Tokyo Tower is one of Japan’s most recognizable city landmarks in the city of Tokyo, Japan. It is located in the Minato district of Tokyo, it is both a symbol of the city’s post-war rebirth and tad a hub for tourism. Standing at 333 meters tall, the tower held the title of Japan’s tallest structure for 54 years until the Tokyo Skytree surpassed it in 2012. The tower today continues to attract visitors from all walks. It tad offering panoramic views of the city and access to several attractions within its premises. Let’s take a visit and explore what Tokyo Tower has to offer.
History of Tokyo Tower
On some history, Tokyo Tower was built in 1958, modelled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was conceived as part of Japan’s post-war reconstruction, and a significant milestone in Japan’s post-war recovery. Architect Tachū Naitō, who at that time was a specialist in designing tall structures, led the design. The tower was designed to symbolize Japan’s post-war modernization and serve as a broadcasting tower.
It is still the world’s tallest, self-supported steel tower and 3 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. Also, the landmark clad in it’s glowing red-orange is instantly recognizable amongst Tokyo’s sprawling skyline. Interesting it was built using modern steel and painted in white and orange to comply with aviation safety regulations. It does stands out against the Tokyo skyline, making it easy to spot from various parts of the city.
Today, though Tokyo tower is not as modern and tall as the Tokyo Skytree we visited previously, it still emits a rustic charm and is still very well maintained even till today. The tower originally functioned as a television broadcasting tower and continues to serve as a key communications hub for Tokyo today.
Moreover, yet over the decades, Tokyo Tower became more than just a broadcasting tool. It evolved into a cultural and tourist site, frequented by millions of visitors. Although it was surpassed by other structures in height, Tokyo Tower remains iconic due to its rich history and location. The tower itself has undergone several upgrades, including new lighting features and interactive exhibitions for visitors.
Tokyo Tower Architectural Design
Furthermore, the structure is built as intricate lattice tower made from steel, mimicking the Paris Eiffel Tower. The tower itself consists of two observation decks. The main deck, located at 150 meters above ground, provides sweeping views of Tokyo and beyond. The top deck, involves another elevator ride up to 250 meters offering distant Mount Fuji visible on clear days. Do note the upper top deck may not always open, though you would suffice with the lower deck.
Moreover, at night, the tower exterior lights up, emphasizing its red steel leg structure. Its tad provides for a different, yet equally stunning, perspective of the city. Also, the tower’s top deck offers premium views, and an exclusive guided tour is available for visitors who want a more detailed experience.
Going up the Tower
Upon entering the Tokyo Tower ground floor is home to a mall and shopping complex which is home to stores and eateries. Also, it is not difficult to find the ticketing counters and there are usually no long queues so you can be up on the deck from about 10 minutes on arrival. The tower opens till 10pm daily, and you are advised to arrive at from 5pm if you wish to catch the sunset from the tower.
Also, the elevator experience up is basic and not as interactive as they ones we visited at Burj Khalifa or even CN tower in Toronto Canda.
Also, the elevators are operated by manned staff who greets you as you enter and exit the elevators. You can see the steel structure on your way up through the clear elevator walls.
Up on deck, you can roam freely around the observation deck with unobstructed 360 views of the Tokyo skyline. Notably, the Tower’s observation deck interior have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowing you to maximize your viewing experience. The lower levels house souvenir shops, cafes, and exhibition spaces, more on that later.
Views from the Tower
Just outside Tokyo Tower, you can see the surrounding Tokyo Minato district is filled with various attractions. The Zojoji Temple, an important Buddhist site, sits near the base of the tower. Its ancient architecture contrasts with the modern Tokyo skyline, making it tad a popular spot for photos.
For those tad interested in greenery, Shiba Park, one of Tokyo’s oldest parks, offers peaceful walking paths with great views of the tower.
You much to see both within the tower and its immediate surroundings. The observation decks are the main attraction, with the 150-meter deck offering a 360-degree view of Tokyo’s sprawling metropolis. Lined along the floor of the glass windows are informative boards telling you landmarks in that direction you are looking at.
Also, the observation viewing deck is clad in dark trims with minimal background lighting to reduce reflections and glare on your photos.
Not a very tall tower by today’s standards
Furthermore, notably, you will notice the views here are somewhat closer to ground as per most Observation decks. There are even distant office blocks here towering over Tokyo tower.
This is as opposed to most other viewing decks, Tokyo tower though sitting on a small hill is not situated on very high ground as opposed to the N Seoul tower and even the Tokyo Skytree, which dwarfs the Tokyo tower in comparison. Still, the tower’s structure is timeless and had always been recognisable for its time a city icon. It also stood the test of time and earthquakes, a testament to Japan’s architectural engineering prowess.
In addition, on festive periods, there are projections shown the walls complete with accompanying music, it does give the observation deck a club vibe. The projections are noticeable without being intrusive and comes on every 5-10 minutes or so, so it is not much of a distraction.
Moving around the observation deck
A stairwell connects the two floors of the observation deck. The lower deck has an interesting starry night corner lit with glowing UV light flooring. Also, for those with vertigo, the hole in the floor” viewing port is one to take notice of.
Here, there are two small window viewports on the floor made with mesh laminated plexiglass. Also, there is also larger window offering views of the ground. You can see the easily distinguishable red base structure of the Tokyo tower from the view down.
Moreover, there is a café and giftshop located on the lower floor here up here on the observation deck. Also, the toilets here also touts to provide a pee with a view.
Additionally, in typical Japanese fashion, there is a rubber stamp stand, a uniquely Tokyo Tower post mailbox and a couple of vending machines selling Tokyo tower specific souvenir trinkets like coins and penny presses. Interestingly, there is also Shrine here and a spot where you can purchase Omamori amulets too.
Wrapping up
The exit elevator One of the highlights inside the tower is the “Tokyo Tower FootTown” complex, which hosts multiple attractions including a quirky Wax Museum, Mysterious Walking Zone, Trick Art Gallery.
Also, the building contains the Tokyo Tower Aquarium and several eateries where visitors can sample local cuisine. Seasonal exhibitions and events are frequently held on the premises too.
All in all, that wraps up our visit to Tokyo Tower. You are good for about 2 hours up here top here in the City of Tokyo. Though other structures may now stand taller, the tower remains one of Japan’s most popular and significant landmarks with its rich history, architectural design, and panoramic city views make it a visit.
