Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎), 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.

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 m 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.

History
The building was designed by Kenzo Tange and finished in December 1990 at the expense of ¥157 billion (about US$1 billion) of public money. It replaced the old city hall at Yūrakuchō, which was built in 1957 and also designed by Tange, which is now the site of the Tokyo International Forum.

At 242.9 m, it was the tallest building by roof height in Tokyo until 2007, when the Midtown Tower was completed.

In February 2024, the building was recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the world's largest projection mapping display.