Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky is the observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tower that rises directly above Shibuya Station, and its main selling point is that the highest level is open to the air. From the rooftop Sky Stage, roughly 229 metres above the street, there is nothing between you and the skyline: the Scramble Crossing far below, the green mass of Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu to the north, the towers of Shinjuku beyond, and, when the air is clear, Mount Fuji to the west.

A visit begins at the entrance on the 14th floor, from where lifts carry you up to the top of the building. The rooftop Sky Stage is the main event, with a glass-edged corner that is the most popular spot for photographs and space to sit and look up at the sky. Below it, an indoor gallery floor with floor-to-ceiling windows gives a sheltered view when the wind is strong or the weather turns cold, and it is a pleasant place to linger after dark.

Entry is by timed ticket, and booking online in advance is cheaper than buying on the day. Sunset slots are the most popular and often sell out several days ahead, so reserve early if you want golden-hour views; the hour after sunset, when the city lights come on, is equally rewarding and a little easier to book. The rooftop can close temporarily in rain or strong wind, so check the weather on the day. For safety, loose items such as bags and hats have to be left in lockers before you go out onto the rooftop.

It suits couples, photographers and first-time visitors who want to see the city's scale, and older children usually enjoy the open-air deck. Allow around an hour to an hour and a half. Compared with Tokyo Skytree it is lower, but the outdoor rooftop and the view over central Shibuya give it a very different feel.

The building sits directly above Shibuya Station, served by the JR Yamanote Line, the Ginza, Hanzomon and Fukutoshin metro lines and the Tokyu and Keio Inokashira lines, so you can reach the 14th-floor entrance without going outside. The Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue are a few minutes' walk away.