TOKYO | Metropolitan Government Building | 799 FT / 243 M | 48 FLOORS | 1991
 

Designed by Kenzo Tange, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center remains the tallest buildings in the Shinjuku District of the city. The complex consists of a series of interconnected buildings, culminated by a 34 story tower and the twinned 48 story main towers. The main towers are 'joined at the hip' so to speak up to about the 25th floor, with each tower breaking free in a series of overlaid rectangles. Each tower finally rotates 45 degrees with notched corners and mechanical housing cutouts.

Tange's masterful use of scale and variety in the curtain wall (and the use of overlaid shapes to create numerous facets to the facade), gives the building some highly interesting geometry.

The buildings are distinctive, but honestly not overly memorable.

There is an observation deck (free) on the 45th floor of each tower.

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I hate those satalites in the cylinder up ther,but its such a cool complex

The observation deck is worth a visit.

From doubleaphotoalbum (me) on flickr:

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I stayed in the Keio Plaza Hotel back in the summer of 06 while on a business trip for Intel, the entire area is absolutely amazing, and waking up each morning for 10 days and getting to look directly across at that and see the thousands of people walking in from the JR line/subway was wonderful!

I wish I had known that there was an observation deck! I would have went in a heartbeat!

Probably one of my favourite buildings ever - I love the massing, the powerful symmetry, and even the satellite dishes on the overdone cylinders.

I love them. I love everything about this building.

Nice details but too bulky for my taste. Looks like a catheral.

I found that building stunning the first time I saw a photo of it and have loved it ever since. It's so Japan.

One of the most unique and interesting skyscrapers in Japan - and in all Asia. The cool grey and blue facade and the hard edges make it look 70s to me, but I like it anyway.

Exactly my thoughts. One of the coolest twin towers around.

The facade treatment is nice... beautifully detailed and with a pleasant composition.

I really liked this building. Here are a couple of videos I made there.

A look inside one of the observation decks:
• Video Link

A 360 degree view from in front of the building:
• Video Link

Some photos I took there:
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Unmissable attraction in Tokyo, land of high-rise observatories.
This government building complex has TWO free observatories, one on each tower.
The staff is friendly, the space is wide and inviting.
There's a bar/restaurant and the usual souvenir shops.
Excellent views, almost 360º of the surrounding area, and on - rare - clear days one can see Mount Fuji, 90kms away.

My video tour:

• Video Link