The Tokyo Sky Tree in Asakusa has become one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions. The world’s tallest radio tower, 634 meters high, towers over the downtown Asakusa area and has been crowded with tourists since its opening in 2012.
The Skytree is the center of Tokyo Skytree Town, which includes an aquarium, planetarium, Tokyo Solamachi, and various other facilities. Many of these spots can be enjoyed without reservations, making them perfect for dates, family vacations, and outings with friends.
The Sky Tree is directly connected to Tokyo Metro Oshiage Station, making it easily accessible for the elderly and those with children. If you are visiting Sky Tree for the first time, here are some recommended sights to keep in mind beforehand.
A few quick points
- Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo’s cityscape and Mt. Fuji in the distance.
- There are two decks: the Tembo Dec at 350 m above ground level and the Tembo Galleria at 450 m above ground level.
- The tower is illuminated at night, shining in various colors such as purple, orange, and blue, depending on the time of day.
- Nearest station: Tobu Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station / Hanzomon Line Oshiage in front of Skytree
- Guinness World Records has crowned the Tokyo Skytree the world’s tallest free-standing tower and it’s the tallest structure in Japan.
Tokyo SkyTree Tickets
There are two types of Tokyo Skytree tickets: a single ticket for the “TEMBO DECK” and a set ticket for the “TEMBO DECK + TEMBO KAIRO”.
Skytree tickets are discounted up to 400 yen with advance purchase!
TEMBO DECK
2,100 yen → 1,800 yen
2,300 yen → 2,000 yen
TEMBO DECK + TEMBO Galleria
3,100 yen → 2,700 yen
3,400 yen → 3,000 yen
How To Buy Tickets In Advance?
Purchasing tickets in advance not only saves you money, but it also means you don’t have to wait in line at the ticket counter!
The ticket counter is often crowded with throngs of international tourists but you can skip it and just receive your entrance ticket with a QR code.
Just hold the QR code over the ticketing machine to issue tickets, making it quick and convenient.
History of the Tokyo Skytree
Until the Tokyo SkyTree opened, Tokyo Tower was used as the primary radio tower in the Tokyo region.
At the time of its foundation in 1958, the iconic Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding steel tower, but as skyscrapers were built around it, it became difficult for poor old Tokyo Tower to receive radio waves through Tokyo’s skyline.
The construction work began on the site of a former Tobu Railway freight station in Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo.
The construction of the tower was completed in 2012, and it is now in operation as a radio and television broadcasting tower
The Tokyo public was given the opportunity to decide on the name of Tokyo’s new tallest tower and settled on SkyTree which beat out the competition including Rising Tower, DreamTower, and Edo Tower.
Tokyo Skytree Observation Decks
Tokyo Skytree has two observation decks, the Tembo Deck (350m) and Tembo Galleria (450m), each requiring an admission ticket.
From both, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Tokyo and an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary.
The Tembo Deck Floor
The TEMBO DECK is the inverted trapezoidal shape in the Tokyo SkyTree from the outside.
With such a high vantage point it’s fun to look for places that you know around Tokyo, such as Disneyland, Shinjuku or even Mount Fuji which can be seen from the Skytree if the air is clear.
On Floor 340 of the Tembo Deck is the popular glass floor which is a must-do-experience.
You can look down directly below to the ground and experience the height of 340 meters in full. Hope you are not scared of heights.
There is a café on TEMBO DECK, so it is recommended to take a break in front of the amazing view.
Tembo Galleria
The second Observation deck is called Tembo Galleria
The corridor is made of glass, offering a spectacular view, so you can enjoy a floating sensation as if you are walking in the air.
Proceeding along the gently sloping Tembo Galleria, you will reach the highest point, Sorakara Point at 451.2m.
The panoramic views of the tall buildings in the center of Tokyo to the old downtown area are breathtaking. Early morning is the best time to take pictures.
On a clear day you should be able to spot mount fuji in the distance to the west.
If you want to visit all the decks you can purchase a TEMBO DECK and Tembo Galleria set ticket!
Tokyo SkyTree Photo Service
Floor 340 and Floor 350 have a photo service, and to my surprise, I received a pair of card-size photos for free!
If you like, you can also purchase a photo with a mount (with image data) for 1,500 yen per photo.
Views From The Tokyo SkyTree
Once you arrive and the elevator opens, there’s a panoramic view!
You can feel the overwhelming height of the tower in the view far below every building.
To the west, you can see the headquarters of Asahi Breweries, with its distinctive “golden turd” decoration. On the lower left look for Sensoji Temple surrounded by greenery. On the lower right, the Tokyo Dome and even the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is visable. Are you able to find them?
