Tokyo Skytree was born in 2012 as the newest icon of Tokyo, and the tallest radio tower in the world with a height of 634 meters. The tower does not only provide a dazzling view of the city, but also is fully equipped with everything from shopping areas to even an aquarium and a planetarium. The many facilities within the Skytree make it appropriate for visitors of all ages. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship combines with the vibes of the Japanese "shitamachi", contemporary Japanese architecture and technology to establish the magnificence that is Tokyo Skytree.
History of Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree’s history begins with its predecessor, Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower was built in 1958, and served as a radio and television signal tower during the Showa era (1926 – 1989). Over time, it became a symbol of Japan’s post war rapid economic growth.
However, along with economic growth came a wave of skyscrapers being built all over Tokyo. The new skyscrapers eventually ended up interfering with the Tokyo Tower’s radio waves. Additionally, the rise of digital broadcasting created the demand for a taller, more capable radio tower. Respectively, plans for a 600-meter tall radio tower began around the year 2000.
In 2003, the six biggest public and private TV stations in Japan joined in on the new radio tower project. Besides playing the role of a radio tower, the tower also aimed at becoming a sightseeing spot to trigger more tourism in the region.
Tokyo Skytree and the city of Asakusa
The potential locations listed up for the creation of this tower were the Saitama New Urban Area, Nerima Ward, Ikebukuro and Sumida Ward.
Some of the factors brought into consideration when deciding the location were the spaciousness of the land, if the location was situated appropriately to send radio signals, and if area was tourist friendly. The Oshiage area in the Sumida Ward provided all of the above, as it is easily accessible from the key stations in Tokyo and close to other tourist spots, such as Ryogoku Stadium, Sumida River and Sensoji Temple. Construction began in 2008, and the Tokyo Skytree opened on May 22, 2012.
The Origin of the Name "Tokyo Skytree"
The name of the tower, “Skytree” is now extremely well known in Japan and worldwide, but not many know the story behind it. After asking the public to submit potential names for the tower, six out of the 18,606 submissions were chosen as possible names. The six were “Tokyo EDO Tower”, “Rising Tower”, “Mirai Tower”, “Yumemi Yagura”, “Rising East Tower” and “Tokyo Skytree”. A year after the submissions, in 2008, Tokyo Skytree was chosen as the name of the new tower.
Things to See at Tokyo Skytree
In the next section, we will introduce all the recommended tourist attractions of Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo Skytree Town
Tokyo Skytree Town
The entirety of Tokyo Skytree Town (Tokyo Skytree and the area surrounding it) consists of Skytree, Tokyo Soramachi, Sumida Aquarium and more. Tokyo Skytree Town aims to create a contemporary Japanese culture by bringing together traditional craftsmanship and the Edo Period’s (1603-1868) shitamachi atmosphere. Skytree town serves as an economic accelerator for tourism in Eastern Tokyo.
The Tembo Deck
The observation deck of Tokyo Skytree
Tembo Deck is one of the two observation decks in Skytree. This deck consists of three floors, floor 340, floor 345 and floor 350. The glass floor on Floor 340 is a tourist favorite, as it provides a thrilling view of the world beneath you. For a break, visit the café on the respective floor.
On the next floor, Floor 345, is a restaurant named Sky Restaurant 634. The restaurant serves Japanese food and a magnificent view of Tokyo.
The final floor of Tembo Deck, Floor 350, a byobu (Japanese folding screen) is exhibited. Edo era scenery spreads on the byobu, so you can compare Edo and Tokyo’s skyline side to side. The four “Tokyo Space-Time Navigation System” touch panel screens clearly identify the buildings and landmarks of the Tokyo skyline. There is also a café and a photo service, like the ones on Floor 340.
The Tembo Galleria
The highest accessible floors of Skytree, Floors 445 and 450, are called the Tembo Galleria. Sorakara Point, located at 441.2 meters above ground level, presents a magnificent view of Tokyo. The two floors are connected with a glass-wall slope, making access an enjoyable walk.
Tembo Galleria
Solamachi Shotengai Shopping District
On the first floor of the East Yard is a 120-meter long shopping street named Solamachi Shotengai Shopping District. Shotengai refers to the traditional shopping streets with small shops packed next to each other. The design of the street is inspired by the Edo Kiriko glassware, and exudes a classic Japanese spirit. You can stop by Solamachi Shotengai for shops, cafes and souvenirs.
