Tokyo Skytree — Attraction in Tokyo

Review of Tokyo Skytree Overview Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), this broadcasting tower dominates Tokyo’s skyline and serves as a major tourist attraction, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Opened in 2012, Tokyo Skytree is located in the Sumida ward and is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It surpasses even Tokyo Tower in height, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.

Architecture & Design The design of Tokyo Skytree is a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern engineering. Inspired by Japan’s five-story pagodas, the tower features a central column that helps withstand earthquakes, showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge disaster-resistant technology.

The tower has two primary observation decks:

Tembo Deck (350 meters) – Features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo. On clear days, visitors can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. The deck also has a glass floor section, allowing for a thrilling downward view. Tembo Galleria (450 meters) – Known as the “world’s highest skywalk,” this spiral ramp gives visitors a sense of floating above the city. It offers an even more expansive view, perfect for sunset or nighttime visits when the city lights up. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night with three different lighting themes: Iki (blue), Miyabi (purple), and Nobori (gold), making it a stunning sight from anywhere in the city.

Things to Do Beyond the observation decks, Tokyo Skytree offers a variety of attractions:

Tokyo Solamachi The base of Tokyo Skytree is home to Tokyo Solamachi, a massive shopping and entertainment complex with over 300 shops and restaurants. Highlights include:

Sumida Aquarium – Features unique exhibits, including a beautifully designed jellyfish display and a large penguin habitat. Planetarium "Tenku" – A relaxing space for stargazing and immersive audio-visual experiences. Japanese souvenir shops – Perfect for picking up traditional crafts and sweets. Skytree Dining Visitors can enjoy fine dining with a view at the tower’s Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi), which offers a mix of French and Japanese cuisine. More casual dining options are available in Tokyo Solamachi, including ramen shops, sushi restaurants, and cafes.

Seasonal Events & Illuminations Winter (December-January): Special illuminations and Christmas-themed events. Spring (March-April): Cherry blossom viewing from above the city. Summer (July-August): A fantastic spot to view fireworks festivals in Tokyo. Visitor Experience Pros: ✔ Unparalleled views of Tokyo, including landmarks like Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower, and the Sumida River. ✔ Modern, high-tech design with smooth elevator rides and interactive displays. ✔ Variety of attractions beyond the observation decks, making it great for families and tourists.

Cons: ✖ Long wait times, especially during weekends and peak seasons. ✖ Expensive tickets, with separate fees for each observation deck.

Best Times to Visit Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and better views. Clear days for a chance to see Mount Fuji. Nighttime for a stunning city lightscape. Conclusion Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a family traveler, or a food lover, the tower offers something for everyone. Its record-breaking height, spectacular views, and diverse entertainment options make it one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable...

A Stunning Visit to Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world, offers an experience that is as awe-inspiring as it is unforgettable. Standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), it dominates the Tokyo skyline, providing panoramic views of the sprawling city and beyond. My visit to this architectural marvel was a highlight of my trip, offering an exceptional perspective on Japan’s bustling capital.

Arrival and First Impressions

As I approached the tower, its sleek, futuristic design immediately caught my attention. Located in the Sumida district, Tokyo Skytree is a striking presence amid Tokyo’s urban landscape. The area around the tower is filled with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a hub of activity. The excitement was palpable as I entered the complex, eager to experience the incredible views promised by the Skytree.

The Ride to the Top

The journey to the top is part of the excitement. Visitors ascend the tower via high-speed elevators that travel at 10 meters per second (about 22 miles per hour). The smooth, rapid ride was a thrilling prelude to the views awaiting at the observation decks.

At the 350-meter (1,150-foot) observation level, I was immediately struck by the sweeping 360-degree views of Tokyo. On a clear day, the vast city stretches to the horizon, with Mount Fuji visible in the distance. Even though it was a slightly cloudy day, the sight was breathtaking—an endless sea of buildings, streets, and landmarks, all set against the backdrop of the distant mountains. The observation floor also features interactive displays that allow you to explore different parts of the city in greater detail, making it both an educational and visually stunning experience.

The Skydeck: Higher and More Thrilling

For a truly exhilarating experience, the Skydeck at 450 meters (1,480 feet) offers an outdoor observation area. Stepping onto the transparent glass floor, I felt as though I was floating above the city. The dizzying height and unobstructed views created an unforgettable sense of awe. As the day transitioned into night, the city transformed into a glittering sea of lights, with the Skytree itself illuminated in vibrant colors, adding to the magic of the moment. Watching Tokyo's skyline at sunset was a highlight of the visit, as the lights of the city gradually flickered on, revealing the scale of Japan's capital in all its glory.

Dining and Shopping

Beyond the breathtaking views, Tokyo Skytree also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. After spending time at the observation decks, I explored the shopping mall, which features both high-end and unique stores. From souvenirs to traditional Japanese crafts, the mall offers a wide range of products that reflect the cultural diversity of Tokyo. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the complex, where visitors can enjoy a meal or drink while taking in the views.

Conclusion: A Must-See Landmark

Tokyo Skytree is not just a tower; it’s an experience. From the exhilarating ride to the top to the mesmerizing views of the city, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tokyo. Whether you're looking for a unique view of the city, a place to shop, or a spot to relax, Tokyo Skytree offers it all. It's an iconic landmark that perfectly captures the vibrant, modern...

Big disclaimer: I am terrified of heights and have been my entire life. I had to put in over two months of work before our trip to Japan to prepare for the Skytree. Your experience my vary.

The Skytree, outside of a few temples while we waited for it to open, was the first stop on our first full day in Japan. This was intentional as I often have anxiety when traveling to far away places. I felt like knocking this out and facing my fear of heights would make the rest of the trip much easier to deal with. I was correct.

Buy your tickets in advance, or not. It didn't really seem to make a difference because when you get to the end of the waiting line, you go to a machine to have your purchased code read and then paper tickets are printed. I would recommend getting their early, before it opens, so you can get in line. The wait was, I'd say, no more than 20 minutes. The line moves pretty quicky since there are a few elevators that can take a lot of people up at once.

You do have the option of visiting just the first, main deck, or you can purchase a ticket to visit the second deck, which is about 450M up (about 100M above the first deck.) That's mostly a walktrhough gallery of photos. We purchased tickets for both, which I'd recommend since you'll at least have the option, even if you defer. We did not visit the secondary deck as the lines got very long and we lost interest in waiting.

The views are great, especially if you have a nice, clear day. I believe it rained the day prior, so visibility wasn't the best and we were unable to see Mt. Fuji from the Skytree. They'll let you know whether you can or not once you get to the top.

You can see a ton and it really changed my perspective on Tokyo. I always assumed the city was just blanketed with super high skyscrapers. I didn't really see that at all. The architecture is pretty diverse and beautiful. I was so thankful I put in the effort to visit as it was really cool way to get a view of the entire city. Tokyo is MASSIVE!

The only knock I have, though I don't want to dock the review 1 star for it, is that it's a pretty short loop walk around the first level. You end up seeing your fill pretty quickly and because the observation deck is a loop, there is no middle area to traverse and see other displays and such. We are from Boston, so we have a similar observation deck that's a square, so the middle space away from the windows has some art installations and media that provides you with a history of the city, a 360 degree, 4K screen that makes you feel like you're walking through the city, and some other history about the sports teams and such. That may have been on the upper level, but we didn't stay in the Skytree nearly as long as we stayed at View Boston. Just something to keep in mind.

Regardless, was well worth the...