【Makoto Shinkai Works】Weathering with You – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building & Government Office Street (Tokyo) Complete Guide | Holy Land Pilgrimage Map and Photography Spots
Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster hit “Weathering with You” (released in 2019) depicts a poignant story of a boy and girl set against the backdrop of Tokyo. Among the symbolic locations in the film, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku and Government Office Street stand out prominently. This article provides a comprehensive guide to must-see pilgrimage sites for “Weathering with You” fans, from access methods to photography techniques and surrounding areas.
Appearances of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Government Office Street in Weathering with You
Important Role in the Story
In “Weathering with You,” the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Government Office Street appear multiple times as important settings in the narrative. When the protagonist Hodaka arrives in Tokyo after running away from home, the government building is depicted as an iconic structure symbolizing Shinjuku’s urban landscape. Particularly striking is the scene where the building’s twin towers stand imposingly against a gray sky amid the rain that continuously falls on Tokyo.
Government Office Street is portrayed as a road that Hodaka frequently walks as he adjusts to life in Tokyo. It appears in important scenes where the hustle and bustle of the metropolis of Shinjuku contrasts with the sense of loneliness of a boy who has come from the countryside.
Specific Shots Featuring the Location
In the early part of the film, there is a scene where Hodaka walks from Shinjuku Station’s west exit toward the government building area. The rain-soaked surface of Government Office Street, people walking between building canyons, and the government building visible in the distance are all expressed with the meticulous background art characteristic of director Makoto Shinkai.
In the middle of the film, when Hina and Hodaka visit the Shinjuku area for work as a weather girl, the area around the government building also appears. The sight of the building under clear skies provides a stark contrast to the rainy scenes and visually expresses the theme of “weather” change in the story.
Access Methods to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Government Office Street
Access by Train
Access to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is very convenient. The nearest stations are as follows:
Toei Shinjuku Line “Tochomae Station”
- About 1 minute walk from Exit A4 to the First Metropolitan Government Building
- The closest option, accessible without getting wet even on rainy days
JR and Private Railway Lines “Shinjuku Station”
- About 10 minutes walk from the West Exit
- You can walk the same route as Hodaka in the film
- A recommended route for actually experiencing Government Office Street
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Nishi-Shinjuku Station”
- About 8 minutes walk
- A relatively uncrowded route
Detailed Route from Shinjuku Station West Exit
The most recommended route for pilgrimage is from Shinjuku Station’s west exit. This allows you to retrace the path Hodaka likely walked in the film.
- Exit from Shinjuku Station’s west exit and go above ground
- Head west with Odakyu Department Store on your left
- Cross the Shinjuku Oguard West intersection
- Enter Government Office Street and walk straight west for about 800m
- The twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building will come into view ahead
This route takes about 10-15 minutes on foot, but enjoying the surrounding scenery along the way allows you to experience the film’s world more deeply.
Photography Spots for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Metropolitan Building View from Government Office Street
Best Position
Shooting westward from around the front of the Shinjuku Eltower in the middle of Government Office Street gives you an angle closest to the film’s shots. Photographing from near the center median of the road creates a beautiful composition with building groups on both sides and the government building visible in the distance.
Photography Tips
- Early morning (7:00-8:00) has fewer passersby and is easier to photograph
- Overcast days bring the film’s atmosphere closer
- Rainy days create beautiful reflections on the pavement, allowing you to recreate the work’s world
- Using a telephoto lens (50mm-85mm) makes the building appear larger
Views from the Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
From the observation deck on the 45th floor of the First Metropolitan Government Building (free admission), you can see a panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape. While the film doesn’t directly feature scenes from the observation deck, you can see all of Tokyo, which serves as the setting for the story, deepening your understanding of the narrative.
Observation Deck Information
- Hours: 9:30-22:00 (South Observation Deck), 9:30-17:30 (North Observation Deck)
- Closed: Irregular (North and South decks alternate closures)
- Admission: Free
- Mount Fuji is visible on clear days
Metropolitan Government Building Plaza
The plaza in front of the First Metropolitan Government Building is also popular as a photography spot. The view of the building’s twin towers from here is spectacular, and you can enjoy the “sky and building” composition characteristic of Shinkai’s works.
Photography Points
- Looking up from the center of the plaza
- The sunset hour offers beautiful sky colors
- Nighttime illumination of the building looks magical
How to Enjoy by Time of Day
Early Morning (6:00-8:00)
A time period with few passersby, allowing for leisurely photography. The sight of the government building illuminated by morning sunlight evokes the sunny scenes in the film. You can experience quiet Tokyo before the morning rush and perhaps relive the loneliness Hodaka felt upon first arriving in Tokyo.
Daytime (10:00-16:00)
The most lively period when you can feel the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The observation deck is also open, allowing you to enjoy both tourism and pilgrimage simultaneously. The contrast between blue skies and the building on clear days mirrors Tokyo’s landscape after Hina has brought clear weather.
Evening (17:00-18:30)
The time period called the magic hour when the sky displays beautiful gradient colors. You can experience the beautiful sky colors that exemplify Makoto Shinkai’s works. The sunset and silhouette of the building viewed from Government Office Street is a photogenic spectacle.
Night (19:00-22:00)
An illuminated government building and rain-wet pavement reflections create a beautiful nighttime urban atmosphere. Since many film scenes were set in rainy or cloudy conditions, the nocturnal urban mood may be closest to the work’s world.
