Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest building and was, at the time of completion in 2012, the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (830m). The tower has two observation decks at 350m and 450m. The significance of the 634 meters is a play on the word mu-sa-shi (6-3-4), a former province of Japan that enclosed the present day Tokyo Metropolis as well as some areas of Saitama and Kanagawa.
The tower’s design is a sophisticated fusion of neofuturism and traditional Japanese beauty. Its structural core utilizes a Shinbashira (center pillar), an architectural innovation inspired by the five-story pagodas of ancient Nara and Kyoto. This massive concrete pillar is structurally separated from the exterior steel frame, allowing the two to sway at different frequencies during an earthquake to cancel out seismic energy. The exterior is painted in “Skytree White,” an original color based on aijiro, the palest shade of traditional Japanese indigo, which gives the tower a subtle blue-white “lull” against the sky.
The observation experience is split into two distinct levels. The Tembo Deck at 350 meters offers 360-degree panoramic views through five-meter-high glass panels. It also features a “Glass Floor” section on Floor 340, providing a direct vertical view to the streets below. For those seeking the highest vantage point, the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters features a glass-enclosed spiral corridor that leads to “Sorakara Point,” the highest accessible floor. From here, the city appears like a vast, shimmering circuit board, with the silhouette of Mount Fuji often visible on the horizon during clear mornings.
At the base of the tower lies Tokyo Skytree Town, a massive mixed-use complex anchored by Tokyo Solamachi. This commercial hub features over 300 shops and restaurants, a planetarium, and the Sumida Aquarium. For international visitors, the best way to secure entry is by purchasing a “Web Ticket” in advance through the official site or third-party platforms. These tickets are generally cheaper than same-day counter tickets and utilize a QR code system that allows you to bypass the primary ticket queues, heading directly to the elevator boarding area on the 4th floor.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM) |
| Price | Tembo Deck: ~¥2,100 (Web) / ¥2,400 (Day) Combo Ticket: ~¥3,100 (Web) / ¥3,500 (Day) |
| Website | Official Website |
| Access | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Line(s) | Details |
| Oshiage Station | Hanzomon / Asakusa / Keisei / Tobu | Direct access to Tokyo Skytree Town. |
| Tokyo Skytree Station | Tobu Skytree Line | Located on the west side of the complex. |