Looking down from the Tokyo Sky Tree, all the huge buildings look small.
Ticket Office
The ticket office is located on the 4th floor. It is especially crowded on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so purchasing tickets in advance from the official website is highly recommended! You will be able to enter smoothly without waiting time. For same-day tickets, there is a special queue, and the waiting time may be several hours depending on how crowded it is.
Advance purchasers will be issued tickets with a QR code to receive entrance tickets.
Elevators representing the four seasons in Tokyo
Each of the four elevators has a different design on its wall, depicting the four seasons of Tokyo:
- Silver leaf cherry blossoms in the spring,
- Fireworks over the Sumida River in the summer expressed in Edo faceting
- Festivals in the fall
- Birds in the winter.
You will have to wait and see which of the four elevators you will take on the day of your visit
Only 50 seconds to the TEMBO DECK 350m above the ground!
Sky Restaurant
Sky Restaurant 634, located on Floor 345 is a Japanese restaurant that places importance on the spirit of downtown Tokyo. It’s a great place to enjoy a great meal with the spectacular view spreading out before your eyes.
Tokyo Skytree Town
When you have soaked up enough of the spectacular views of Tokyo’s skyline there’s plenty more to see and do in Tokyo Skytree Town.
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Solamachi, Aquarium, and Planetarium are all included in the area known as Tokyo Sky Tree Town.
Under the concept of “Rising East,” the area was created to inherit the spirit of craftsmanship and downtown atmosphere that has continued since the Edo period, and to create a future community where new cultures and encounters are created.
It contributes to the revitalization of Tokyo’s East district through the creation of a town that is friendly to everyone, from locals and foreigners to the elderly and children.
And the core of this project is the Tokyo SkyTree, which aims to become the world’s largest tourist tower.
Now, let’s take a look at the recommended photo spots on each observation deck!
Pro Tip: Morning is by far the best time to take pictures of the view from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck! The air is clearer and the location is very clear. There is a “morning discount” from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., and it’s not so crowded, so it’s a great time to visit!
Sumida Aquarium
The next Skytree sightseeing information is Sumida Aquarium. Along with the Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku,” it is a popular facility that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
Visitors can see the Tokyo Grand Aquarium, which reproduces the ocean around the Ogasawara Islands, an open-air penguin tank, and an exhibit of about 20 types of goldfish.
Access to Tokyo SkyTree and nearest stations
There are two main train stations that are closest to Tokyo SkyTree by train.
- Tokyo Skytree Station
- Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station
Both are a short walk from the station. Both stations are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to stop by before or after sightseeing in Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree is easy to travel to. It’s located at Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line, and Oshiage Station on the Asakusa Subway Line, Keisei Oshiage Line and Hanzomon Subway Line.
Or if you are up for a stole it’s about twenty minutes on foot from Asakusa.
Tokyo SkyTree Light-up
Heading up to the observation decks of the actual tower is not the only way to enjoy it.
The exterior of the tower is illuminated in a variety of colors that change each day, fascinating visitors.
From 19:00 to 20:00, simple lighting using LED bulbs is used, but from 20:00 to 24:00 the real magic takes place and you see different lighting effects each day.
Look out for the eye-catching bright blue of “iki,” the elegant and graceful purple of “Miyabi,” and the bright yellowish tint of “Tachibana” banners.
There are also other special lighting displays that are only available for limited periods. You can check the website for info on the current illumination theme.
Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku”
The Skytree planetarium “Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku” in Tokyo Skytree Town(R)” is one of the most popular facilities in Skytree Town. Here are some details about the highlights of “Tenku,” with its state-of-the-art equipment and comfortable seats!
The planetarium is a new type of planetarium where you can enjoy a healing moment with its aroma healing program. Visitors can leave their daily lives behind and experience a fantastic space. It is recommended for families and couples on a date.
Highlights of Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku
- The “starry sky” was viewed while lying down on the crescent moon seat.
- Realistic starry sky and “CG images
A few More Things About The SkyTree
- 東京 スカイ ツリー Is Japanese for Tokyo Skytree.
- Skytree White is the official color of the iconic tower and is inspired by aijiro, the lightest shade of Japanese indigo blue used in dying.
- Other skyscrapers in Tokyo with observation decks are the Tokyo tower, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, and the Tokyo observation deck at Roppongi Hills.
- The height of the Skytree is 634 meters. 634 can be read in Japanese as “Musashi” which is the historic name of the Tokyo Region.