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.
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About Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo, is a prominent communications and observation structure standing 333 meters tall. The tower features two observatory decks: the Main Deck at 150 meters and the Top Deck at 250 meters above sea level. Both decks provide visitors with breathtaking, unobstructed views of Tokyo and its surroundings, making it a must-visit landmark for panoramic cityscapes.
Tokyo Tower Attractions
Main Deck (150m)
At the Main Deck, don’t miss the Skywalk Windows, where you can take in the panoramic sights of Tokyo. If you’re lucky, you might see glimpses of Mount Fuji. For alcoholic beverages, head to Café La Tour. If you’re in the mood for entertainment, catch live performances at Club333. For an adventurous experience, take on the Open-Air Outdoor Stairs Walk Challenge.
Top Deck (250m)
The renovated Top Deck offers a luxurious experience with modern interiors, exclusive elevator access, complimentary drinks, and a free commemorative photo. The panoramic views from this height are truly breathtaking. Don’t miss some of Tokyo’s landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, Imperial Palace and Roppongi Hills.
Tokyo Diamond Tour
This is a newly launched premium observation experience, offering an exclusive and luxurious way to explore the tower. Limited to just 70 guests per day, this tour also provides access to a private lounge, where guests can indulge in an all-you-can-eat selection of Tokyo Tower-themed cookies and other treats.
Tokyo One Piece Tower (CLOSED)
In addition to its iconic observation decks, Tokyo Tower is home to Tokyo One Piece Tower, an indoor theme park dedicated to the beloved Japanese manga One Piece. Spread across four floors, the park features attractions inspired by the Straw Hat crew, offering fans an immersive experience filled with fun and adventure.
On the first floor, you’ll find Sanji’s Oresama Restaurant and Café Mugiwara, both accessible without an entrance fee. These themed dining spots provide a great opportunity to enjoy a meal or snack in a vibrant anime-inspired setting.
Foot Town
At the base of the tower, Foot Town offers a variety of attractions, making it an ideal spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors can explore an array of restaurants, browse unique souvenir shops, and even visit an aquarium, providing something for everyone.
One highlight is the Mugiwara Store, a treasure trove of merchandise dedicated to the popular manga One Piece. Even though I’m not a One Piece fan, I enjoyed browsing through the store’s extensive collection of themed items. It’s a must-visit for fans and a fun shopping experience for casual visitors.
Tokyo Tower Admission Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the admission fees for its iconic observation decks and special packages:
- Adults: 1,500 yen
- High School Students: 1,200 yen
- Junior High & Primary School Students: 900 yen
- Children (4 years and older): 600 yen
Top Deck Ticket (includes access to Main Deck)
- Adults: 3,500 yen
- High School Students: 3,300 yen
- Junior High & Primary School Students: 2,300 yen
- Children (4 years and older): 1,700 yen
Tokyo Diamond Tour Ticket (Main Deck, Top Deck and Lounge)
- Adults: 7,000 yen
- High School Students: 6,500 yen
- Junior High & Primary School Students: 4,700 yen
- Children (4 years and older): 3,000 yen
Where to Buy Tokyo Tower Observatory Tickets?
You can purchase tickets at the onsite ticket booth, but to save time and skip the lines, buying tickets online is highly recommended. Reputable third-party platforms like Klook sell Tokyo Tower tickets and occasionally offer discounted prices, making them a convenient and cost-effective option.
How to Redeem your Tokyo Tower Observatory Ticket?
If you purchased your tickets from Klook, redeeming them is easy and hassle-free:
- For Main Deck and Top Deck tickets, simply show your mobile voucher at the entrance. There’s no need to print it; you can enter directly with the digital ticket.
- For the Tokyo Diamond Tour, present your mobile voucher at the reception located in the Maple Lounge on the 1st floor of Foot Town. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved time to check in and prepare for the tour.
Why would you visit this one instead of Tokyo SkyTree?
Tokyo Tower offers a unique experience that stands out from Tokyo SkyTree. While the SkyTree may be taller, I love that Tokyo Tower’s central location gives me more intimate, iconic views of the city. The tower’s rich history, dating back to 1958, adds a nostalgic charm that I don’t get from the modern SkyTree. I also enjoy how much quieter and less crowded it feels. With exclusive attractions like Tokyo Diamond Tour, Tokyo Tower is really a must-visit.
Overall Experience
Although it was my fourth visit to Japan, it was my first time visiting Tokyo Tower. When I saw the entire city of Tokyo spread out before me, I couldn’t help but regret not coming sooner. I particularly enjoyed was the audio guide, which comes with a multilingual voice system. It not only shared fascinating facts about Tokyo Tower, but also provided landmark maps to help me identify the sights in the distance.
I can’t wait for my next trip to Tokyo later this year, and I’ll definitely be visiting Tokyo Tower again!
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!
