Tokyo Skytree Your ultimate guide to breathtaking views

The Tokyo Skytree is not just an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of modern Japan. With its impressive height of 634 meters, it is the tallest tower in Japan and offers you a breathtaking panoramic view over the metropolis of Tokyo. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know for your visit – from ticket options and the best visiting times to insider tips that will make your experience unforgettable. If you want to find out more about your trip to Tokyo, we also have a detailed guide on that topic.

Whether you want to experience the city by day, at dusk, or at night, the Skytree offers a unique experience at any time of day. Be awed by the vast horizon and discover famous landmarks such as Fuji, the Rainbow Bridge, or Tokyo Tower from a completely new perspective.

History and Architecture of the Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree was officially opened on May 22, 2012, and has since been a landmark of Japan's capital. Construction began in July 2008 and took just under four years. The main purpose of the tower is the transmission of digital TV signals, as the increasing number of skyscrapers in Tokyo was interfering with signals from the older Tokyo Tower.

The height of 634 meters was not chosen at random. In the old Japanese way of counting, 634 can be read as “Musashi,” which is the historical name of the region where the tower stands. The Skytree was recognized by the Guinness World Records on November 17, 2011, as the tallest tower in the world ^[1].

Architectural Features

The design of the Tokyo Skytree combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology:

• Neo-futuristic architecture: The tower was designed by the architectural firm Nikken Sekkei and combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern technology.
• Earthquake resistance: The tower features a special damping system that can reduce vibrations by up to 50% during earthquakes.
• Color design: The main color of the tower is "SKYTREE White," an original Japanese hue reminiscent of the traditional color "aijiro" (indigo-white).
• Lighting: At night, the tower is illuminated in two different patterns: "Iki" (blue) and "Miyabi" (purple), which alternate regularly.

The Observation Decks: Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria

The Tokyo Skytree offers two main observation decks, each providing different perspectives and experiences:

Tembo Deck (350 meters)

The Tembo Deck is located at 350 meters and stretches over three floors (340m, 345m, 350m):

• Floor 340: Here you'll find an impressive glass floor, allowing you to look straight down. Perfect for spectacular photos, but not for the faint of heart!
• Floor 345: On this level, you’ll find the Sky Restaurant 634, the SKYTREE SHOP, and the SKYTREE POST, where you can send personalized postcards.
• Floor 350: Here you’ll find the ticket counter for the Tembo Galleria, the SKYTREE CAFE, and a photo spot for souvenir pictures.

Tembo Galleria (450 meters)

The Tembo Galleria is the higher of the two observation decks and offers an even more spectacular view over Tokyo:

• Ascent: From the Tembo Deck, you take the "Tembo Shuttle" elevator up to the Galleria.
• Sorakara Point: The highest publicly accessible point of the tower at 451.2 meters.
• Sloping Corridor: A spiral, upward-sloping corridor that gradually leads you higher, offering new perspectives of the city as you go.

Observation Deck	Height	Features	Best Time to Visit
Tembo Deck	350 meters	Glass floor, restaurant, souvenir shop	Afternoon for clear views of Fuji (in good weather)
Tembo Galleria	450 meters	Spiral corridor, Sorakara Point	Sunset for the transition from day to night

Tickets and Prices: Options for Every Visitor

There are various ticket options for visiting the Tokyo Skytree. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and whether you book in advance.

Standard Tickets

Here are the current prices for standard tickets (as of May 2025) ^[2]:

Ticket Type	Adults (18 and over)	Youth (12–17 years)	Children (6–11 years)
Tembo Deck (Weekday)	2,100 yen	1,400 yen	850 yen
Tembo Deck (Holiday)	2,300 yen	1,500 yen	900 yen
Combo Ticket Deck + Galleria (Weekday)	3,100 yen	2,150 yen	1,300 yen
Combo Ticket Deck + Galleria (Holiday)	3,400 yen	2,350 yen	1,400 yen

The prices in parentheses on the official website refer to the cost of upgrade tickets if you already have a ticket for the first platform. Children under 6 years old enter free.

