[Detective Conan] Countdown to Heaven – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo

住所	〒540-0001 大阪府大阪市中央区城見１丁目３

The theatrical film “Detective Conan: Countdown to Heaven” is the 5th installment in the Conan movie series, released in 2001. The Twin Tower Building in Nishi-Tama City, which serves as the setting for this work, is said to be modeled after the actual Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Tokyo. This article provides a must-see pilgrimage guide to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for Conan fans.

The Relationship Between “Countdown to Heaven” and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Modeling of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in the Film

The Twin Tower Building in Nishi-Tama City featured in “Countdown to Heaven” is depicted as twin ultra-high-rise buildings exceeding 300 meters in height. The design and structure of this building are believed to be modeled after the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Main Building No. 1 and Building No. 2 in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is an architectural work designed by Kenzo Tange, completed in 1991. Centered on the Main Building No. 1 with 48 stories above ground and a height of 243 meters, its distinctive twin-tower structure shares many commonalities with the building in the film.

The Symbolism of the Metropolitan Government Building in the Film

In the film, a completion celebration party for the Twin Tower Building is held, where a series of serial murders occurs. The climax culminates in the shocking destruction of the building. The setting of an ultra-high-rise building modeled after the metropolitan government building is believed to have been chosen as a symbol of urban development and technological prowess in Japan at that time.

Basic Information About the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Location and Access

Address: 〒163-8001 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

Nearest Stations:

Directly connected to “Tochomae Station” on the Toei Subway Oedo Line
Approximately 10 minutes walk west from “Shinjuku Station” (JR, Odakyu Line, Keio Line)
Approximately 8 minutes walk from “Nishi-Shinjuku Station” on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

Since it is directly connected to Tochomae Station, access is possible without getting wet even on rainy days. You can also access it via underground passages from Shinjuku Station, but for first-time visitors, walking on ground level is easier to navigate.

Opening Hours and Closed Days

Observation Deck Hours:

South Observation Deck: 9:30 AM–10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
North Observation Deck: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (Last entry 5:00 PM)

Closed Days:

South Observation Deck: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
North Observation Deck: 2nd and 4th Mondays

※Opens on holidays; closed the following day
※Closed during year-end and New Year period (December 29 – January 3)

Admission Fee: Free

Since admission to the observation deck is free, you can enjoy the pilgrimage casually. However, entry restrictions may be imposed during crowded times, so it is recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.

Recommended Pilgrimage Spots

1. Metropolitan Government Building Exterior (Twin Towers)

The most distinctive feature of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the twin-tower structure of Main Building No. 1. You can photograph the exterior, which is said to be the model for the Twin Tower Building in the film, from various angles.

Recommended Photography Points:

Tochomae Plaza: A classic spot to see the entire building from the front
Shinjuku Central Park: Allows photographing the entire building from a distance
Nishi-Shinjuku High-rise Building Group: Photographing the building from above using surrounding buildings is also attractive

Especially at dusk and during nighttime, the illuminated building is beautiful and evokes the atmosphere of a scene from the film.

2. Observation Deck (45th Floor)

From the observation deck at a height of 202 meters above ground, you can see the Tokyo cityscape in a full 360-degree view. The film features impressive scenes of views from high-rise buildings, and the actual experience of looking down at Tokyo from the same height is extraordinary.

Highlights of the Observation Deck:

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree: On clear days, you can see both simultaneously
Mount Fuji: On days when the air is clear, Mount Fuji is visible from the west-facing windows
Night View: The scenery is particularly beautiful during the transition from dusk to night

The observation deck also has a café and souvenir shop, allowing you to spend time leisurely.

3. Metropolitan Government Building 1st Floor Lobby

The 1st floor lobby features a soaring atrium, allowing you to experience the grandeur of the building. Imagine the party scene from the film as you walk through the spacious area.

Characteristics of the Lobby:

High ceilings and spacious area
Tourist information center and Tokyo Tourism Information Center
Limited-time exhibitions and events

4. Shinjuku Central Park

Shinjuku Central Park, adjacent to the metropolitan government building, is an ideal location for photographing with the building as a backdrop. The park has a lawn plaza and benches, making it perfect as a rest spot.

