Last Updated on 2026-06-01 by Tsubaki
Hi! I’m Tsubaki (287), a Japan-based travel writer who’s been living in Japan for over 10 years. Whenever people visit Tokyo, chances are they’ll post at least one photo featuring Tokyo Tower on social media, whether it’s the tower glowing outside a hotel room window, a romantic dinner with a Tokyo Tower view, or the now-famous photo spot known as the “Tokyo Tower Parking Lot Stairs.”
Then, at the end of 2023, a brand-new addition joined Tokyo Tower’s growing list of must-visit spots: the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck Sky Lobby. Almost instantly, it became one of Tokyo’s hottest new attractions.
When the observation deck first opened, admission was completely free, which quickly drew huge crowds. However, starting in April 2024, new entry restrictions were introduced, and visitors could no longer enter freely. Then again in late 2025, the access rules changed once more.
In this article, I’ll share the latest entry information and updated access tips based on my own visits.
※ I revisited the Sky Lobby again in May 2026, so this guide has been fully updated with the newest 2026 entry rules.
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About Azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills is a brand-new urban landmark that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and artistic functions into one modern development. The complex includes nearly 1,400 luxury residences, hotels, office spaces, medical facilities, an international school, and art and cultural venues, essentially, a dream neighborhood that feels like a self-contained city.
At its core stands the Mori JP Tower, soaring 325 meters high. Not only does it set a new record as the tallest building in Japan, but it also surpasses Osaka’s Abeno Harukas.
Beyond its architecture and functionality, Azabudai Hills is home to over 100 restaurants, museums, and galleries. The relocated and newly reopened teamLab Borderless from Odaiba has already drawn massive attention. And among these highlights, the one we’re focusing on today is the Sky Lobby, offering stunning views of Tokyo Tower.
Azabudai Hills Observation Deck Sky Lobby
No Longer Free Entry
Since opening in November 2023, the Azabudai Hills Observation Deck Sky Lobby quickly became one of Tokyo’s hottest new attractions thanks to its limited-time free admission policy. In just five months, it gained massive popularity among both locals and tourists.
However, as visitor numbers continued to rise, the management introduced a new rule in April 2024: entry to the observation deck would be limited to specific guests only.
The announcement was posted not only on the official website, but also directly at the elevator entrance leading to the Sky Lobby, where staff members began checking visitors before allowing entry. From that point on, anyone wishing to visit the observation deck had to be approved by staff first.
2026 Update:
(Leaving the information above here as a little piece of history haha.)
The 33rd-floor space at the Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby is now divided into two sections: a general public area and a members-only area. The public section includes part of the observation space and the popular grand staircase, while the opposite side is reserved exclusively for members.
Currently, general visitors who wish to access the Sky Lobby must take the direct elevator from the S2 elevator entrance on the 1st floor up to the 34th floor. Once you exit the elevator, staff will guide you directly to the Sky Room Cafe & Bar counter.
The system has also changed to a paid admission model. Visitors are now required to pay a ¥500 entrance fee per person, in addition to purchasing at least one drink.
* 500 JPY (≈ $3.13 USD / £2.33 GBP / €2.69 EUR)At the moment, entry for general visitors is limited to customers of the following three dining establishments:
1. Employees working in Mori JP Tower
2. Residents of the building
3. Patrons of the following three restaurants:
・Dinning 33
・Sky Room Cafe & Bar
・Dining 33 pâtisserie à la maison
The easiest way in? Simply purchase a drink or dessert at Sky Room Cafe & Bar. That’s the method I recommend remembering.
Private Event Closures
Another important detail: since Azabudai Hills is a mixed-use community with residences and offices, the Sky Lobby is occasionally reserved for private events for residents or members. When that happens, security guards block general visitors at the entrance.
To avoid wasting a trip, I highly recommend checking the official website’s “Private Event Schedule” in advance. If the page doesn’t load, you can always check the “News & Updates” section for the latest information.
How to Get to Azabudai Hills Sky Lobby
The nearest stations to Azabudai Hills are Kamiyacho Station (神谷町駅) or Roppongi-itchome Station (六本木一丁目駅). Once outside, your best bet is to aim directly for the super-tall Mori JP Tower.
Even though you can spot the skyscraper from afar, walking there can still get tricky (I got lost myself). Around the Garden Plaza area, greenery and buildings can obscure the view, and it’s easy to miss the entrance.
Sky Lobby
Address: Hills Tower Plaza 4F, 1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041（Google Maps）
Hours: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Access:
・Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Kamiyacho Station (Exit 5, direct access)
・Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Roppongi-itchome Station (Exit 2, 4 min walk)
・Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Roppongi Station (Exit 3, 10 min walk)
・Toei Oedo Line: Roppongi Station (Exit 5, 10 min walk)
・Toei Oedo Line: Azabu-juban Station (Exit 6, 10 min walk)
・Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Azabu-juban Station (Exit 3, 11 min walk)
・Toei Mita Line: Onarimon Station (Exit A6, 11 min walk)
If you’re arriving by bicycle, good news, there’s an underground bike parking area available. My boyfriend and I biked over recently and were surprised to find it almost completely empty. There wasn’t a single bike in sight, so parking was a breeze!