Special Tickets and Experience Packages

In addition to standard tickets, the Tokyo Skytree also offers various special tickets and experience packages:

• Morning View Ticket: For an early visit before normal opening hours (Weekdays: 2,700 yen, Holidays: 2,900 yen).
• Night View Ticket: Special evening ticket for visitors aged 20 and up (Weekdays: 2,700 yen, Holidays: 2,900 yen).
• SKYTREE ENJOY PACK: Combination tickets that include Skytree entry plus other attractions such as the Sumida Aquarium, the "TENKU" planetarium, or a boat cruise.

Tips for Buying Tickets

To save time and money, keep the following tips in mind:

• Online advance purchase: Save up to 400 yen per ticket by booking in advance via the official website.
• Fast Skytree Ticket: Foreign visitors can buy tickets without waiting at a special counter on the 4th floor (passport required).
• Visiting times: Avoid weekends and holidays if possible. The quietest times are often early mornings or late evenings on weekdays.
• Combo offers: Check if one of the SKYTREE ENJOY PACK offers makes sense for you if you want to visit multiple attractions.

Tokyo Solamachi: Shopping and Entertainment at the Base of the Skytree

At the foot of the Tokyo Skytree is the shopping and entertainment center Tokyo Solamachi. With over 300 shops, restaurants, and attractions, it’s a destination in itself and a perfect complement to your Skytree visit ^[3].

Shopping Highlights

Tokyo Solamachi offers a broad selection of shopping opportunities:

• Japanese souvenirs: Find traditional craftsmanship, sweets, and souvenirs in stores like "Japan Merchandise Store" or "Nippon Hyakkaten."
• Anime and manga: Fans will love stores such as "JUMP SHOP" or "Pokemon Center Skytree Town."
• Fashion and accessories: Everything is available from international brands to Japanese designers.
• Specialty shops: Discover Japanese knives, tea, ceramics, and other local products.

Gastronomy

With over 50 restaurants and cafés, Solamachi offers culinary delights for every taste:

• Japanese cuisine: From Sushi and Ramen to Tempura and Okonomiyaki.
• International dishes: Italian, Chinese, Korean and other international restaurants.
• Cafés and sweets: Try Japanese sweets like Mochi, Taiyaki, or special desserts with seasonal ingredients.
• Food court: For a quick bite or if you want to try multiple dishes.

Other Attractions

In addition to shopping and dining, Solamachi features more attractions:

• Sumida Aquarium: A modern aquarium focusing on river and marine ecosystems, including an impressive penguin enclosure.
• Planetarium "TENKU": One of the most modern planetariums in Japan with spectacular starry sky projections.
• Postal Museum Japan: An interactive museum about the history of the Japanese postal system.
• Seasonal events: Various events and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

The Best Time for Your Visit

The Tokyo Skytree offers a unique experience at any time of day. Here are some recommendations for when you should visit the tower. If you’re generally considering when is the best time to travel to Japan, we have a separate article on that:

Time of Day

• Morning (opens at 8:00 am with special ticket, regular from 10:00 am): Fewer visitors, clear views in good weather, ideal for photos without crowds.
• Afternoon: If the weather is clear, this is the best time to see Mount Fuji (especially in winter).
• Sunset: Experience the magical transition from day to night and watch as the city begins to light up.
• Night: An impressive sea of city lights, especially beautiful on clear nights.

Seasons

Each season offers its own advantages for a visit:

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. The view can sometimes be limited by haze.
• Summer (June–August): Longer days, but often high humidity and haze. After rain showers, the view is often especially clear.
• Autumn (September–November): Pleasant temperatures and often clear air. The autumn leaves provide a beautiful panorama.
• Winter (December–February): The best time for clear views of Mount Fuji and the mountains. The city’s Christmas lights are especially beautiful.

