Tokyo Skytree
東京スカイツリー
634 meters of Tokyo: Japan's tallest structure with two observation decks and Mount Fuji visible on clear winter days
About Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is a 634-meter broadcasting tower in Sumida, opened in 2012 as the tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world by the definition that includes only freestanding structures. The height of 634 meters was chosen to represent the old place name for the region (mu-sa-shi in Japanese, with 6-3-4 being the corresponding digits). The Tembo Deck at 350 meters (¥2,100) and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters (¥3,100 combo) are the two observation levels. On clear days in winter, Mount Fuji is visible 100 km to the west. Visibility reports are posted on the official website before your visit.
Essential Tips
Buy tickets online (official website or Klook) to skip long queues
Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset for day + night views combo
Clear winter mornings (Dec-Feb) = best chance to see Mt. Fuji
Check visibility forecast before visiting: tokyo-skytree.jp/en
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) = least crowded
Combo tickets available with Sumida Aquarium or planetarium
Fast-track tickets (Fast Skytree Ticket) available for ¥4,100
Restaurants on 345m level but pricey - eat before or after
Free WiFi throughout the tower
Lockers available on 4F if you have luggage
Wheelchair accessible - elevators to all levels
Photography allowed everywhere (no flash in aquarium)
Illumination changes color - check schedule for special colors
Avoid rainy and foggy days. Visibility can drop to near zero in cloud cover, so check the forecast on the official website before booking
Don't Miss
Tembo Deck (350m)
The main observation level spans three floors at 340m, 345m, and 350m with floor-to-ceiling windows. The 340m level has glass floor panels set into the walkway where you can look straight down to the street. Cafes and a restaurant are on this level; the views from the cafe tables require no extra ticket beyond the deck admission.
Tembo Galleria (450m)
The upper deck, accessible by paying the ¥3,100 combo ticket (or an additional fee from the lower deck). A spiraling glass corridor ascends from 445m to 451.2m, with the glass walls angled outward so the floor appears to float. This is the highest publicly accessible observation floor in Japan and gives a wider horizon than the 350m deck.
Mount Fuji Views
On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible 100 km to the west from the upper decks. Visibility is highest in winter (December to February) when the air is dry and the mountain is snow-capped. The official website posts a daily visibility forecast. Even partial visibility gives a distinct snow-capped silhouette above the horizon.
Sunset and Night Views
The crossing between late afternoon and nightfall gives two distinct views from the same visit. In daylight the sheer scale of the Tokyo sprawl is the main impression; at night it becomes a grid of lights to the horizon in every direction. Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to see both. The tower's own illumination changes seasonally.
What to Do Here
Visit Both Observation Decks
Take the high-speed elevator (600m/min) to the Tembo Deck at 350m. The elevator ride takes about 50 seconds. From there, access the Tembo Galleria at 450m via a second elevator and the spiraling glass corridor. The glass floor panels on the 340m walkway are worth stopping at on the way back down.
Tips:
- Buy tickets online to skip queues
- Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset for day+night views
- Clear winter mornings = best Mt. Fuji visibility
- Glass floor panels on Tembo Deck 340m level
Tokyo Solamachi Shopping
Massive shopping and dining complex at the base with 300+ shops and restaurants. Everything from souvenirs to fashion, aquarium, planetarium, and themed cafes.
Tips:
- Skytree official merchandise on 5F
- Food floor with diverse cuisine options
- Sumida Aquarium if traveling with kids
- Duty-free shopping available
Photography from Different Angles
The tower itself is photogenic! Best views from Sumida River banks, Asahi Beer Hall area, or from Asakusa looking toward Skytree. Illumination changes seasonally.
Tips:
- Walk to Asahi Beer Building for classic angle
- River cruise offers unique photo perspective
- Illumination colors change by season/event
- Blue hour (30 min after sunset) = best light
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
tembo Decks
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM)
shopping
Tokyo Solamachi: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
restaurants
Varies, typically 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Sunset (around 4-5 PM arrival) for both day and night views, or clear winter mornings for Mt. Fuji
Avoid:
Weekends 11 AM-4 PM, Golden Week, New Year holidays
Nearby
Asakusa & Sensoji Temple
Historic old Tokyo district with famous temple. Easy 20-min walk or one train stop.
1.5 km
Sumida River Cruises
Scenic boat rides to Odaiba or Hama-rikyu Gardens with Skytree views.
200 meters
Sumida Aquarium
Modern aquarium with jellyfish displays and penguin tanks.
0 meters (Solamachi 5F-6F)
Gallery
360-degree views of Tokyo from 350m
The highest observation deck in Japan at 450m
Mount Fuji views on clear winter days
Spectacular night views of illuminated Tokyo
Glass floor panels - look straight down 340m!
The tower itself is a stunning sight
History
construction
Construction began in 2008 and was completed in February 2012. The tower was designed by Nikken Sekkei and took 3.5 years to build. The distinctive design incorporates traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern technology.
significance
Built to replace Tokyo Tower as the primary broadcasting tower for Tokyo's digital television transition. The height of 634m was chosen to represent 'Musashi' (6-3-4), an old name for the Tokyo region.
design
The tower's base is a triangle that gradually transforms into a circle at higher levels, inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. The color 'Skytree White' was specially created for the tower, evoking the color of traditional Japanese pottery.
records
Tallest structure in Japan, second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa, and the tallest tower in the world (defined as a freestanding structure used for communication/observation).
Getting There
Tobu Skytree Line
Station: Tokyo Skytree Station
Exit: Directly connected to complex
Walk: 0 minutes (direct)
Most direct route - station exit leads right to tower entrance
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Keisei Line / Tobu Skytree Line
Station: Oshiage Station
Exit: Exit B3 or C
Walk: 1 minute
Multiple lines converge here - very convenient from most Tokyo areas
From Asakusa
Station: Asakusa Station → Tokyo Skytree Station
Exit: One stop or 20-minute walk
Walk: 20 minutes walk / 3 minutes train
Pleasant walk along Sumida River, great for photos
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (from Shibuya/Ginza)
Station: Asakusa Station, then transfer
Exit: Transfer to Tobu Skytree Line
Walk: 5 minutes total
Most common route from central Tokyo
Location
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045
Nearest: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Keisei Line / Tobu Skytree Line) (0-1 minute from either station via direct indoor connection)
Book tours & activities near Tokyo Skytree
via Klook
Find nearby hotels in Sumida
Compare prices across booking sites
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