Tokyo Skytree Your ultimate guide for breathtaking views

The Tokyo Skytree is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of modern Japan. With its impressive height of 634 meters, it is Japan's tallest tower 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 learn more about your vacation in Tokyo, we also have a detailed guide on that.

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

History and Architecture of the Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree officially opened on May 22, 2012, and has since become 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 high-rise buildings in Tokyo was interfering with the 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 is located. The Skytree was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s tallest tower on November 17, 2011 ^[1].

Architectural Features

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

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

The Observation Decks: Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria

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

Tembo Deck (350 meters)

The Tembo Deck is at a height of 350 meters and is spread over three floors (340m, 345m, 350m):

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

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 ride the "Tembo Shuttle" up to the Galleria.
• Sorakara Point: The highest publicly accessible point of the tower at 451.2 meters.
• Sloping Corridor: A spiraling, ascending corridor that slowly leads you upward while offering ever-changing perspectives on the city.

Observation Deck	Height	Highlights	Best Time to Visit
Tembo Deck	350 meters	Glass floor, restaurant, souvenir shop	Afternoon for a clear view of Mt. Fuji (in good weather)
Tembo Galleria	450 meters	Spiraling 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 Tokyo Skytree. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and whether you book in advance or not.

Standard Tickets

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

Ticket Type	Adults (18 and up)	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 to move up to the next platform if you already have a ticket for the first platform. Children under 6 enter free of charge.

Special Tickets and Experience Packages

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

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

Ticket Purchase Tips

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

• Online Advance Sales: Save up to 400 yen per ticket by buying in advance on the official website.
• Fast Skytree Ticket: Foreign visitors can purchase tickets at a special counter on the 4th floor with no wait (passport required).
• Visiting Times: Avoid weekends and holidays if possible. The quietest times are often early morning or late evening on weekdays.
• Combo Offers: Check if one of the SKYTREE ENJOY PACK options is worthwhile if you plan to visit several attractions.

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

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

Shopping Highlights

Tokyo Solamachi offers a wide variety of shopping options:

• Japanese Souvenirs: Traditional crafts, sweets, and gifts can be found in stores such as "Japan Merchandise Store" or "Nippon Hyakkaten."
• Anime and Manga: Fans will enjoy shops like "JUMP SHOP" or "Pokemon Center Skytree Town."
• Fashion & Accessories: Everything from international brands to Japanese designers.
• Specialty Stores: Discover Japanese knives, tea, ceramics, and other local products.

Dining

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 & Sweets: Try Japanese sweets like mochi, taiyaki, or special desserts with seasonal ingredients.
• Food Court: For a quick meal or if you want to try several dishes.

Other Attractions

Besides shopping and dining, Solamachi offers even more attractions:

• Sumida Aquarium: A modern aquarium focused on river and marine ecosystems, including an impressive penguin enclosure.
• Planetarium "TENKU": One of Japan’s most modern planetariums, with spectacular star field projections.
• Postal Museum Japan: An interactive museum about the history of Japan’s postal service.
• 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 to 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 opening from 10:00 am): Fewer visitors, clear views in good weather, ideal for photos without crowds.
• Afternoon: In fine weather, this is the best time for views of Mt. Fuji (especially in winter).
• Sunset: Experience the magical transition from day to night and watch the city light up gradually.
• Night: Stunning sea of city lights, especially beautiful on clear nights.

Seasons

Each season has its own advantages for a visit:

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom and mild temperatures. Views may be limited due to haze.
• Summer (June-August): Longer days, but often high humidity and haze. After rain, the view is often especially clear.
• Autumn (September-November): Pleasant temperatures and frequently clear views. The autumn foliage offers a beautiful panorama.
• Winter (December-February): The best time for clear views of Mt. 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 of holiday periods
• Early morning or late evening
• On rainy days (though the view may be limited)

Try to avoid Japanese public holidays, "Golden Week" (end of April to early May), the "Obon" week (mid August), and the New Year holidays, as the tower is especially crowded during these times.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Here are a few practical tips to make your visit to the Tokyo Skytree more comfortable and efficient:

Getting There

• By train: Skytree is directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line). Alternatively, you can go to Oshiage Station (Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line).
• From the city center: From Shinjuku or Tokyo Station the trip takes about 30-40 minutes.
• By bus: There are special tourist buses that stop at 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 get better prices.
• Fast Skytree Ticket: Foreign visitors can use this service to avoid waiting in line.
• Observe visiting times: Check the visitor forecast on the official website before your visit to avoid peak times.

What to Bring

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

More Tips

• Combine your visit: Link your Skytree visit with an exploration of the nearby traditional neighborhood Asakusa and the Sensoji Temple. More tips about traveling in Japan can be found in our travel section.
• Photo spots: For photos of the Skytree from outside, Sumida Park, Azumabashi Bridge or the Asahi Beer Building are good locations.
• Check the weather: In bad weather or fog, the view is limited. Check the forecast before your visit.
• Souvenirs: The best Skytree souvenirs can be found at the official SKYTREE SHOP on the 345m level and on the 5th floor of the tower. Alternatively, Japanese convenience stores also offer a good range of souvenirs.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

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

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

A tip from personal experience: Take your time for your visit. I planned for about three hours, which was enough to enjoy both observation decks and also 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’s the Sky Restaurant 634 in Skytree itself, offering fine dining with a spectacular view. However, I opted for one of the many restaurants in the Solamachi complex after my visit. The 6th and 7th as well as 30th and 31st floors of Solamachi are entirely filled with restaurants offering a wide variety 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 email them to yourself. A nice souvenir, even if the quality can’t match a good camera. If you’re looking for accommodation after your visit, check out the various options for accommodation in Japan.

Conclusion: An Unmissable Tokyo Experience

The Tokyo Skytree is more than just an observation tower – it’s a symbol of modern Japan and offers one of the most impressive panoramas in the world. The combination of architectural innovation, spectacular views, and a wide range of shopping and entertainment makes it an unmissable destination for any visitor to Tokyo.

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

And don’t forget: the Skytree is not only a place to visit but also a landmark you can admire from many points in Tokyo. Its characteristic silhouette and nighttime illumination make it a fascinating photo motif that shapes Tokyo’s skyline.