Tōkyō Tower, a unique cultural and architectural symbol of Japan, is one of the must-see destinations when exploring the capital Tokyo.
With its proud beauty and stunning views, every year the Tōkyō Tower attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
In this article, I will introduce you to the main attractions in Tokyo Tower and how to make your travel experience the best time.
Basic information of Tōkyō Tower
Tōkyō Tower in Japanese is called Tōkyō Tawā (東京タワー).
Tōkyō Tower is located in the Shiba Park area of Minato District, Tokyo, Japan.
Completed in 1958, it was built as a television broadcasting station and observatory.
With a total height of 333m, the Tōkyō Tower became the tallest structure in Japan at the time.
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris (France), Tōkyō Tower is an impressive architecture with two main colors, white and red.
It has two observatories for visitors, including the main observatory at 150m (Main Deck) and the top observatory at 250m (Top Deck). From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo’s capital and famous landmarks like Tōkyō Bay, Tōkyō Skytree, Imperial Palace, and Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
Although it has been more than 60 years since its inauguration, with a combination of unique architecture, beautiful views and fascinating activities, Tōkyō Tower still attracts millions of tourists each year and is a destination not to be missed when coming to Tokyo.
Business hours
Tokyo Tower is open all year round, no days off.
However, depending on the attraction, the opening time will vary.
- Main Deck (150m observatory): 9:00~22:30 (last entry is 22:00)
- Top Deck Tour (visiting 2 observatories 150m & 250m): 9:00~22:15 (last tour is 21:30~21:45)
Admission fees
FootTown (dining and shopping area): free admission.
Main Deck (150m observatory):
| Adults (over 19 years old) | 1,200yen |
| High school students from 16-18 years old | 1,000yen |
| Children (1st and 2nd grade students) | 700yen |
| Young children (over 4 years old) | 500yen |
Top Deck Tour (visiting 2 observatories 150m & 250m):
| Adults (over 19 years old) | 3,000yen |
| High school students from 16-18 years old | 2,800yen |
| Children (1st and 2nd grade students) | 2,000yen |
| Young children (over 4 years old) | 1,400yen |
Tip: For Top Deck Tour, it is recommended to buy online to get 200 yen off/person.
One Day Pass:
- This ticket allows you to board the Main Deck (150m observatory) as many times as you want in a day.
- Opening time: 9:00~19:30 (except 1/1)
| Adults (over 19 years old) | 2,200yen |
| High school students from 16-18 years old | 1,800yen |
| Children (1st and 2nd grade students) | 1,200yen |
| Young children (over 4 years old) | 800yen |
How to get to Tōkyō Tower
The most convenient way to get to Tōkyō Tower is by train or subway.
- 5 min walk from Akabanebashi Gate of Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line)
- 7 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line)
- 6 min walk from Onarimon Station Exit A1 (Mita Line)
- 10 minutes walk from A4 of Shibakoen Station (Mita Line)
- 10 minutes walk from Daimon Station A6 (Asakusa Line)
- 15 minutes walk from the North Exit of Hamamatsucho Station (JR Line)
If you want to go to Tokyo Tower by bus or car, you can refer to the following link:
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/access/
Tōkyō Tower (東京タワー)
Homepage: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/
Business hours: 9:00~
Map:
How to enjoy Tōkyō Tower?
Eat, shop and experience Japan’s largest esport park in FootTown
The FootTown District is a 5-story building located at the foot of the Tōkyō Tower.
Here you will find a lot of shops selling souvenirs related to Tōkyō Tower and Japan.
In addition, there is a whole food area with many cafes, snack bars and restaurants, offering traditional Japanese dishes and international dishes.
One of FootTown’s special attractions is Japan’s largest esport park called RED° TOKYO TOWER (レッド トーキョータワー) located on the 4th and 5th floors.
You can easily experience many classic games, extremely exciting virtual reality (VR) games as well as challenging puzzle games. You can also purchase RED-exclusive items at the official store here.
Enjoy a leisurely view of Tokyo’s magnificent scenery from the Main Deck (150m observatory)
Located at an altitude of 150m, the Main Deck allows you to enjoy the full live view from the center of Tōkyō.
You can see seasonal changes such as cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in autumn, and if the weather is favorable, you can even see Mount Fuji and the Bōsō peninsula (Chiba prefecture) in the distance. .
There are 3 locations in the Main Deck that I would recommend to you.
1. Tower Daijingū: is the highest temple in Tōkyō. This temple is said to be especially sacred to pray for grace and pass exams.
It is said that because the temple is located on a high position, it is easier for prayers to be communicated to the gods.
After praying, don’t forget to buy a lovely Omamori amulet at the shop right next to the shrine.
2. Skywalk Window: is a large-format glass panel installed on the floor, allowing you to see through to the bottom at a height of 145m. Through the glass floor, you will see people and vehicles below as small as a grain of rice. Not only walking on the glass floor, you can even jump to test your courage.
3. Tokyo Tower Design Post: is a mailbox designed in the shape of a Tōkyō Tower.
All letters and postcards sent from this mailbox will be imprinted with the exclusive red seal of the Tōkyō Tower.
Why don’t you try sending a postcard to that special someone from here?
Another interesting point is that you can climb to the Main Deck by walking by the stairs outside instead of using the elevator.
It only takes about 15 minutes to climb 600 steps, while enjoying the pleasant weather and watching the beauty of Tōkyō getting higher and higher.
Note that even if you walk, you still have to buy tickets to visit the Main Deck as usual. In return, you will receive an exclusive certificate with the image of the Tōkyō Tower.
Opening times for outside stairs:
- The way up: 9:00~16:00
- The way down: 9:00~21:00
Enjoy the dazzling atmosphere and great views of Tōkyō from the Top Deck (250m observatory)
Located at an altitude of 250m, Top Deck is where you can see the entire capital of Tokyo like in the palm of your hand.
Specially designed with a “Geometric Mirror” tiled mirror, Top Deck is like a fantasy world where views from all directions and diverse interior lighting reflect each other.
Note that you can only visit the Top Deck by signing up for the “Top Deck Tour” via the web or at the ticket counter.
The “Top Deck Tour” is a 30-minute tour in which you will be guided by a staff member to the most prominent attractions in Tōkyō Tower , including the Tower Gallery, the Main Deck, and finally, the Main Deck. is the Top Deck observatory.
During the tour, you will be provided with an audio guide that supports 13 languages.
Accordingly, you can learn the names of buildings that interest you, or listen to voice explanations to better understand the capital Tōkyō .
In addition, you will also be served a welcome drink and photo service to be able to experience the Top Deck in the most enjoyable way.
Conclusion
Located in the heart of the capital, Tōkyō Tower offers you a great view of the entire capital, with famous landmarks such as Tōkyō Bay, the Imperial Palace, and even Mount Fuji if the weather is favorable.
More than just an observation building, Tōkyō Tower also has many events that bring diverse experiences to visitors such as light festivals, music events or fireworks festivals… on special occasions.
Although it no longer holds the highest position (*), the Tōkyō Tower will forever be the symbol of Japan’s capital.
Take a few hours out of your travel schedule to explore Tōkyō Tower, to better understand its past and development.
(*) Note: Currently, Tōkyō Tower is the second tallest tower in Japan, after the 634m high Tōkyō Skytree which was completed in 2012.
The time and price information in the article was updated at the time of writing. Please check the homepage of Tokyo Tōkyō for the most up-to-date information.
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