It's a casual cafe that looks like a souvenir shop. They sell drinks and sweets, but it's hard to tell which seats are for customers who bought something and which are for the observation deck. I bought a soft serve ice cream intending to sit and eat, but all the seats were taken, and I noticed some people sitting with drinks from outside fast food places. I had some belongings with me, so I quickly ate my ice cream by a railing (probably not allowed for eating). It would be nice if there were clearly designated seats for customers to use while eating what they purchased. The soft serve ice cream was delicious.

I went up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, listened to piano music, and enjoyed craft beer while feeling good. The collaboration with mango soft serve ice cream was also nice. It was a great experience to enjoy the stunning view. There were many foreigners, so I think it's a good place for them too.

Today I had a meeting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. After the meeting, I decided to take a break and went up to the South Observatory on the 45th floor. Even though it was cloudy today, the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was amazing. I could see Mount Fuji wearing a snow cap clearly. And there were many famous mountains in the Kanto region lined up in the distance. I ordered a hot coffee (400 yen including tax) at the cafe in the middle of the observatory. By the way, have you heard of the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Memory Piano"? The piano was supervised by the artist Yayoi Kusama and is installed on the 45th floor as part of Tokyo's hospitality to visitors from Japan and abroad. As I started sipping my coffee, a young man who looked like a college student approached the piano and casually played YURI's "Betelgeuse". His gentle touch on the keys was so moving. Next, he played "La Campanella". It was so wonderful... I had intended to take a short break, but I ended up having a very pleasant time enveloped in the aroma of coffee. Thank you for the lovely experience!

I came to Shinjuku for work and stayed at Keio Plaza Hotel, where I could see the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building right in front of me. I had always thought it was an impressive building, but I had never been inside. I noticed that people in Tokyo use this building like we use the prefectural government office, so I felt envious and decided to visit. Inside, the first thing that caught my eye was the elevator entrance to the observatory right next to the entrance. I was invited by what I assume were government officials to line up if I wanted to go to the observatory, so I lined up with some foreign tourists. First, we had to go through a temperature check with a very old-fashioned machine where you had to get really close to the sensor on your forehead. It was funny to see all the foreigners bow deeply to the machine. Finally, we reached the 45th floor and the view was amazing, we could even see Mount Fuji. In the middle of the floor, there was a souvenir shop and a café selling coffee and ice cream. I ordered a premium chocolate soft serve ice cream, which was delicious. There was also a street piano on this floor that anyone could play, but the person playing while I was eating was not very good and kept hitting wrong notes, making it hard to enjoy my meal. The next person who played was quite skilled, and when they finished, the whole room gave them a standing ovation due to the contrast with the previous player.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, South 45th Floor Observation Floor. Admission is free, with just a simple bag check, so anyone, not just Tokyo residents, even country folks, can freely enter. Take the direct elevator to the observation floor, and you'll be greeted with a grand panorama. Though a bit cloudy, the air was fresh and you could see far into the distance. I came to see the view, but the main reason for coming all the way here was beer, beer, beer (laughs). In the Tokyo scene, they offer coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sweets like soft serve ice cream and zenzai. For alcohol, they have shochu, sake, and craft beer. Of course, I went for beer, beer, beer! - Tokyo IPA (670 yen) by Far Yeast Brewing, known for its citrus aroma and delicious taste. Feels like drinking juice, but it can really get you drunk. - TOKYO BLUES (700 yen) Craft beer by Ishikawa Sake Brewery in Fussa City. They have a few types of ales, and this one is quite bitter. It has a mature taste. Maybe it felt even more bitter because the IPA tasted like fruit juice. Anyway, I was so sleepy during my license renewal, so I endured it and treated myself to beer during the day as a reward. It tastes so good! ＼(^o^)／

On October 29, 2020 (Thursday), after five years, I renewed my driver's license. In the past, I used to go to Azabu for this, but now it's more convenient as you can renew your driver's license at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Five years ago, I used to visit the observation deck to enjoy the view, but this time I went to see the piano installed there! I was interested in the artwork by Yayoi Kusama displayed on the grand piano. The grand piano had black and yellow polka dots on a yellow base, making it instantly recognizable as her work. You can play the piano for five minutes alone, but there were skilled musicians playing it. Next to the piano, there was a souvenir and light food and drink corner, so I immediately ordered a "TOKYOU BLUES" and enjoyed it at the counter. I had a delicious local beer while listening to the music played on the piano!

Chamomile tea for 450 yen at Tooshin (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building). This cafe is located in the south observation room. Right now, the popular choice is ice cream with monaka (wafers), but I always go for the chamomile tea. It's consistent in flavor since it's a tea bag. Due to the impact of COVID-19, there are no inbound tourists, so it's spacious, quiet, and relaxed. However, they have reduced seating capacity, so it can be a bit challenging to find a seat, especially if you just want to grab a drink. But, this is a good opportunity!

I came to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on a Sunday in June. My companion had some business in the building across the street, so we split up for a while. I was excited to visit the observation deck on the 45th floor. There are two observation rooms, but the north side was under construction, so there was a long line for the south side. Going up to 202 meters was quick and the view of the bustling city of Tokyo made me realize how small my worries are. On the observation floor, there was a shop called "SEEN" selling coffee, snacks, and Tokyo-exclusive goods. I had an iced coffee there, which was reasonably priced. The entrance fee was free, typical of Tokyo not being stingy. However, I was surprised by the price of a bottle of Tokyo water, which was just tap water but cost 103 yen for a 500ml bottle. As I was leaving and tried to take the stairs, I was stopped by a staff member. It reminded me that the anniversary of the end of the war is approaching, and there is an exhibition room on the 33rd floor of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building where you can learn about war-related events not mentioned in textbooks.

It is recommended to go during the piano free play time (10am to noon, 2pm to 4pm) as you can enjoy a leisurely coffee while listening to the performance.

Having ice cream or coffee at a high place is special, but it can be a bit unsettling when it's crowded. However, the staff worked hard to find a seat for us in a place where there were no seats, and we really appreciated their effort.

The food was rich and delicious.