The world's tallest tower at 634 meters offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo and beyond. Two observation decks at 350m and 450m provide different perspectives, with clear days offering views of Mount Fuji. The base features shopping, aquarium, and planetarium.
Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters in Sumida City, is the world's tallest tower and Japan's tallest structure, opened in May 2012. The height of 634 meters was chosen to echo the old reading of Musashi (the historical name of the region: mu=6, sa=3, shi=4). The tower serves primarily as a broadcasting antenna for digital terrestrial television, replacing the Tokyo Tower in that role due to its superior height. For visitors, the main draw is two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. The Tembo Deck features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a section of glass flooring that allows visitors to look straight down to the streets below. The Tembo Galleria is a tubular spiraling walkway that feels suspended in the sky. On clear days — most common in winter from November through February — Mount Fuji is visible to the southwest, roughly 100 kilometers distant. The base of the tower houses the Tokyo Solamachi commercial complex with around 300 shops and restaurants, the Sumida Aquarium, and the Konica Minolta Planetarium. The building's latticed steel exterior changes color with lighting: Edo Murasaki (indigo) on alternating evenings and Iki (blue-white) on others. The tower is reachable in about 8 minutes on foot from Oshiage Station (Asakusa Line / Hanzomon Line) and can be paired with a Senso-ji visit in the same half-day.
Good to know
- Hours
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM)
- Best for
- families, first-time visitors, photographers, couples
Location
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045
35.7101, 139.8107 View on map
Highlights
- World's tallest tower at 634 meters with two public observation decks
- Glass floor section at Tembo Deck (350m) for vertigo-inducing downward views
- Tembo Galleria spiraling walkway at 450 meters offering open-sky views
- Mount Fuji visible on clear winter days from approximately 100 km distance
- Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex with 300 stores at the base
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online to skip lines
- Visit at sunset for day and night views
- Fast Skytree ticket costs more but saves waiting time
- Clear visibility best in winter months
When to visit
Visit at sunset (around 4–5 PM in winter, 6–7 PM in summer) to watch the city transition from day to night in a single visit. Clear winter mornings offer the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji. Weekday mornings see shorter queues.
Accessibility
The tower is fully accessible with elevators to both observation decks. Tokyo Solamachi at the base is similarly wheelchair accessible. Priority queuing is available for visitors with mobility needs at the ticket counters.
Frequently asked questions
How long should visitors plan for Tokyo Skytree?
The two observation decks together take 1–1.5 hours. Adding shopping or dining at Solamachi and the aquarium or planetarium extends the visit to a half-day.
Should tickets be booked in advance?
Advance online purchase is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and public holidays. Walk-up queues can exceed 60–90 minutes. Fast Skytree tickets (same-day priority entry) cost more but are available at the counter.
When is visibility best for the views?
Winter mornings (December through February) typically offer the clearest air and the highest chance of seeing Mount Fuji. Summer months bring haze that often obscures distant landmarks.