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Asia Japan

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo One Piece Tower

For most people, a trip to Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to one of the city’s landmark towers. Tokyo SkyTree stands at 634 meters, which make it the tallest tower in Japan and the world. Tokyo Tower, on the other hand, stands at 333 meters. It may be smaller than Tokyo SkyTree, but it is quite special because it was a symbol of Japan’s economic success after World War II. Aside from its historical relevance, what else can this tower offer? Why would you visit this one instead of the colossal Tokyo SkyTree? I will answer these questions later on this post.

 
view from the nearest subway stop
About Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is a communications transmission tower located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo. At 332.9 meters above sea level, it features two observatory decks, Main Deck (150 meters above sea level) and Top Deck (250 meters above sea level), which offer unobstructed and unparalleled  views of Tokyo and beyond.

 

Admission Fees
Main Deck900 yen (adult), 500 yen (junior high and primary school students) and 400 yen (children 4 years old and over)

Top Deck (access to Main Deck included) 2,800 yen (adult), 1,800 yen (junior high and primary school students) and 1,200 yen (children 4 years old and over)

Tokyo One Piece Tower and Main Deck (150m) Set Ticket2,900 yen (adult), 2,500 yen (high school), 2,100 yen (middle school), 1,000 yen (elementary), and 900 yen (children 4 years old and over)

amazing autumn colors at the park near Tokyo Tower
Where to buy Tokyo Tower Observatory Tickets?
While you can certainly buy your tickets at the ticket booth, I highly recommend buying tickets online to avoid the lines. You can buy your tickets at third party sites like KKday, which offer discounts from time to time. Recently, KKday offered buy 1 take 1 deals to some of their products. So make sure to check their website for amazing deals and discounts!
the imposing Tokyo Tower
 

How to purchase Tokyo Tower Observatory Tickets?
Step 1 – Go to Klook and search for Tokyo Tower Observatory Deck
Step 2 – Scroll down and select your intended travel date
Step 3 – Indicate the number of tickets you want to buy
Step 4 – Click the blue ‘Book’ button located on the right hand side of KKday website
Step 5 – Log in using Facebook, Google or Email address
Step 6  – Update your information (buyer and traveler)
Step 7 – Input promo code (if there’s any) and payment details
Currently, KKday accepts payments via Credit card (VISA, JCB, Master Card), Debit card and PayPal.
Step 8 – Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a voucher in your email

How to redeem your Tokyo Tower Observatory Ticket?

Once you purchase your tickets at Klook’s website, you will receive a voucher in your email. Print and show your voucher at the reception for entry.
yummy green tea crepe from Marion Crepe
Main Deck Tour vs Top Deck Tour
While both observation decks provide a stunning 360-degree view of Tokyo, its interiors are different as of the moment. The Main Deck can be a little underwhelming because of its outdated interiors. Some portion of its windows were dirty and covered with waters spots. The newly renovated Top Deck, on the other hand, was great. It has modern and futuristic interiors. From its exclusive elevator to free drinks, to free commemorative photo at the Top Deck, I felt like a true VIP when I did this tour. 
 
Although I would choose the Top Deck in a heartbeat, we have to give the Main Deck a chance. It is currently undergoing a facelift so we have to wait until autumn of 2019 for its completion. I will definitely visit Tokyo Tower again when I come back to Japan later this year!
after an amazingly fast elevator ride, we arrived at the Main Deck with this amazing view!
I would suggest staying here for about 20 minutes so you can take a closer look at the buildings.
This side presents contrasting views between old and new Tokyo
 At sunset, the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo transforms into a city of bright lights. Please note that the sun sets earlier during winter, so adjust your schedule accordingly.
view at the top deck
the buildings looked smaller when seen at the top deck
sunsets and city lights 
the rainbow bridge really looked awesome
entry to the top deck was pricey but I think it was excellent value for money
Tokyo One Piece Tower
Aside from the observatory decks, Tokyo Tower is also home to Tokyo One Piece Tower. Dedicated to the popular Japanese manga One Piece, this indoor theme park has 4 floors with attractions based on the Straw Hat crew. The first floor has the Sanji’s Oresama Restaurant and Café Mugiwara with no entrance fee. I am not a fan of One Piece so I just went around the Mugiwara Store, which is located at the bottom of the tower(Foottown).
 
 
 

Overall Experience

It was already my fourth visit in Japan but it was just my first time to visit Tokyo Tower. When I saw the entire Tokyo spreads out before my eyes, I regretted that I did not go to the tower sooner. The tower is not as tall as Tokyo SkyTree, but its main deck and top deck provide the most central view of Tokyo. I also love the audio guide with multilingual voice system, which provides interesting facts about Tokyo Tower as well as landmark maps that helped you know what you were seeing. When I get the chance to go back to Tokyo later this year, I will definitely visit Tokyo Tower again!

Travel Notes

Address:  4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Operating Hours: 
Main Deck Tour 
9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Last admission is at 10:30 PM)
Top Deck Tour 
9:00 AM  to 10:45 PM (Last admission is at 10:00 PM)

Leave a comment below if you have any questions about the experience. If you have been to Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, do you think the view is better than the latter? I would love to hear from you!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.