Nearby “Weathering with You” Related Spots
Around Shinjuku Station
When visiting the government building and Government Office Street, it’s recommended to also visit other pilgrimage sites around Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Station West Exit
The location where Hodaka arrives in Tokyo. The bustle and crowds of the station expressed the bewilderment of a boy coming from the countryside.
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
The Shinjuku South Exit area featured in the film. Though somewhat distant from the government building, it’s within walking distance.
Around Yoyogi
Heading south from the government building leads to the Yoyogi area. This is also one of the important settings in “Weathering with You.”
Former Yoyogi Hall Site
Said to be the model for the abandoned building where Hodaka and Hina met (currently demolished).
Precautions and Etiquette While Photographing
Strict Adherence to Traffic Rules
Government Office Street is a main thoroughfare with heavy traffic. Never be so absorbed in photography that you run into the road or ignore traffic signals. Crossing outside of crosswalks is dangerous.
Tripod Use
Tripod use on Government Office Street and the government building plaza is permitted within ranges that don’t obstruct foot traffic, but should be avoided during crowded times. Some areas within the building restrict tripod use, so advance confirmation is necessary.
Consideration for Privacy
Passersby are likely to be captured in photos. When uploading to SNS, be considerate so that other people’s faces are not identifiable.
Rules for Using Government Building Facilities
The government building is an administrative facility of Tokyo, not a tourist attraction. Unauthorized entry to areas other than the observation deck is prohibited. Be mindful of staff and visitors, and act with proper etiquette.
Highlights by Season
Spring (March-May)
The season of new green when street trees around the government building turn a beautiful shade of green. Clear days are frequent, and the contrast between blue skies and the building is striking. This is the ideal season to recreate the “weather girl” sunny scenes from the film.
Summer (June-August)
The rainy season is exactly like “Weathering with You’s” world. Rain-soaked Government Office Street most faithfully recreates the film’s atmosphere. However, waterproofing for photography equipment is essential.
Autumn (September-November)
Clear air and the observation deck offers the most beautiful views of the season. Sunset colors are especially vivid, making it possible to capture landscape photographs characteristic of Shinkai’s works.
Winter (December-February)
The dry season allows for far-reaching visibility. The probability of seeing Mount Fuji from the observation deck increases. At night, the building’s illumination appears even more beautiful.
Trivia for Enjoying Your Pilgrimage More
About the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s Architecture
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was completed in 1991, designed by architect Kenzo Tange. The First Building, standing 48 stories and 243 meters tall, was Tokyo’s tallest building at the time of completion. The twin-tower design is said to have been inspired by Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The effective use of this solemn structure in “Weathering with You” was fitting as a symbol of the metropolis of Tokyo and as a high-rise building close to “heaven,” aligning with the story’s themes.
Director Makoto Shinkai’s Devotion to Background Art
Makoto Shinkai’s works are known for meticulously depicting actual locations. In “Weathering with You,” the government building and Government Office Street were carefully researched and animated to reflect reality.
The director and staff conducted actual location scouting, observing even how light changes with time of day and weather conditions. This is why visitors on a pilgrimage experience the thrill of thinking “this really is just like the movie!”
Reception at Film Release
After “Weathering with You” was released, many fans visited the area around the government building. Particularly in the summer of 2019 right after the film’s release, fans could often be seen walking Government Office Street with umbrellas on rainy days. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck also reported an increase in visitors who came after seeing the film.
Nearby Rest and Dining Spots
Restaurants and Cafes in the Government Building
The First Metropolitan Government Building has a staff cafeteria open to the public (32nd floor). You can eat at reasonable prices while enjoying views from the windows. There is also a cafe in the observation deck where you can relax while viewing the Tokyo scenery.
Around Shinjuku Station
Walking back toward Shinjuku Station from the government building, you’ll find countless restaurants. The model for the McDonald’s where Hina worked in the film is also said to be in the Shinjuku area, and many fans visit it as part of their pilgrimage.
How to Record Your Pilgrimage
Photography Techniques
Composition
- Pre-screenshot scenes from the film and search for the same angle at the location
- Use a wide-angle lens (24mm-35mm) to capture the entire building
- Use a telephoto lens (70mm-200mm) for closeups of the building’s twin towers
Weather Usage
- Cloudy or rainy days bring you closer to the film’s atmosphere
- Sunny days recreate the “weather girl” scenes
- Sunset hours allow you to capture the beautiful skies distinctive of Shinkai’s works
Sharing on SNS
When sharing your pilgrimage records on SNS, these hashtags are effective:
- #天気の子
- #天気の子聖地巡礼
- #東京都庁
- #新海誠
- #君の名は
- #アニメ聖地巡礼
Conclusion: Experience the World of Weathering with You
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Government Office Street are among the most symbolic locations representing the world of “Weathering with You.” With convenient access and a free observation deck to enjoy, it’s recommended even for beginners to holy land pilgrimage.
On rainy days, you can experience the film’s atmosphere; on clear days, you can experience Tokyo as Hina made it sunny. Experience the loneliness, hope, and love that Hodaka and Hina felt amid the hustle and bustle of the metropolis of Shinjuku.
Looking up at the sky while walking Government Office Street will reveal the beautiful Tokyo sky that director Makoto Shinkai depicted, right before your eyes. Whether you visit before or after watching the film, experiencing this place will deepen your understanding and affection for “Weathering with You.”
Holy land pilgrimage is a special experience that connects works with reality. While respecting etiquette, fully enjoy the world of “Weathering with You.”