And the best part? It’s totally free for the first two hours, what a generous deal!
A Panoramic View of Tokyo Tower from the Sky Lobby
For independent travelers like us, the biggest draw of Azabudai Hills is no doubt the Sky Lobby observation deck on the 33rd floor of Mori JP Tower (most people just call it the “Azabudai Hills Observation Deck” now). Since opening to the public in late 2023, it’s quickly become one of Tokyo’s top photo spots.
From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views over central Tokyo. To the southeast, Tokyo Tower rises at nearly the same height as the Sky Lobby, making for a stunning photo opportunity. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji off to the west. And once the sun sets, the cityscape transforms into a dazzling night view.
Keep in mind the view is a half-circle, about 180 degrees, not a full 360. The opposite side of the floor is occupied by Dining 33, a fine dining restaurant.
During the free-admission period, the area in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows was constantly packed with people, and you really had to wait for the perfect moment to squeeze in for a photo!
Now that admission requires a fee, the crowds have dropped dramatically. Honestly, I think paying ¥500 plus the cost of a drink is absolutely worth it for a much more relaxed experience.
* 500 JPY (≈ $3.13 USD / £2.33 GBP / €2.69 EUR)Grand Staircase at the Sky Lobby
The first thing that caught my eye upon entering the Sky Lobby wasn’t the view, it was this grand staircase! I totally didn’t expect such a wide, architecturally designed stairway inside the observation deck.
I was honestly blown away. It’s not just a great photo spot, but also a perfect place to take a break, sit down with friends, and soak in the Tokyo skyline.
Based on my own observation, the crowds after the paid entry system began have dropped by roughly two-thirds compared to the free-admission period.
The Easiest Way to Enter the Observation Deck: Hills House Sky Room Cafe & Bar
After taking the elevator up, you’ll immediately see the ordering counter for Sky Room Cafe & Bar.
Although there’s usually a line, it moves fairly quickly since most people are just grabbing a coffee or a small snack. The wait time is generally quite reasonable.
On top of the ¥500 entrance fee, the cheapest drink on the menu is now a black coffee for ¥800 . Other soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are typically priced between ¥800–1,500.
* 500 JPY (≈ $3.13 USD / £2.33 GBP / €2.69 EUR) * 800 JPY (≈ $5.00 USD / £3.72 GBP / €4.30 EUR)
There are also light bites like croissants and donuts displayed near the counter. A great option if you’re not in the mood for a drink, prices range from ¥280–350 (roughly $1.90–2.35 USD).
Even better, Sky Room Cafe & Bar sells a limited selection of cakes made in collaboration with Dining 33 pâtisserie à la maison. Prices are around ¥800–1,200 (approx. $5.40–8.10 USD). Flavors change daily.
Before you place your order, make sure to walk around and check for available seating. As you can see from the photo, the dining area gets very crowded, especially during the free-entry period when we visited.
But don’t worry if you can’t find a seat right away. The grand staircase outside the cafe is a fully open seating area, where you can relax with your coffee and enjoy the view, just as nice as having a table!
(However, eating and drinking on the staircase is currently prohibited.)
Dining 33 Pâtisserie à la Maison
Dining 33 pâtisserie à la maison is a dessert boutique attached to the Dining 33 restaurant, located on the opposite side of the observation floor with unbeatable views of Tokyo Tower.
Supervised by renowned French cuisine chef Kiyomi Mikuni, this patisserie has become a pilgrimage spot for dessert lovers.
・Each cake is beautifully crafted and delicately flavored
・Most slices are priced between ¥800–1,100 (about $5.40–7.45 USD)
・Whole cakes are available by reservation and range from ¥4,000–7,500 (approx. $27–51 USD)
Note: The patisserie mainly offers takeout, or serves customers dining at Dining 33. However, if you’re just visiting as a tourist, you can also enjoy these cakes by purchasing them at Sky Room Cafe & Bar and eating them right there.
・Dining 33 Pâtisserie Menu
・Dining 33 Restaurant Online Reservation
Sky Lobby
Address: Hills Tower Plaza 4F, 1 Chome-3-1 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041（Google Maps）
Hours: 10:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Access:
・Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Kamiyacho Station (Exit 5, direct access)
・Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Roppongi-itchome Station (Exit 2, 4 min walk)
・Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Roppongi Station (Exit 3, 10 min walk)
・Toei Oedo Line: Roppongi Station (Exit 5, 10 min walk)
・Toei Oedo Line: Azabu-juban Station (Exit 6, 10 min walk)
・Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Azabu-juban Station (Exit 3, 11 min walk)
・Toei Mita Line: Onarimon Station (Exit A6, 11 min walk)
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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