Weekdays vs. Weekend

If possible, visit the Skytree on a weekday to avoid crowds. The quietest times are:

• Monday to Thursday, outside school vacation periods
• Early in the morning or late in the evening
• On rainy days (although visibility may be limited)

If possible, avoid Japanese public holidays and the “Golden Week” (late April to early May), the “Obon” week (mid-August), and the New Year’s holidays, as the tower is especially crowded at these times.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Here are some practical tips to make your visit to Tokyo Skytree more pleasant and efficient:

Getting There

• By train: The Skytree is directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line). Alternatively, you can travel to Oshiage Station (Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line).
• From the city center: From Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, the journey takes about 30–40 minutes.
• By bus: There are special tourist buses that go to the Skytree, such as the Sky Hop Bus or the Skytree Shuttle.

Saving Time

• Buy tickets in advance: Book your tickets online to save time and benefit from cheaper prices.
• Fast Skytree Ticket: Foreign visitors can use this service to skip the wait.
• Pay attention to visiting times: Check the visitor forecast on the official website before your visit to avoid peak hours.

What to Bring

• Camera: The view is spectacular, so don't forget your camera or smartphone.
• Binoculars: If you want to spot distant landmarks (there are also digital telescopes on-site).
• Light jacket: It can be cooler on the observation decks than at ground level.
• City map or app: To help identify landmarks from above.

More Tips

• Combine your visit: Combine your Skytree visit with an exploration of the nearby traditional Asakusa district and Sensoji Temple. More tips for traveling in Japan can be found in our travel section.
• Photo spots: For exterior shots of the Skytree, good locations include Sumida Park, Azumabashi Bridge, or the Asahi Beer Building.
• Consider the weather: Visibility is limited during bad weather or fog. Check the forecast ahead of your visit.
• Souvenirs: The best Skytree souvenirs are available in the official SKYTREE SHOP on the 345m level and on the 5th floor of the tower. Alternatively, Japanese convenience stores also offer a good selection of souvenirs.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

My visit to the Tokyo Skytree was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. I chose to go shortly before sunset, which I can only recommend. The view during daylight was already impressive, but watching the city slowly come alive with lights as the sun set was a magical experience.

I bought the combo ticket for both observation decks and found that the extra cost was worth it. The Tembo Galleria, with its sloping corridor, offers a completely different perspective than the Tembo Deck. I was especially impressed by the glass floor on the 340m level—not for the faint-hearted, but definitely an experience!

A tip from personal experience: Take your time for the visit. I planned about three hours, which was enough to enjoy both observation decks and still spend some time in the Solamachi complex. If you want to visit all the attractions like the aquarium or planetarium, you should plan a whole day.

As for food, there is the Sky Restaurant 634 inside the Skytree itself, which offers gourmet cuisine with spectacular views. However, I opted for one of the many restaurants in the Solamachi complex after my visit. The 6th and 7th floors, as well as the 30th and 31st floors of Solamachi, are filled with restaurants offering a wide selection of Japanese culinary highlights and international dishes.

For photography enthusiasts: The digital telescopes on the observation decks not only provide information about visible landmarks, but also allow you to take photos and send them by email. A nice memory, even though the quality can’t compete with a good camera. If you’re looking for accommodation after your visit, check out the different options for staying in Japan.

Conclusion: An Essential Tokyo Experience

The Tokyo Skytree is more than just an observation tower—it’s a symbol of modern Japan and offers one of the world’s most impressive panoramas. The combination of architectural innovation, spectacular views, and a wealth of shopping and entertainment options makes it an essential destination for every Tokyo visitor.

Whether you want to experience the endless cityscape by day, the magical transition to night, or the sparkling sea of city lights in the evening—the Skytree offers a unique experience at any time of day. With the right planning and the tips from this guide, your visit is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip to Japan.

And don’t forget: The Skytree is not just a place to visit—it’s also a landmark you can admire from many points in Tokyo. Its distinctive silhouette and night-time illumination make it a fascinating photo subject that defines the Tokyo skyline.

Tokyo Skytree Admission Ticket – 360° Panorama of Tokyo

Experience Tokyo from above with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree. With this ticket, you get access to the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and optionally the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

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