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All Japan Tokyo Tokyo Metropolitan Building Staff Cafeteria
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

Tokyo Metropolitan Building Staff Cafeteria

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

Tokyo, Japan

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The staff cafeteria with partition screens, during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The map of Floor 32, where the cafeteria is located.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Samples of lunch menus and ticket-vending machines.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The scenic metropolitan view from the cafeteria.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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There are a number of reasons to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. It's the tallest city hall in the world, evokes a gothic cathedral wrought in metal, and includes observatories and gift shops. But don't forget to grab a bite to eat at the staff cafeteria in Tower One, which is a cut above, as well as 32 stories above the ground. 

Visitors are welcome, and menu items are often in both Japanese and English. A seat at the counter lining the long windows offers a glorious view of the city below, as well as the misty mountains in the distance. 

As for what to eat, there are a number of options. It's self-service, so visitors choose what they want and pay at machines before going to the appropriate counter to pick up their meal. There are lots of set meals on offer, including entrees such as noodles and curry. There are also certain items available only here, such as the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Ramen" and the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bento." The latter consists of 32 items, in honor of the cafeteria's place on the 32nd floor. It includes millet rice embellished with a bright red pickled plum, hamburger, mackerel, vegetables, and more. 

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Know Before You Go

You'll need a temporary building pass, which you can acquire from the lobby. Just say you're going to the cafeteria. Then, take the elevator to the 32nd floor. Be aware, it can get very busy from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., during the government employee lunch hour. Perhaps choose another time between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the cafeteria's hours. There is another cafeteria, but this one has the views.

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Published

October 28, 2020

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Tokyo Metropolitan Building Staff Cafeteria
2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku
Tokyo, 163-8001
Japan
35.689634, 139.692101
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