Tokyo Skytree

Pointing out directly from the city center, Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo’s most distinctive landmarks that shape its skyline. Apart from being a functioning radio tower, the Skytree also houses two observation decks and a shopping and entertainment complex.

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6 Tokyo Skytree Facts

• It was completed in 2012

After the idea of a new, higher and therefore stronger broadcasting tower was suggested in 2005 in light of the need of advancing technologically. Tokyo Skytree was designed by the Japanese sculptor Mr. Kiichi Sumikawaconstruction  The project took 7 years from the idea to the completion.

• It stands 2,080 feet tall

That’s 634 meters, making it the tallest structure in Japan by far, exceeding the size of Tokyo Tower, the second tallest structure in the country, by double. Both towers house observation decks. To see a comparison of the two skyscrapers, jump here.

• It is the second tallest structure worldwide

With an inferiority of 636 feet, it comes second to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai that measures at 2,716 ft (828 meters). Taking only towers into consideration, Tokyo Skytree leads the list ahead of Guangzhou’s Canton Tower in China and Toronto’s CN Tower.

• It is more than a radio tower

Besides serving a broadcasting tower, Skytree also houses not one but two observation decks and a shopping complex. The two observation decks are called Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. Their difference is 600 feet in height. I’ve created an overview of all the different Tokyo Skytree ticket options below.

• It lights up in different colors

Similar to the Empire State Building in New York, Tokyo Skytree lights up every night. On a regular day, you will see it shine in classic blue (“iki”) or elegant purple (“miyabi”). On special occasions, however, you’ll get to experience special colors, for example on Christmas or Sakura. You can always check today’s lighting to stay updated on the colors during your visit to Tokyo.

• Its name was voted on by the public 

When looking for the perfect name for Tokyo’s new broadcasting tower, the public was invited to join the discussion. More than 18,000 names were submitted. With about 30% of the votes, the Japanese population agreed to name the tower Skytree, beating the next popular option “Tokyo Edo Tower” by one percent.

Tokyo Skytree Floor Guide

To give you a better understanding of what Tokyo Skytree has to offer, I have broken down the iconic landmark into parts:

• Sorakara | floor 450

The term Sorakara translates to “from the sky” and is Tokyo Skytree’s highest point, located on the 450th floor. It actually measures 1,480 ft (451.2 meters), to be exact. Access to Sorakara is included in the Tembo Galleria ticket.

• Tembo Galleria | floors 445-450

Tembo Galleria offers you spectacular, panoramic views from a height of 1,476 feet (450 meters).

• Tembo Deck | floors 340-350

Tembo Deck stretches over 10 floors. On the 340th floor, you can find a Skytree Café and, more interestingly, my personal highlight: a glass floor that lets you look all the way down to the ground. It’s scary and exciting at the same time!

Five floors further up, on the 345th floor, you can find the exclusive Sky Restaurant 634 that offers a fine-dining experience topped with the greatest views. As a meal here is a little more expensive than the average as you may have guessed, Sky Restaurant is a great choice for special occasions. You won’t get a seat though unless you make reservations here. Besides the restaurant, you can also find a Skytree Shop and several viewing benches on this floor for you to sit down and take in the views for a moment or longer.

That’s not it yet! The 350th floor on the Tembo Deck features some cool space-time navigation systems with touch screens that help you explore the city’s landmarks from high up above and a Skytree Round Theater projecting a fantasy world as well as yet another Skytree Café for snacks.

• Entrance | floor 4

Floor 4 is where you’ll be entering the Tokyo Skytree. From here, you can take the elevators up or down, depending on your intent. When you’re coming down from one of the observation decks, you’ll be exiting on the 5th floor.

• Solamachi | floors 2-3

Below the entrance, there’s a whole shopping and entertainment complex with over 300 stores waiting for you!

The Views from Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree offers you 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city. The views from the Skytree tower are unparalleled. Even from the lower observation deck at a whopping 350 meters, you can see beyond the entire metropolis. Considering Tokyo’s massive size, the views truly seem endless. Just imagine: Tokyo is almost double the size of New York City! Being used to the amazing views there, my first time in Tokyo was surreal. You can even see all the way to Mount Fuji which is two hours away. Of course, you can also see all of the city’s main sights like the Tokyo Tower, for example.

