Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a monumental fusion of Japan’s architectural tradition and modern technology. Completed in 2012, this broadcasting and observation tower is the tallest tower in Japan and one of the tallest in the world. Serving as a broadcasting hub and a popular attraction, it has become an integral part of Tokyo’s skyline, with a design that incorporates elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

About Tokyo Skytree

Located in Sumida, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree reaches an impressive height of 634 meters. It stands not only as the tallest tower in Japan but also as a significant structure on a global scale. The tower’s completion in 2012 symbolized Japan’s perseverance following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Functioning as the primary broadcasting site for the Kanto region, it also hosts observation decks at 350 and 450 meters that offer expansive views of Tokyo and its surroundings.

The observation decks, the Tembo Deck and the higher Tembo Galleria, provide visitors with stunning vistas of the city. These decks are home to dining and shopping venues, enhancing the guest experience. The tower’s illumination, with LEDs and alternating light patterns, adds to its nighttime appeal. The “Skytree White” color is a reference to a hue from traditional Japanese palettes, highlighting the tower’s cultural ties.

Designed by the architectural firms Obayashi Corporation and Nikken Sekkei, Tokyo Skytree’s shape is influenced by the curve of a Japanese sword and features a seismic control technology reminiscent of ancient pagodas, providing earthquake resistance. The name “Tokyo Skytree” and the tower’s height were selected through public involvement, reflecting the cultural heritage linked to the old Musashi Province.

The construction of Tokyo Skytree started in 2008 and finished in February 2012, with a public opening on May 22, 2012. The complex also comprises “Tokyo Solamachi” and the “Tokyo Skytree East Tower,” creating the bustling Tokyo Skytree Town.

The nearby Tokyo Solamachi shopping area and the Shitamachi Ninjo Kirakira Tachibana Shotengai offer a mix of shopping experiences. Cultural sites include the Tobu Museum of Transport and Culture and the Tobacco and Salt Museum. Entertainment options within Tokyo Skytree Town include the Sumida Aquarium and the Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku.

For an unforgettable experience, visitors are recommended to view the tower at sunset or enjoy the illuminated cityscape by night. Specialized treats at the Tembo Deck cafe and VR experiences add to the attraction. With its remarkable height and diverse offerings, Tokyo Skytree epitomizes Tokyo’s evolving cityscape and cultural legacy.