Tokyo Tower
Tokyo’s retro-futuristic observation tower
Japan > Tokyo > Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, rising 333 metres over Minato’s Shiba Park, is one of those Tokyo sights that feels pleasantly old-school in the best way. Built in 1958 as a broadcasting tower, it now serves mostly as a nostalgic landmark with reliably good views and lots of small attractions wrapped around it.
Most visitors head first to the Main Deck at 150 metres. Elevators whisk you up to a wraparound observatory with clear views of Roppongi Hills, Odaiba and, on a crisp winter day, Mount Fuji on the horizon.
On the first level of the deck you’ll find the glass “Skywalk Window,” where you can look straight down to the streets below – it’s touristy, but it’s fun to test your nerves.
If you want something a little more special, book the Top Deck Tour in advance. This adds a guided trip up to 250 metres with mirrored interiors and a slightly quieter atmosphere. Tickets are cheaper online than at the counter, and it’s worth choosing a late-afternoon slot so you can watch the city slide from daylight into neon.
At the base, the Foot Town complex is packed with souvenir shops, casual eateries and small attractions, from VR experiences to mini theme-park style zones. When you’re done, stroll over to nearby Zojoji Temple or through Shiba Park; both give you those classic photos of Tokyo Tower framed by greenery or temple roofs.
Essential Information
Website: en.tokyotower.co.jp
Hours: 9am-11pm
Tickets: ¥3,300 top deck, ¥1,500 main deck
Transport: Kamiyachō or Akabanebashi stations, Tokyo Metro
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