Ways to Enjoy the Park:

Commemorative photography with the building as a backdrop
Enjoying seasonal flowers and greenery through strolls
Relaxing on benches

Photography Techniques for Pilgrimage

Tips for Photographing the Exterior

Photography Points by Time of Day:

Morning (7:00 AM–9:00 AM): The building illuminated by morning sun has a refreshing appearance. With few people around, it’s easy to photograph.
Noon (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): The contrast between blue sky and the building is beautiful
Evening (4:00 PM–6:00 PM): The building dyed by sunset is fantastical
Night (6:00 PM onward): The illuminated building resembles the film’s atmosphere

Camera Setting Advice:

Using a wide-angle lens makes it easier to fit the entire Twin Tower into the frame
Shooting in portrait orientation emphasizes the height
A tripod helps prevent camera shake when photographing night views

Photographing from the Observation Deck

The observation deck windows are glass, so care is needed to avoid reflections.

Reflection Countermeasures:

Keep the lens in close contact with the glass
Cover the area around the lens with a black cloth or jacket
Use a PL filter (if possible)

Recommended Photography Directions:

East: Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa area
South: Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills area
West: Mount Fuji (on clear days), Shinjuku subcenter
North: Ikebukuro night view

Related Spots in the Surrounding Area

Around Shinjuku Station

There are various spots around Shinjuku Station where you can feel the atmosphere of places and settings featured in the Conan series.

Worth Visiting:

Shinjuku Takashimaya: The department store atmosphere evokes scenes from Conan’s daily life
Kabukicho: The nightlife district atmosphere reminds you of Conan crime scenes
Shinjuku Gyoen: An urban oasis, perfect for rest

There are many anime merchandise shops in Shinjuku where you can find Conan goods.

Recommended Shops:

Animate Shinjuku: 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
Lashinbang Shinjuku: Abundant used goods
Mandarake Nakano: Located one station west of Shinjuku on the Chuo Line in Nakano

Pilgrimage Planning

Half-Day Course (3–4 Hours)

9:30 Arrival at Tochomae Station
9:40 Photograph building exterior (Tochomae Plaza)
10:00 Head to observation deck (South Deck recommended)
11:00 Rest at observation deck café
11:30 View 1st floor lobby
12:00 Photography and rest at Shinjuku Central Park
12:30 Lunch around Shinjuku Station
13:30 Browse anime shops in Shinjuku

Full-Day Course (6–8 Hours)

9:30 Arrival at Tochomae Station
9:40 Photograph building exterior (multiple angles)
10:30 Head to observation deck (South Deck)
12:00 Lunch at observation deck café
13:00 Stroll through Shinjuku Central Park
14:00 Visit Shinjuku Gyoen
16:00 Café break in Shinjuku area
17:00 Browse anime shops
18:30 Photograph building exterior at dusk
19:30 Night view photography (from observation deck or exterior)

Recommended Seasons

Spring (March–May):

Cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen are beautiful
Mild climate ideal for strolling
Air is relatively clear, providing good views from the observation deck

Summer (June–August):

Observation deck is comfortable with air conditioning
Beautiful contrast between summer blue sky and building
Late sunlight allows extended photography sessions

Autumn (September–November):

Clear air makes Mount Fuji more visible
Autumn foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen is beautiful
Pleasant weather ideal for pilgrimage

Winter (December–February):

Clearest air provides the best views from the observation deck
Beautiful illuminations
Cold weather requires preparation, but photography conditions are excellent

Precautions for Pilgrimage

Manners and Rules

Photography Precautions:

Use tripods within limits that don’t disturb others
Be mindful of other tourists appearing in shots
The building is an active government facility; avoid disrupting operations
Never enter off-limits areas

Manners at Observation Deck:

Keep conversations at a reasonable volume
Do not run or push
Do not touch window glass (fingerprints may appear)
Eat and drink only in designated areas

Packing Checklist

Essential Items:

Camera (smartphone is acceptable)
Chargers and spare batteries
Transportation IC card
Beverages (especially in summer)

Helpful Items:

Wide-angle lens (if using a DSLR camera)
Small tripod
Beach mat (for rest in the park)
Sunscreen and hat (summer)
Warm clothing (winter)
Rain gear (during uncertain weather)

Security Check

Bag inspection occurs when entering the observation deck.