Sumida Aquarium
Occupying the fifth and sixth floors of Tokyo Skytree is the breathtaking Sumida Aquarium. With the theme of “Sea of the Tokyo Archipelago”, the highly acclaimed Sumida Aquarium houses colorful tropical fish, jellyfish, penguins, sea lions and much more.
■Admission:
・Adults: ¥2050
・High School Students: ¥1500
・Elementary / Middle School Students: ¥1000
・3+ years old: ¥600
Magellanic Penguin at the Sumida Aquarium
Japan Experience Zone
At the Japan Experience Zone, Japanese culture and history come to life through the latest technologies, such as VR. To keep the children busy, visit the Kodomo-ku Kodomono-yu (東京こども区 こどもの湯), a ball pit play area with a traditional Japanese bathhouse design.
World Beer Museum
Taste beers from all over the world all the while staying in Tokyo! The World Beer Museum has beer from all over the world – such as Germany, Belgium and Czech Republic. You can enjoy a glass of beer with at the outside terrace seats.
Planetarium: "Tenku" in Tokyo Skytree Town
“Tenku” is the planetarium in Tokyo Skytree Town. The various programs of different genres make this planetarium a hit amongst Tokyoites. Some of the programs ran previously include a collaboration with the popular comic “Attack on Titan” and a Hawaii-themed show. “Tenku” shows provide a new style of an astronomical spectacle. Check out the official website for more information.
Postal Museum Japan
Located on the ninth floor of Tokyo Skytree Town, the Postal Museum Japan introduces the history of postal mail service in Japan. Over 330,000 stamps and materials related to postal mail delivery are displayed. With activities such as making your own post card or mail delivery simulation games, the museum delights all visitors.
■Admission:
・Adults: ¥300
・Elementary, middle & high school students: ¥150
The Colors of Tokyo Skytree
The color used to paint the tower is a Tokyo Skytree original, named “Skytree White”. This specific shade of white is based on the traditional Japanese color aijiro, a white with a faint hint of pale blue. This soft white shade harmonizes well with the rest of the cityscape.
At night, Tokyo Skytree lights up in three different themes and colors.
The “Iki (粋)” theme represents Japanese spirit, with the central pillar lighting up in a light blue. It symbolizes the strength of the tower standing tall and the openness of Edo Japan.
Tokyo Skytree's blue "Iki" light-up
The purple shade illuminating the tower follows the theme of “Miyabi (雅)”, giving the illusion of the white frame of the tower looking gold.
Tokyo Skytree's purple "Miyabi" light-up
The newest addition to the lights is the “Nobori (幟)”. Added as a fifth anniversary celebration, the orange shade represents the divinity of the tower. Tokyo Skytree lights up daily, with the colors changing day to day.
Tokyo Skytree's orange "Nobori" light-up
You can catch the light ups between 7:00PM and 12:00AM. Both the views from and of Tokyo Skytree are equally phenomenal and breathtaking.
Tokyo Skytree VR
If you happen to visit Tokyo Skytree on a rainy day and the view is nonexistent, don’t worry, as there are other options, such as the Tokyo Skytree VR. This service is only available on foggy days where visitors cannot get a view of Tokyo. There are four spots on Floor 350, and you can enjoy a VR edition of Tokyo’s impressive skyline.
Events at Tokyo Skytree
We will introduce the events at Tokyo Skytree
Fireworks at "Tokyo Skytree Hanabi Tambo"
Firework festivals define Japanese summers, but only at Tokyo Skytree can you look down at the fireworks. From the observation decks in the premises, you can enjoy the fireworks from a whole new perspective. This main festival will be the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.
New Years at Tokyo Skytree
During the New Years season, bounties of events take place at Tokyo Skytree. Some events include a sumo experiencing event and an amazake tasting. On New Year’s eve, a special light up will illuminate Tokyo Skytree.
How to Buy Tickets to Tokyo Skytree
Tickets are required to enter the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree. The Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria have individual tickets required for admission, that can be bought either on the day-of, or beforehand online.
