The metropolitan buildings in Shinjuku have won over most architect critics with their modern look and classic symmetry. The main No 1 building's twin north and south towers weigh in at an impressive 243 meters. The 45th floors in both two towers are observation floors. Each is a mirror image of the other and which you pick all depends on if you want to look north or south.

While the building isn't internationally famous like the Tokyo Tower and don't have quite as good a view, the fact it's free, the tallest building in Tokyo and a chance to get a look at the center of Tokyo's government are reasons enough to come. Free bag checks are also given with every lift.

Only the north tower is open until 23:00 but on days when it is closed the south tower is open till this time. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. The building is inspected yearly and both towers are closed on inspection day.

Both sides have gift shops with many of the standard Tokyo trinkets and gift items. Cafes are on both sides but the north side has a bar. Everything is open till the tower closes but last order is half an hour before closing time.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Offices were completed in December, 1990 and building 1 was briefly the tallest building in Japan. The Yokohama Landmark Tower which was completed in 1993 now holds the record for tallest building in Japan. The second tallest building in Tokyo is Sunshine 60.

To reach the elevators that go up to the towers, you enter through the Citizen's Plaza and walk into the rather dark and subterranean feeling 1st floor.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Offices are a 15 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. The west exit (north side) is closest to the offices and there is an underground passage that leads straight to the building from the station.

Shinjuku is serviced by a number of different train lines and stations. If you're coming by JR then both the Yamanote, Sobu and Chuo Lines stop here. The Oedo (Ginza) and the Maru-no-uchi (Roppongi, Shiodome) subway lines also stop nearby JR's station. Keio and Odakyu trains terminate at their respective stations west of JR's but these are commuter train lines.