high up you are going:)

Upon exiting the elevator, go to your right and walk along the observation deck, enjoying the views.

When you are ready to leave, just retrace your steps backwards:

• take the elevator down to B2
• upon exiting the elevator, go right and then right again at the first exit.
• once in the main area, exit to your left out of the building into the underground walk way.
• go to your right and walk to the T. Take a right and go down the escalator.
• exit the escalator and turn left.
• walk to the T and you'll see the entrance to the Kasuga Station for the Oedo Line.
• buy your return ticket at the machines on the right of the entrance and enjoy the rest of your time in Tokyo!