Tokyo Skytree

The peak of Tokyo Skytree looms more than 630 metres into the sky over the Japanese capital. It is the world's highest television tower and the second highest building in the word after Burj Khalifa and before Shanghai Tower. Its two different viewing platforms promise extraordinary views over Tokyo.

As Far as The Eye Can See

One of the four different elevators takes you up 350 metres to Tembo Deck. Glass walls make for a 360° panoramic view of the megapolis and beyond it. When the weather allows, you can see as far as 70 kilometres. Tokyo Skytree's free Panorama Guide App provides you with information about what you see. The deck extends over three storeys. The glass flooron Floor340 is a special highlight for those who are not afraid of heights. If you prefer it a little less nerve-wrecking, just enjoy the view with a cup of coffee at Skytree Café or a meal at Sky Restaurant 634.

If you want to go a little higher, ride the glass tube up to Skytree Tembo Galleria. The sloping glass corridor “Air Walk” leads to the highest point accessible to visitors. At 450 metres high, you can have your souvenir photo taken. A range of other keepsakes to take home can be bought at the official shop.

Design at Perfection

Even if it is hard to tear one's eye away from the stunning view: a glance at the TV tower itself is also worthwhile. Skytree's designers left nothing to chance. For instance, the four different elevators are decorated in a way to represent the four seasons. The tower's colour is called “Aijiro”, the lightest shade of indigo. It makes Skytree gleam like white porcelain.

The illuminations at night are a particular eye catcher. Between 6:15 pm and 7:15 pm, bright flashing light make the tower seem to sparkle. Later, a more subtle illumination is used. Every two days, the light is switched to another one of the three standard colours. “Iki” is a pale blue, reminding of water and the power and fearless spirit of Edos. “Miyabi” is a blueish purple tone, a traditional Japanese aesthetic. “Nobori” describes a redish orange, representing luck and prosperity. Furthermore, on certain days there are special seasonal light designs.

Construction of Tokyo Skytree started on 14 July 2008 and was finished on 29 February 2012. It was opened a few months later. It superseded Tokyo Tower as the highest TV tower, but not as Tokyo's landmark.

The tower's name was decided in a survey in spring 2008. Tokyo Skytree prevailed over five other suggestions, such as Mirai Tower (“future tower”) or Yumemiyagura (“dream tower”).

Tokyo Skytree is located at the outskirts of Tokyo. Due to heavy traffic in and around the city, it is not advisable to go by car. However, Skytree is easily accessible on public transport. Trains on Tobu Skytree Line (stop: Tokyo Skytree Station) or Hanzomon Line (stop: Oshiage Station) take you to Skytree Town.

Even less complicated: just use the Skytree Shuttle. Busses go from Tokyo Station, Ueno-Asakua, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Disney Resort, Odaiba, Wakoshi Station, Asakadai Station, and Shiki Station and take you directly to Tokyo Skytree Town.