Inspection Targets:

Large luggage may be required to be checked
Dangerous items are strictly prohibited
Pet bottles of beverages may be brought in

Review of the Film “Detective Conan: Countdown to Heaven”

Rewatching the film before the pilgrimage makes it more enjoyable.

Main Scenes

Opening: Scene showing the full view of the Twin Tower Building
Party Scene: Lavish party inside the building
Deduction at Observation Floor: Important scene where Conan gets closer to the truth
Climax: Building explosion and escape scene

Featured Characters

Shinichi Kudo (Conan Edogawa)
Ran Mouri
Ai Haibara
Detective Boys (Ayumi, Genta, Mitsuhiko)
Professor Agasa
Black Organization members (Gin, Vodka)

Revisiting the film before visiting allows you to more concretely imagine the scenes and their settings.

History and Architecture of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Kenzo Tange’s Design Philosophy

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange. As a representative work of postmodern architecture, it has the following characteristics.

Architectural Features:

Twin-tower structure symbolizing significance
Emphasized verticality reminiscent of Gothic architecture
Height of 243 meters (Main Building No. 1)
48 floors above ground, 3 floors below ground
Total construction cost of approximately 156.9 billion yen

History of the Metropolitan Government Building’s Relocation

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building relocated from Marunouchi to Shinjuku in 1991. The background for this relocation included the expansion of administrative functions and the development plan for the Shinjuku subcenter.

Timeline:

1985: New metropolitan government building construction plan decided
1988: Construction begins
1990: Completed
1991: Operations begin

Enjoying the Metropolitan Government Building’s Observation Deck

Scenery by Time of Day

Morning (9:30 AM–11:00 AM):

Clear air allows viewing distant areas
Mount Fuji is easily visible
Relatively few tourists; leisurely viewing possible

Noon (11:00 AM–3:00 PM):

Tokyo’s cityscape brightly visible
Easy to understand the positions of major landmarks
Crowded with families and tourists

Evening (3:00 PM–6:00 PM):

Beautiful scenery of the setting sun
The sky’s colors change moment by moment
Transition to night view visible

Night (6:00 PM–10:00 PM):

Panoramic view of Tokyo’s night lights
Building lights sparkle like jewels
Romantic atmosphere

Observation Deck Café

The South Observation Deck features a café called “TOKYO GOOD.”

Menu Examples:

Coffee, tea, and other beverages
Light meals (sandwiches, bread)
Sweets
Tokyo souvenirs

You can enjoy a leisurely café time while viewing the scenery.

Souvenir and Merchandise Information

Souvenir Shops Inside the Building

The observation deck has shops selling Tokyo souvenirs.

Popular Items:

Tokyo Skytree-related merchandise
Tokyo Tower goods
Tokyo specialties (Tokyo Banana, Goma Tamago, etc.)
Metropolitan government building original goods
Japanese souvenirs for foreign tourists

Places to Buy Conan Merchandise

Conan merchandise is not sold inside the building, but can be purchased around Shinjuku Station.

Anime Shops in Shinjuku:

Animate Shinjuku: Rich selection of latest merchandise
Jump Shop: Also carries Weekly Shonen Sunday works
Kiddy Land: Character merchandise specialty store

Dining Information in the Surrounding Area

Lunch Spots Near the Building

Inside the Building:

Staff cafeteria (open to the public on certain days)
Observation deck café

Near the Building:

Sumitomo Shinjuku Building: Many restaurants in the basement
Nomura Shinjuku Building: Restaurant street available
Shinjuku Center Building: Various dining establishments

Recommended Restaurants

Japanese:

Tsunahachi (tempura)
Ume no Hana (tofu cuisine)
Yakiniku Shoujou (yakiniku)

