Tokyo Skytree
东京晴空塔 · Tokyo · Sumida City
A 634-metre broadcasting tower with two observation decks, the Tembo Deck at 350 metres and the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres, from which you can take in the whole of Tokyo on a clear day.
Know before you go
- Occupying a window spot on the decks for a long time
- getting in other people's way while taking photos
- ignoring the venue's rules and staff directions
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
634 metres and "Musashi"
The height of 634 metres was chosen because the digits 6, 3 and 4 can be read in Japanese as "mu-sa-shi", the same sound as Musashi, the old name of the province where the tower stands. Being easy to remember was one of the reasons for choosing it.
Source: Wikipedia: Tokyo Skytree
History
Why a new tower was needed
Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and stands 333 metres tall. As more high-rise buildings went up around it, it could no longer provide full digital terrestrial television coverage, so the taller Skytree was built in Sumida as the Kantō region's new broadcasting tower.
Source: Wikipedia: Tokyo Skytree
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Tokyo Skytree stands in Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo, at the centre of the Tokyo Skytree Town complex; Tokyo Skytree Station is right below the tower and Oshiage Station is close by. The tower is 634 metres tall and has two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 metres and the Tembo Galleria at 450 metres. The Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex at its base also houses the Sumida Aquarium. Skytree was completed on 29 February 2012 and opened to the public on 22 May of the same year; it is the main television and radio broadcasting tower for the Kantō region. It was built because Tokyo Tower, 333 metres tall and completed in 1958, had become surrounded by high-rise buildings and could no longer provide full digital terrestrial television coverage. It was designed by Nikken Sekkei, built by Obayashi Corporation and developed by Tobu Railway. Please note that Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower are two different towers.
Local customs
- Go up to the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria for a view over Tokyo
- afterwards, browse the Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex and the Sumida Aquarium at the base.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Occupying a window spot on the decks for a long time
- getting in other people's way while taking photos
- ignoring the venue's rules and staff directions
Locals appreciate DO
- Follow staff directions in queues and at security checks
- observe the photography notices inside
- leave room for other visitors when taking photos on the decks
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Views are best on clear days, and you can visit all year round
- holidays are crowded, so go off-peak if you can. The shopping complex and aquarium at the base can be fitted into the same day.
- Tokyo Skytree Station is right below the tower and Oshiage Station is within walking distance
- it is an easy train ride from central Tokyo (check official notices for services and fares).
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