【Same-day Tickets】
■ Tembo Deck
Location:
・4th floor ticket counter
Prices:
・Adult: ¥2,060
・Middle/high school students: ¥1,540
・Elementary school students: ¥930
・4-5 year olds: ¥620
■ Tembo Galleria
Location:
・Ticket counter on the Observation Deck
Prices:
・Adult: ¥1,030
・Middle/high school students: ¥820
・Elementary school students: ¥510
・4-5 year olds: ¥310
**Cash & credit card payment available
**Tickets sold between 8:00 - 21:00
**Same-day tickets are not sold in sets. Tembo Deck tickets and Tembo Galleria tickets must be sold respectively on the 4th floor and the Tembo Deck
【Internet Ticketing】
Between 2 days and 2 months before your visit, admission tickets can be purchased for a specified date.
In the case that the visit cannot be made on the specified date, another date can be selected within 29 days.
Please note that the price of internet tickets vary depending on the time of reservation.
■ Tembo Deck
Prices〈8:00 - 9:30〉
・Adults: ¥2,100
・Middle/high school students: ¥1,600
・Elementary school students: ¥1,000
・4-5 years old: ¥700
Prices〈10:00 - 20:30〉
・Adults: ¥2,600
・Middle/high school students: ¥2,100
・Children: ¥1,400
・4-5 years old: ¥1,000
■ Tembo Galleria
*This ticket grants access to both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria
Prices〈8:00 - 9:30〉
・Adults: ¥3,000
・Middle/high school students: ¥2,300
・Elementary school students: ¥1,400
・4-5 years old: ¥900
Prices〈10:00 - 20:30〉
・Adults: ¥3,600
・Middle/high school students: ¥2,900
・Children: ¥1,900
・4-5 years old: ¥1,300
The following must be presented upon entry:
① The credit card used to purchase the ticket
② [Either/or] A printout of the purchase confirmation email / purchase history OR the purchase confirmation screen on a phone device
*Credit card only
*Certain days will have different pricing
*Discounts are available for people with disabilities
Details on how to use the tickets on the day-of, how to reserve/cancel tickets, and special pricing days, can be found on the official website.
Tokyo Skytree: Becoming Japan's Greatest Observation Tower
Tokyo Skytree was founded as a new symbol of Tokyo. Its construction was a pursuit of regional promotion, and the establishment of a brand-new landmark that grew alongside its locale, inheriting the flowering merchant culture of “shitamachi” Tokyo, and Japan’s deep dedication to craftsmanship.
For the entirety of its 634m height, Tokyo Skytree’s unique shape adopts traditional Japanese architectural techniques such as “sori” and “mukuri” - a particular usage of curves for structural integrity and aesthetic beauty. By employing the “core-pillar structure” found in historical pagodas, Tokyo Skytree has also achieved a high level of earthquake resistance.
From a height of 634m, Tokyo Skytree gives a dazzling view of the Tokyo metropolis underneath. The panorama is absolutely like no other, and is sure to add a wonderful memory to your travels in Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree and cherry blossoms
Access to Tokyo Skytree
Nearest stations:
・Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line TS02)
・Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Z14)
From Shinjuku Station
【Shinjuku Sta.】Toei Shinjuku Line / for Motoyawata
→ 【Bakuroyokoyama Sta.】2-minute walk
→ 【Higashi-Nihombashi Sta.】Toei Asakusa Line / for Imba Nihon-idai
→ 【Oshiage Sta.】→ about a 1-minute walk
From Tokyo Station
【Tokyo Sta.】 Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / for Ikebukuro (or walk to Otemachi Station, about a 10-minute walk)
→ 【Otemachi Sta.】Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / for Oshiage
→ 【Oshiage Sta.】→ about a 1-minute walk
From Narita Airport
【Narita Airport Sta.】Keisei Line Main Line Express / for Keisei Ueno
→ 【Aoto Sta.】Keisei Oshiage Line / for Misakiguchi
→ 【Oshiage Sta.】→ about a 1-minute walk
From Haneda Airport
【Haneda Airport Sta.】Kesiei Airport Express / for Imba Nihon-idai
→ 【Oshiage Sat.】→ about a 1-minute walk
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