Tokyo Skytree Tickets

You can choose between regular admission and skip-the-line tickets for Tokyo Skytree. Express tickets are only available to international visitors!

*Children prices for the combination ticket already start at age 4. Children at the age of 3 and under join for free!

$6 can save you 2 hours during peak times!

Would you spend $6 to save 2 hours of your time in Tokyo? I would,  and I did. Purchasing a skip-the-line Tokyo Skytree ticket for $6 more permitted me to pass the long lines at the ticket counter. As a first time visitor, I totally underestimated Skytree’s popularity. During the day, it can get extremely crowded. Apart from buying express tickets, it’s also best to buy your tickets online and in advance. If you don’t plan ahead, you may not even get tickets at all on a busy day. Know that there is a maximum of 10,000 tickets available each day. Buying tickets in advance eliminates the risk of being turned away. Buying tickets online is easy, convenient, and also the place to find cheap Tokyo Skytree tickets.

The best time to visit

Tokyo Skytree is open 365 days a year, with adjusted opening hours on holidays. What’s the best time to visit the Skytree tower though? Well, I admit that despite the gorgeous view of the twinkling lights of the city at night is nothing less but breathtaking, I personally prefer the view during the day. That is mainly due to the fact that I love taking advantage of the height to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Unless you visit Tokyo Skytree during the day, you won’t be able to spot Mount Fuji. I do recommend stopping by early in the morning or during sunset, as the smooth sunlight makes the city look magical. Personally, I love the morning view! After all, however, there’s no bad time to visit Tokyo Skytree. The views are guaranteed to wow you!

Oh, and when ascending, take a close look at the elevator! Why? Each Tokyo Skytree elevator is unique and has a different theme! Once again, Japan impresses with its close attention to detail. That’s one of the many things about the country I deeply appreciate.

Tokyo Skytree vs. Tokyo Tower

I often get asked whether Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower is better to visit. As both towers are some of the top Tokyo attractions to visit, I would personally always suggest visiting both if you have the time and can spare the money. Admission to Tokyo Tower isn’t that expensive. Visiting both observation decks will give you two totally different perspectives on a city that is nothing but massive. If you can, I recommend visiting one in the morning and the other one in the late afternoon. This way you have two completely unique experiences.

Should you only have time (or the desire) to visit one of the two major observation decks in Tokyo, I’d tell you to visit Tokyo Skytree without a doubt! While both towers look unique from the outside and I frankly couldn’t tell you which one I find prettier, the views from Skytree are unbeatable. Being the second tallest structure in the entire world, Tokyo Skytree is guaranteed to give you the best views. It lets you take in the size of the entire city and as I’ve mentioned before, let’s you take a look at Mount Fuji. Especially if you didn’t plan to take a day trip to Mount Fuji, this is a great way to at least see it from the distance!

Here’s a quick overview of Tokyo Skytree vs. Tokyo Tower:

FAQ

Is there WiFi at Tokyo Skytree?
Yes, there is. Simply log into TOBU_Free_Wi-Fi and enter your email address or, alternatively, log into your SNS (Social Networking Service) account to get access to the free WiFi.

Are there lockers at Tokyo Skytree?
Yes, there are coin lockers located on Floor 4, which is also the level you’ll be entering Skytree.

How much is a Tokyo Skytree ticket?
Generally, speaking a ticket for the Tokyo Skytree will cost you between $21 and $38. However, the exact price depends on your selected ticket option as there are two different Tokyo Skytree ticket options: standard admission and fast access. Standard admission starts at $21 and a skip-the-line ticket at $27.

Is Tokyo Skytree wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Tokyo Skytree is wheelchair accessible as it is fully equipped with elevators, making it very easy for those coming with wheelchairs or strollers.

Can I have a souvenir photo taken at Tokyo Skytree?
Yes, there are three Photo Service areas throughout Tokyo Skytree to have a professional photo taken of you. You’ll find them on the Tembo Deck (floors 340 and 350), as well as on the Tembo Galleria (floor 445).

Are there restrooms at Tokyo Skytree?
Of course, there are! No matter where you are, there’ll be restrooms nearby – just look for the signs. Both observation decks at Tokyo Skytree are equipped with restrooms.