Tokyo is one of those cities that almost demands to be seen from above. There are the famous choices, of course—Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower—but during one of my visits I discovered another perspective that I found just as impressive: Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. At 238 metres tall, this striking skyscraper rises above one of Tokyo’s most energetic neighborhoods, yet somehow feels a little less obvious than the city’s better-known observation towers. I remember heading upward and wondering what the view would look like, only to find myself standing above an enormous city that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. From the Tokyo City View observatory on the 52nd floor, Tokyo suddenly made sense in a completely different way. Streets that had felt enormous from ground level became tiny lines, buildings became patterns, and the constant movement of the city turned into something almost peaceful. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance, while toward evening the city begins its transformation into a seemingly endless sea of lights.

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What made Mori Tower particularly memorable for me was that the experience wasn’t simply about standing at a window and taking a photograph. The building itself is impressive, designed by César Pelli and completed in 2003, with a sleek glass exterior and a distinctive curved form that has been compared to a dragon rising from the ground. As the light changes throughout the day, the reflective façade changes with it, making the tower look completely different at sunset. But there is another reason to visit: the Mori Art Museum, housed within the complex and known for its contemporary exhibitions featuring artists and ideas from Japan and around the world. I liked the combination of looking outward at one of the world’s greatest modern cities and then stepping inside to explore contemporary art. Add restaurants, cafés and the wider Roppongi Hills complex, and Mori Tower becomes much than an observation deck—it is a place where architecture, art, food and the Tokyo skyline come together.

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Looking back, what I enjoyed most was the sense that I had found a slightly different way to experience Tokyo. The city’s famous viewpoints are spectacular, but there is something satisfying about discovering a place that doesn’t feel quite as obvious. From high above Roppongi, Tokyo looked simultaneously enormous and strangely intimate, and I could spend hours simply watching the city change beneath me. If you’re visiting Tokyo and want a memorable view without making your entire day revolve around one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions, Mori Tower is well worth considering. Go during daylight for the scale of the city, stay through sunset if you can, and watch Tokyo gradually switch on its millions of lights. For a photographer, it’s almost impossible to resist. As always, the photographs accompanying this story are my own, so please respect the copyright and don’t use them without permission. Thanks for joining me above Tokyo, and until the next adventure.

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