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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Characteristics of the Skytree
Tokyo SkyTree dominates the Tokyo skyline and can be seen from all over the city. Just like Mount 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, it is possible to see Tokyo from its observation deck, which is 350 meters high. You can see higher by accessing the gallery that is 450 meters high.
Skytree also has a glass floor area. There is a restaurant and café at the 350-meter level. The Tembo Gallery is the highest place a tourist can reach in the tower, at exactly 451.2 meters high.
This is not the only observation deck or skyscraper in Tokyo. There are several buildings and towers, some of which are even free.
Construction and Origin of the 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 signals for the greater 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 construction reached 65 billion yen, almost 3 billion reais.
The tower has strong earthquake-proof features, including 100 tons of dampers. According to Tobu, 1.6 million people visited Skytree in its first week of opening, and tickets sold out in 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 shops and restaurants, a planetarium, and an aquarium. The shops include several souvenir shops for international tourists. Tokyo Solamachi also features several squares and green spaces from which you can admire the tower.
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 visiting the SkyTree who are not familiar with the best spots.
Not that the attractions of the aquarium or planetarium are weak, but they are expensive due to the location and do not differ from most others. They may disappoint those with high expectations, but they can be a good option to enjoy the neighborhood and relax.
I think the best option for those who want to enjoy the visit 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.
Buying Tickets for Skytree
Want to know how or where to buy tickets for the SkyTree? How much does it cost to go up the tower? The last time I visited, they cost around 4,000 yen for the complete tour on the 350-meter-high deck and up to the gallery that is 450 meters high.
You can get cheaper tickets by buying at GetYourGuide, without having to wait in line. With this site, you can buy 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 the visit to the tower.
Just click on some of the options below to access the site and purchase your ticket or access pass:
How to Get to Tokyo SkyTree
Tokyo Skytree is directly connected to a station that bears its name, as well as to the Oshiage station. It is a 20-minute walk from Asakusa station or 25 minutes from the Sensoji Temple. See its location on Google Maps.
My friends and I on the 2016 trip walked from the Tower to Ueno Park; it was a long but satisfying walk. We visited 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 for shopping at large stores or trying local restaurants.
| Opening Hours: | 8:00-22:00 |
| Official Website: | https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp |
| Tokyo Solamachi Website: | https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp (The shopping center at the base of Skytree) |
Videos of Tokyo SkyTree
To conclude the article, we will 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 see you next time!
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