Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree.
As of 2024, it is the second tallest man-made structure in the world (the tallest is Dubai’s Burj Khalifa), and it is certainly the tallest in Japan.
Initially, it was quite difficult to get tickets as it was crowded, but lately, it seems you can easily go up even on weekdays.
Since I was in Tokyo, I decided to visit too!
Tokyo’s New Symbol: ‘Tokyo Skytree’
Tokyo Skytree is located in Sumida Ward, Oshiage, Tokyo.
The nearest station is Tobu’s Tokyo Skytree Station, which was built in conjunction with the opening of Skytree.
Tobu is also the developer of the Skytree.
Many stores and souvenir shops inspired by Skytree line the path from the station to the tower.
There it is! It’s really tall.
Taking the escalator to the entrance of Skytree.
Denny’s also has a special version called ‘SOLAN’.
Even a Sazae-san tea house. I wonder if there’s a connection.
Skytree Entrance Bustling with Tourists Every Day
We’ve made it to the base of Skytree!
It was December 21st, so the entrance was decked out for Christmas.
I arrived just before noon on a Friday, and it was quite crowded.
(It’s still not as bad as it could be…)
To prevent boredom while waiting in line, there were detailed animations created by teamLab.
Despite the line, it moved quickly, and I reached the counter in about 10 minutes.
Tickets for the Tembo Deck are 2,100 yen, and the Tembo Deck plus the Tembo Galleria are 3,100 yen (as of January 2024).
Passing through the gate and boarding the elevator to the Tembo Deck.
The elevator has four units, each themed after a season. I rode the one themed for summer that day.
The Tembo Deck is at an altitude of 350m. We’ve arrived!
‘Tembo Deck’ Offers Panoramic Views of Tokyo
True to its name, Tokyo Skytree was bustling even on a weekday afternoon.
At this point, we are already higher than the Tokyo Tower (333m).
Overlooking the city of Tokyo. So many buildings.
Above the Tembo Deck is the Tembo Galleria (450m), the highest point tourists can reach. Must go up there.
Heading there via another elevator.
Viewing the High-Rise Buildings from 451.2m ‘Tembo Galleria’
Arrived at the Tembo Galleria!
It might be hard to tell from the photos, but indeed it’s higher than before.
Looking straight down. Wow, it’s high.
Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy that day, but the view overlooking Tokyo was still impressive. There are no taller buildings around here.
A rooftop of some high-rise building with a helipad visible, but even that is way down below.
Reached the highest point of the Tembo Galleria.
Apparently, it’s 451.2m. If converted to a high-rise building’s floors, it would be around 100 floors. It’s just a number that’s hard to grasp.
Tokyo looking like a miniature model.
Time to Buy Some Skytree Souvenirs
Back at the Tembo Deck again.
There’s a glass floor at floor 340. Those with a fear of heights, be cautious. (Though such people probably wouldn’t go up in the first place.)
On the way down, the elevator. This one’s themed for winter.
At the bottom, there’s a photo spot with the Skytree character and souvenir shops.
Tokyo’s New Landmark: ‘Tokyo Skytree’
Tokyo’s new tourist attraction, the Tokyo Skytree.
It’s one of those places you should visit at least once in your life.
Just be prepared for it to be extremely crowded on weekends, so expect it to take some time.
