Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan at 634 meters (2,080 feet). It was designed as a landmark to attract tourists. It is also considered the tallest broadcasting tower in the world. In this article, we will look at some details and curiosities about this giant of Tokyo.
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features of skytree
Tokyo SkyTree dominates the skyline of Tokyo and can be seen from all over the city. Just like Monte Fuji, Skytree can suddenly appear on the horizon on a clear day from remarkable distances.
Its dynamic lighting is often a theme for parties and events. On a clear day, you can see Tokyo from its observation deck, which is 350 meters high. You can see from higher, accessing the gallery that is 450 meters high.
Skytree also has a glass floor area. There is a restaurant and café at a height of 350 meters. The Tembo Gallery is the highest place that a tourist can reach in the tower, with an exact height of 451.2 meters.
This isn't Tokyo's only observation deck or skyscraper. There are several buildings and towers, some are even free.
Construction and origin of SkyTree
The Tokyo SkyTree is located in the Sumida area and was built to replace the Tokyo Tower, which was only 333 meters tall and could no longer provide sufficient radio and digital TV signal for the large Tokyo area.
The project was led by Tobu Railway and a group of six terrestrial broadcasting companies, headed by NHK. The inauguration was on May 22, 2012. The cost of the work amounted to 65 billion yen, almost 3 billion reais.
The Tower has strong earthquake-proof features, including 100 tons of shock absorbers. According to Tobu, 1.6 million people visited Skytree in its first week of opening, and tickets sold out within the first 2 months.
Tokyo Solamachi - At the Base of the Tower
A large shopping and entertainment complex known as Tokyo Solamachi is located at the base of the tower. It has over 300 stores and restaurants, a planetarium, and an aquarium. The stores include several souvenir shops for international tourists. Tokyo Solamachi also features several plazas and green spaces from which the tower can be admired.
The Planetarium is called Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku and is not one of the best in the country, while the Sumida Aquarium is expensive and also far from being the best in the city. It seems that these places were made just to catch tourists who visit the SkyTree and do not know the best spots.
Not that the attractions of the aquarium or planetarium are weak, but they are expensive because of the location and it doesn't differ from most others. It may disappoint those with high expectations, but it can be a good option to enjoy the neighborhood and relax.
I think the best option for those who want to enjoy going to the tallest tower in Japan is to visit the Postal Museum called The Postal Museum at Tokyo Solamachi. The place is huge and offers a lot of historical information.
Buy Tickers for Skytree
Want to know how or where to buy SkyTree tickets? How much does it cost to climb the tower? Last time I visited they cost around 4000 yen to do the full tour from the 350 meter high deck and up to the 450 meter high gallery.
You can get it cheaper by shopping at GetYourGuide, without having to wait in line. With this site, you can purchase tickets directly from your smartphone or computer, using your credit card, without the need to wait in line. You can also schedule a guided tour with a vehicle that includes a visit to the tower.
Just click on some of the options below to access the site and purchase your ticket or access ticket:
How to get to Tokyo SkyTree
Tokyo Skytree is directly connected to a station that bears its name, as well as to the station Oshiage. It is a 20-minute walk from Asakusa station or 25 minutes from the Sensoji Temple. See its location on Google Maps.
I and my friends on the 2016 trip walked from the Tower to Ueno Park, it was a long but satisfying walk. We visited the Sensoji temple and enjoyed the beautiful city of Tokyo, we recommend doing the same.
The entrance to access the tower is on the fourth floor of Tokyo SkyTree Town. After descending from the tower, you can enjoy all of Tokyo Solamachi to shop at great stores or try local restaurants.
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| Hours of Operation: | 8:00-22:00 |
| Official Website: | https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp |
| Tokyo Solamachi website: | https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp (The mall at the base of the Skytree) |
Tokyo SkyTree Videos
To finish the article, let's leave some spectacular videos of the giant SkyTree tower in Tokyo. If you liked the article, don't forget to share or leave your comments. Thank you very much and until next time!