Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎, Tōkyō-to Chōsha), also referred to as the Tochō (都庁) for short, is the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which governs the special wards, cities, towns, and villages that constitute the Tokyo Metropolis.
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building | |
|---|---|
東京都庁舎 | |
| Record height | |
| Tallest in Japan from 1991 to 1993[I] | |
| Preceded by | Sunshine 60 |
| Surpassed by | Yokohama Landmark Tower |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Type | Prefecture building |
| Location | 2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 163-8001 Japan |
| Coordinates | 35°41′23″N 139°41′32″E |
| Construction started | April 1988 |
| Completed | December 1990 |
| Opening | 1991 |
| Cost | ¥157 billion |
| Owner | Tokyo Metropolitan Government |
| Height | |
| Roof | 242.9 meters (797 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 48 |
| Floor area | 195,764 m2 (2,107,190 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Kenzo Tange |
| Structural engineer | Kiyoshi Mutō |
Located in Shinjuku ward, the building was designed by architect Kenzo Tange. It consists of a complex of three structures, each taking up a city block. The tallest of the three is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, a tower 48 stories tall that splits into two sections at the 33rd floor. The building also has three levels below ground. The design of the building was meant to resemble an integrated circuit, while also evoking the look of a Gothic cathedral. It is the tallest city hall in the world.
The other two buildings in the complex are the eight-story Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Building (including one underground floor) and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 2, which has 37 stories including three below ground.
The two panoramic observation decks, one in each tower on floor 45 (202 meters (663 ft) high), are free of charge to the public and contain gift shops and cafes. The two observation decks are open between 9:30 and 22:00 on alternating days.