Tokyo Tower 東京タワ: Japan's Iconic Tower

July 8, 2012

Since we were not able to go up the observation deck of Tokyo Sky Tree, we decided to go to Tokyo Tower instead and made sure to reach the skies. So, we went straight to Tokyo Tower without any second thoughts! Or honestly, it was part of our itinerary! HAHA.

Tokyo Tower was the main broadcasting and communication tower of Japan from 1958 to 2012  (yes, 54years!) when Tokyo Sky Tree was built. Despite its 333m height, it cannot provide clear signals to TV and radio network these days due to the skyscrapers around the area (before, absolutely yes!).

We went there around 4pm, just in time to see the city before dark and before the city lights and the tower itself was lit. While walking to the tower, I can’t help but take a lot of photos just to get the perfect angle of the picturesque tower in front of me. I don’t look at the streets while walking. LOL!

Walking to the tower

Mandatory photo!

At the foot of Tokyo Tower:

Since we were there late afternoon, the lines to the ticketing counter were manageable already with just a little less than 15min of waiting time. After getting our tickets, we went directly to the entrance, waited for our turn to board the high-powered elevator straight to the main observatory (150m high).

Replica, taller than ME!

Unfortunately, we didn't opt to go to the special observatory (250m high) anymore due to lack of time and we were already satisfied viewing Tokyo City from the main observatory (excuses, lol). Nonetheless, the view from the main observatory is still breathtaking! You can practically see most parts of Tokyo city already. In case you want to go up, you can purchase the tickets from the main observatory. Travel Tip: Make sure to read the observation guides to help you see the famous buildings and structures around the tower. Try to spot the other tower in town, Tokyo Sky Tree!

Tokyo City Landscape

Like what I said earlier, we were able to catch both the view of the tower before sunset and when the city lights were already lit. It surely has a different feel once the lights are up. Travel Tip: Consider going to the tower late afternoon to see the view in two perspectives: with and without city lights.

Night view

Observatory at night

From the 2F of the main observatory, we went down to the 1F (yes, there are levels even in the observatories. haha!) and there you can find souvenir shops and restaurants if you want to grab a snack or eat your meals 150m above the ground. Of course you have to pay for the price for that experience! You also take the elevator going back to the foot of the tower from the 1F of the main observatory. Travel Tip: Try to see the view at the foot of the tower through the glass floor or ‘Lookdown Window.’

Lookdown Window

Of course, it's not just the city that has magnificent light. Even the tower itself is very gorgeous at night. That's why it's pays to go there late afternoon, and not the conventional 1st thing in the morning itinerary. 

Tokyo Tower at night

Despite not seeing the view from Tokyo Sky Tree, this trip is surely comparable. We definitely went home satisfied and fulfilled with our experience. YAY!

Ticket Prices:

	Main Observatory (150 m)	Special Observatory (250 m)	Both Observatories
Adult(Above 15yo)	820yen	600yen	1,420yen
Students (8yo-15yo)	460yen	400yen	860yen
Children (4yo-7yo)	310yen	350yen	660yen

Business Hours:

Main Observatory (150m): 09:00H – 22:00H (Last Admission: 21:45H)

Special Observatory (250m): 09:00H – 21:30H (Last Admission: 21:00H)

*Ticket counters may stop admission tickets early if it’s already overcrowded

How to go to Tokyo Tower:

There are several ways to go to Tokyo Tower but in my opinion, the best way would be through the subway/JR lines, unless you have car or you understand Nihonggo and can manage to take the bus.

The following train stations can be utilized to go to Tokyo Tower:

Route	Exit Station / Exit	Distance to Tokyo Tower
Oedo Line (Metropolitan Subway)	Akabanebashi Station (Akabanebashi Gate)	5min walk
Hibiya Line (Tokyo Metry)	Kamiyacho Station (Exit No 1)	7min walk
Mita Line (Metropolitan Subway)	Onarimon Station (Exit No A1)	6min walk
Asakusa Line (Metropolitan Subway)	Daimon Station (Exit No A6)	10min walk
JR Line	Hamamatsucho Station (North Exit)	15min walk

For more information about the Tokyo Tower, you can visit their website.

For more information on how to reach the tower, you can click here. It's well explained!

Tokyo Tower

4-2-8 Shiba-koen, Minato,

Tokyo 105-0011