A special experience at a revolving observatory restaurant! “Ginza Sky Lounge” in Yurakucho

‘Tokyo Kaikan – Ginza Sky Lounge’, which opened its doors in 1965 on the top floor of the ‘Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan’ right in front of Yurakucho Station, is one of the now rare rotating observatory restaurants. Enjoying authentic French cuisine and desserts while gazing at Tokyo’s skyline slowly passing by is an unforgettable experience!

Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan
Going on a trip around Tokyo

The circular restaurant floor of the ‘Ginza Sky Lounge’ takes about 80 minutes to slowly rotate 360 degrees making it possible to enjoy the whole 360-degree panorama during your meal. Also, no matter where you sit, you will always have first-row seating close to the windows – there simply is no second row! During your merry-go-round journey you will see some of central Tokyo’s famous spots, such as local trains and Shinkansen bullet trains coming and going at Tokyo Station, the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo’s famous shopping district Ginza.

This year, the restaurant has been rotating for 55 years!
Shinkansen bullet trains lined up at Tokyo Station. The red brick building is also part of the station.
Tokyo International Forum designed by architect Rafael Viñoly.

Long-established authentic French
Having a chat with chef Kondo.

The menu of the restaurant lets you enjoy the most popular dishes of ‘Tokyo Kaikan’ since its establishment in 1922. Probably the most famous seafood dish is “Steamed Tonguefish Bonne Femme” and it has been around for about 100 years!

Steamed Tonguefish Bonne Femme
Steamed Tonguefish Bonne Femme

The oven-baked tonguefish with mushrooms, fish stock, white wine, and plenty of butter literally melts in your mouth. The buttery flavor is just wonderful!

Beef Curry Rice
Hamburger steak with vegetables

After our gorgeous lunch, we had the traditional dessert ‘Marron Chantilly’. Golden chestnuts are hidden under a whipped cream dome, resembling the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, or maybe a chandelier. Its retro look and somehow nostalgic taste come for a reason: this dessert was invented over 60 years ago! No wonder these dishes taste amazing: their recipes have been preserved for such a long time.

Japanese Chestnut Marron Chantilly
Marron Chantilly

‘Ginza Sky Lounge’ might be a little-known restaurant when it comes to tourists visiting Tokyo, but it is actually very popular. Staff told us that many of their guests visit the ‘Ginza Sky Lounge’ on their anniversaries or on special occasions bringing their children – who will most likely bring their future children, too.

I definitely recommend you to go on a round-trip at this revolving restaurant! While enjoying the delicious food and desserts and gazing at the Tokyo’s streets below, you will surely be captivated by the magic of the ‘Ginza Sky Lounge’!

During dinner time, live piano music performances create a special atmosphere.
Information:

At the moment, Ginza Sky Lounge offers a special menu called “Ginza Sky Lounge 55th Anniversary Special Menu” (Lunch only; Reservation Required) This course lets you taste a variety of their popular meals. Don’t forget to check out this great deal! (For more information, please visit their website!)


Ginza Sky Lounge

https://www.kaikan.co.jp/branch/skylounge/
Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan 15F, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/79PkwEh8UpVarLEBA
Nearest Stations: Yurakucho Station, Ginza-itchome Station, Ginza Station, Hibiya Station

* The restaurant has no particular dress code, however, please refrain from wearing (too) casual clothes such as tank tops, shorts, and sandals.