Tokyo Skytree is a prominent broadcasting and observation tower located in Sumida, Tokyo. At 634 meters (2,080 feet), it stands as the tallest structure in Japan and one of the tallest in the world. Since its completion in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has become an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s skyline and a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

When the Skytree first opened to the public in May 2012, the lines to obtain a ticket were very long and some people reportedly waited in line for a week. During the opening day, May 22, tens of thousands of visitors gathered – even though it was a rainy day and the view from the observation decks weren´t good. It was also a very windy day and two elevators had to be shut down.

During the inaugural week, 1.6 million people visited the Skytree, and during its first two months of being open to the public, trips up the tower were fully booked.

Design and Construction

The design of Tokyo Skytree is a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering. The tower’s silhouette is inspired by the curvature of a samurai sword (katana), with a structure that tapers as it rises, giving it a sleek and elegant appearance. The base of the tower is triangular, gradually transforming into a circular cross-section as it ascends, a design feature that helps to enhance its stability and reduce wind resistance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Tokyo Skytree’s construction is its earthquake-resistant design. Japan is prone to earthquakes, so the tower was built with advanced seismic protection systems. A central pillar, known as a shinbashira, acts as a counterweight to reduce swaying during seismic activity, much like traditional pagoda architecture.

Night Illumination

Tokyo Skytree is renowned for its spectacular nighttime illumination. The tower is lit up in different colors and patterns depending on the season, special events, or holidays. The standard lighting patterns are “Iki,” a chic Edo purple, and “Miyabi,” a refined gold. These illuminations not only enhance the beauty of the tower but also create a vibrant atmosphere that can be seen across the city.

Getting There

Tokyo Skytree is easily accessible via public transportation. It is directly connected to Oshiage Station, which serves multiple train lines, including the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and the Tobu Skytree Line. The tower is also within walking distance of the Asakusa area, a historic district known for the famous Sensoji Temple, making it convenient for tourists to combine their visits.

Visitor Tips

• Advance Tickets: To avoid long lines, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Best Viewing Times: For the best experience, consider visiting the observation decks early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This timing allows you to see both daytime views and the city as it transitions to night.
• Dining with a View: Consider dining at one of the restaurants in Tokyo Solamachi that offer stunning views of the city, especially during sunset or nighttime.

Observation Decks

Tokyo Skytree features two observation decks that offer breathtaking views of the city and beyond:

Tembo Galleria

The Tembo Galleria, situated at 450 meters (1,476 feet), is the higher of the two decks and is often referred to as the “world’s highest skywalk.” The Galleria’s design includes a spiraling glass corridor that gradually ascends to 451.2 meters, giving visitors the sensation of “walking in the sky.” The views from this height are expansive, offering an unparalleled panoramic perspective of Tokyo and the surrounding region.

Tembo Deck

Located at around 350 meters (around 1,148 feet) above ground, the Tembo Deck is the lower of the two observation platforms. It is spread across three levels and offers a 360-degree view of Tokyo. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Mount Fuji. The Tembo Deck also features a glass floor section that allows visitors to look directly down to the streets far below, providing a thrilling experience.

Additional Attractions

Beyond its observation decks, Tokyo Skytree is part of a larger entertainment complex known as Tokyo Skytree Town, which includes several other attractions:

Tokyo Solamachi

At the base of Tokyo Skytree is Tokyo Solamachi, a multi-level shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with over 300 shops and restaurants. It features a mix of international brands and unique Japanese boutiques, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a meal with a view of the tower.

Sumida Aquarium

Located within Tokyo Solamachi, the Sumida Aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including a large tank dedicated to Tokyo Bay and a penguin exhibit. The aquarium’s design emphasizes an interactive and immersive experience, making it a popular attraction for families.

Planetarium Tenku

Also within Tokyo Solamachi, the Planetarium Tenku offers an engaging and educational experience, where visitors can enjoy immersive stargazing shows that explore the wonders of the night sky.

Broadcasting

Tokyo Skytree is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region, which includes not only the Greater Tokyo Area but also Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. (The older Tokyo Tower became too surrouned by high-rise buildings to work properly for complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting.)

Television broadcasters

• NHK General TV
• NHK Educational TV
• tvk (only Tokyo and Kanagawa)
• Nippon Television
• TV Asahi
• TBS Television
• TV Tokyo
• Fuji Television
• Tokyo MX (only Tokyo)

Radio broadcasters

• J-Wave Tokyo (only Tokyo)
• NHK FM Broadcast Tokyo (only Tokyo)
• TBS Radio Tokyo
• Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Sumida
• Nippon Broadcasting System Sumida
  

Important milestones during the construction of the Tokyo Skytree

2008

Construction commenced in 2008, and a ceremony was held at the site to mark the start.

2009

The foundations for the three legs were completed in April, and on August 7 the tower reached a height of 100 metres.

2010

On March 29, the tower became the tallest now-standing structure in Japan, as it reached a height of 338 metres.

On September 11, 2010, the tower became the tallest structure ever built in Japan, as it surpassed the dismantled Tsushuma Omega tower which used to be 455 metres tall.

On the 1^st of December, the tower surpassed the 500 metre mark and became 511 metres. This meant it was now taller than the famous 509 metre tall Taipei skyscraper in Taiwan.

2011

On the 1^st of March, the tower reached a height of 604 metres, which meant it was now the world´s tallest tower as the former record holder Canton Tower was ”only” 596 metres tall.

The Tokyo Skytree reached its final height of 634 metres on March 18 (1:34 pm JST).

Guiness World Records certified the new world record on November 17. The Tokyo Skytree was included in Guiness World Records as the world´s tallest free-standing tower.

2012

The tower construction formally ended on Februari 29. This was two months later than planned; the delay was caused by a shortage of supplies in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. On March 2, the completion was celebrated with a ceremony officiated by a kannushi.

The Skytree was lit up for the first time on March 6, as a part of the Tokyo Hotaru Festival celebrations.

On April 26, the Japanese Emperor and Empress visited the tower.

The Skytree opened to the public on May 22.

Channel 9 Tokyo MX commenced transmission from the Skytree on the 1^st of October.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo Skytree is more than just a broadcasting tower; it is a modern architectural marvel and a must-visit attraction in Tokyo. Offering stunning views, unique experiences, and a variety of entertainment options, Tokyo Skytree provides visitors with a comprehensive experience that captures the essence of Tokyo’s blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking cityscapes, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying a day of shopping and dining, Tokyo Skytree has something to offer every visitor.