Western:

Saint Marc Café
Tully’s Coffee
Italian Tomato

Asian:

Hong Kong Dim Sum Specialty Shop
Thai Restaurant
Chinese Restaurant

Detailed Access Guide

Access from Major Stations

From Tokyo Station:

JR Chuo Line rapid to Shinjuku Station (approximately 15 minutes)
10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit

From Shibuya Station:

JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (approximately 5 minutes)
10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit

From Ikebukuro Station:

JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (approximately 5 minutes)
Or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Nishi-Shinjuku Station (approximately 7 minutes)

From Haneda Airport:

Keikyu Line and Toei Asakusa Line to Shinbashi Station
Transfer to Toei Oedo Line, go to Tochomae Station (approximately 50 minutes total)

From Narita Airport:

Narita Express to Shinjuku Station (approximately 80 minutes)
10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit

Parking Information

While the building has parking for visitors, it is not recommended for tourism purposes. Use of public transportation is advised.

Nearby Paid Parking:

Shinjuku Central Park Parking
Shinjuku Park Tower Parking
Nearby coin parking

Standard rates are approximately 300 yen per 30 minutes.

Annual Event Information

Events Held at the Building

Spring:

Tokyo tourism PR exhibitions
Cherry blossom photography exhibits

Summer:

Tokyo summer festival-related events
Fireworks information displays

Autumn:

Tokyo autumn foliage spot introductions
Cultural events

Winter:

Illumination information
Year-end and New Year events

The observation deck regularly features exhibitions related to Tokyo tourism and culture.

Events Around Shinjuku

Shinjuku Eisa Festival (late July)
Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen (late March–early April)
Shinjuku Field Museum (throughout the year)

Additional Information for Conan Fans

Other Conan Pilgrimage Sites

There are other locations throughout Tokyo related to the Conan series.

Major Sites in Tokyo:

Tokyo Tower: Featured in multiple episodes
Odaiba: Has been the setting for theatrical films
Asakusa: Streets with Edo atmosphere appear in the series
Ueno: Museums and other locations serve as crime scene settings

Information on Conan Exhibitions and Events

Check regularly for Conan-related events held in Tokyo.

Past Major Events:

Detective Conan Exhibition
Theatrical film release commemorative events
Collaboration cafés
Merchandise sales events

It’s recommended to check official websites and SNS for the latest information.

Pilgrimage Experience Accounts

Fan Testimonials

Conan fans who have actually visited the building have shared the following impressions.

“I was moved to see the Twin Tower model from the film in person. The view from the observation deck was also wonderful, and I was able to experience Conan’s world firsthand.”

“The night view was particularly beautiful, and I could photograph while reminiscing about the climactic scenes from the film. The fact that admission is free is also a great bonus.”

“Given the convenient location in Shinjuku, it’s easy to combine with other tourist spots and enjoy all day.”

Points when sharing pilgrimage memories on SNS:

Hashtag Examples:

#名探偵コナン
#天国へのカウントダウン
#コナン聖地巡礼
#東京都庁
#コナン好きと繋がりたい

Post Content Ideas:

Comparison of building exterior photos with film scenes
View from the observation deck
Pilgrimage maps
Introduction of recommended photography spots

Conclusion

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Conan fans, said to be the model for the Twin Tower Building in “Detective Conan: Countdown to Heaven.” Located in the convenient Shinjuku area and offering free admission to the observation deck, it can be visited casually.

Summary of Pilgrimage Points:

Excellent Access: Directly connected to Tochomae Station
Free Admission: Observation deck entrance fee is free
Abundant Photography Spots: Exterior, observation deck, surrounding parks, etc.
Nearby Facilities: Shopping and dining available around Shinjuku Station
Year-Round Enjoyment: Different attractions by season

Visiting after rewatching the film allows you to experience Conan’s world more deeply. Bring your camera and record the building’s magnificent appearance. Combine it with Tokyo tourism and enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage journey.

In the heart of the metropolis of Shinjuku, a special experience awaits, immersing you in Conan’s world.