Tokyo Tower: A Brief Guide to Its Beauty and History

Photo of the lit up Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan.

If you’re lucky enough to wander the sprawling streets of Tokyo, then there’s no way that you couldn’t have seen or at least heard of the stunning 333-meter Tokyo Tower. This structure is one of the most iconic developments in Tokyo.

A Stunning Tourist Attraction

Tokyo Tower features two observation decks: the main observatory (150 meters) and the special observatory (250 meters). Witness 360-degree views of Tokyo’s remarkable cityscape from both decks.

Top Deck Observatory

Photo: tokyotower.co.jp

The main observatory also contains other facilities, such as:

  • Cafe La Tour
  • Club 333
  • Skywalk Window
  • The Sky—Tokyo Tower’s Official Shop

Another thing that makes Tokyo Tower tourist-friendly is that it comes equipped with guides that will tell you about notable buildings in the skyline. There are translation services, such as QR code readers and animations with subtitles, too!

Best Time to Visit

According to reviewers, the best time to visit the Tokyo Tower is at night. Come sundown and you’ll see a majestic mix of white, red, and yellow lights from cars, office buildings, and street lamps.

The Tokyo Tower from the ground.

Photo: livejapan.com

But if you’re looking to visit during the daytime and it’s a really clear day, you’ll be able to spot Mount Fuji in the distance, too!

The tower is surrounded by historic temples and parks and is encircled by Roppongi, Shiodome, Toranomon, and Shinagawa. These are all worthwhile destinations so you could visit Tokyo Tower at any time, really. Explore the surrounding attractions in the morning and see the glorious tower at night.

But What Is It Really For?

The orange and white tower, built after France’s own Eiffel Tower, was completed in 1958. It’s intended to be a broadcasting tower, supporting 62 miles of frequencies. When the tower was constructed, Japan was just in the midst of economic recovery after World War II. It then became a symbol of Tokyo’s rebirth, which is still given great importance today.

How to Get There

– 5 minutes from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
– 7 minutes from Exit 1 of Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
– 15 minutes from the North Exit of Hamatsucho Station on the JR Lines (including the Yamanote Line)

Tokyo Tower

Hours:
MAIN DECK(150m)
10:00~22:30(Last admission 22:00)
TOP DECK TOUR
10:00〜22:15(Last admission 21:30~21:45)
Stairs to the MAIN DECK
10:00〜21:30
Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/

Speaking of towering structures, ever been to the Walking Gundam in Japan? Check it out!

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