Tokyo Tower
- Panorama/Viewpoint
- Iconic/Bucket List
The why: The Eiffel-inspired symbol of Japan's postwar rebirth — still charming and centrally located, with views that rival the Skytree at a fraction of the crowds.
Gotcha / logistics: The top deck is nearly double the price of the main deck alone. The main deck at 150m is good enough for most visitors.
Standing 333 meters high in central Tokyo, Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) is the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. A symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power, Tokyo Tower was the country’s tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, it continues to serve as a broadcast antenna.
Observation Decks
The tower’s main deck at 150 meters is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase (both paid). Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being at a relatively moderate height. There are “lookdown windows” in the floor, a souvenir shop, and a cafe.
A second set of elevators connects the main deck to the 250-meter-high top deck, from where you get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo from high above the surrounding buildings. It is the third highest observation deck in Tokyo (after the two at the Skytree). When visibility is good, you can see the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji in the distance.
Foot Town
In the building at the base of the tower (Foot Town), visitors can find shops, restaurants, and the Red Tokyo Tower e-sports entertainment complex spanning multiple floors with various interactive games. Admission tickets allow visitors to play any game during the ticket’s validity period.
Getting There
The closest subway stations are:
- Onarimon Station (Mita Line) — 5-10 minute walk
- Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) — 5-10 minute walk
- Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) — 5-10 minute walk
- Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line) — 15-20 minute walk
- Daimon Station (Asakusa/Oedo Lines) — 15-20 minute walk
Hours: 9:00–23:00 (entry until 22:30). No closing days. Admission: 1500 yen (main deck only); 3500 yen (both decks, 3300 yen if purchased in advance); 7000 yen (Diamond Tour with lounge access). Red Tokyo Tower: Typically 10:00–21:00. 3200-5400 yen (all-day), 2200-4400 yen (after 5pm), 2300 yen (1 hour).
More in Tokyo
Akihabara
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Ginza
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Harajuku
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Meiji Jingu
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Senso-ji
Tokyo's oldest and most-visited temple, anchoring the Asakusa Shitamachi neighborhood. The vibrant Nakamise approach, Kaminarimon's giant red lantern, and the perpetually smoking incense burner are the city's most recognizable temple imagery.
Shibuya Crossing
The world's most photographed pedestrian scramble. The defining image of Tokyo's density — a few thousand people crossing in every direction at each light cycle.