Tokyo, Japan is famous for its vibrant and futuristic streets, culture, Shibuya Crossing, Imperial Palace, cherry blossoms, restaurants, vending machines and of course its electricly neon nights.
Are you tossing up between which tower in Tokyo to visit for the best views of Tokyo's skyline. To help you pick, here's everything to need to know about Japan's two most iconic towers: Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower:
1. What's the difference between Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree?
The Tokyo Skytree at sunset
Tokyo Tower is the older of the two towers, having been built in 1958. It was conceptualised after World War II as a symbol of optimism for Japan and was a celebration of the economic growth the country had experienced.
Tokyo Skytree was only completed in 2012 so its only a decade old. Although it is not the world’s tallest structure (Dubai’s Burj Khalifa holds that title), it is the world’s tallest tower, standing at a massive 634 metres!
2. What can you see from Tokyo Tower?
Credits: Frame
Tokyo Tower hosts two main viewing platforms:
- Tokyo Tower's Main Observation Deck - this floor is 150m above ground level and offers views of the Tokyo's cityscape. The first floor even has a "lookdown window" where a section of the floor is made of glass so you can see Tokyo's streets from right beneath your feet!
- Tokyo Tower "Top Deck" Special Observation Deck - if you thought the main deck wasn't high enough, this floor is 100m higher. On "Top Deck" you'll be treated to a 360-degree view of Tokyo. On this floor, you'll see a set of geometric mirrors that reflect the views outside!
Credits: Frame
3. What can you see from Tokyo Skytree?
Credits: www.tokyo-skytree.jp
If the heights of Tokyo Tower sound crazy to you, wait 'til you discover how high the observation decks at Tokyo Skytree are! Tokyo Skytree also hosts two main viewing platforms:
- Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck - this floor is 350m above ground and the floor is made of glass for the ultimate city views.
- Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria - this floor includes a a sloped 110m “air walk” from Floor 445 up to Floor 450 for visitors to enjoy "air-walking". Soraka Point, the highest point on this observation deck, is a whopping 451.2m above ground!
Bonus tip: On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be viewed from both towers.
Credits: www.tokyo-skytree.jp
4. Does Tokyo Skytree have a restaurant?
Skytree offers more than views of Tokyo from insane heights, it also boasts genuinely high-quality food outlets and plenty of them, so you’re not left wondering if that dizzy feeling is your low blood sugar or the onset of vertigo.
Sky Restaurant 634 serves lunch and dinner and has a more upmarket vibe, with lunch costing around AUD 150+ per person and dinner from AUD 300+. Reservations are essential.
If it’s a quick bite you are after Skytree Café might be your best bet, although with 340 items on the menu your visit may not be so quick after all. Our pick is the Sora-Chan Parfait, which features a blue jelly that is supposed to depict the clear blue skies that surround the tower on a sunny day.
All up, Skytree houses eight different cafés and restaurants, with something to suit every taste, budget and level of appreciation for heights.
5. Does Tokyo Tower have a restaurant?
Fine dining with a seriously stunning view
Over at Tokyo Tower, there are similar dining options. Tower’s Diner serves up nicely priced meals including burgers and steaks, as well as a variety of boozy drinks.
The jewel in the crown that is Tokyo Tower has to be Tofuya Ukai, which actually sits on the ground floor. Here you can sample traditional Japanese food featuring tofu that is house-made from scratch. This restaurant also has gardens and a koi pond so stunning that you'll have a hard time leaving,
6. Where is Tokyo Skytree located?
Getting to either Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower is pretty easy thanks to Tokyo’s efficient public transport system.
Tokyo Skytree is in Sumida, which is close to the Asakusa district and is easily accessible by trains on the Tobu Skytree Line that stop at the Tokyo Skytree Station or on the Hanzomon Line stopping at Oshiage Station.
7. Where is Tokyo Tower located?
Tokyo Skytree is close to the bustling Asakusa district
Tokyo Tower is located in the Shiba-Koen district of Minato. The Tower does not have a dedicated train line, however, there are five stations that are all within walking distance. Depending on which station is convenient for you, it should be around a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Tower. Alternatively, you can catch the Toei bus, hop-off at the Tokyo Tower stop and you’re practically there.
Both locations are filled with great restaurants, shopping and more
8. What else is there to do at Tokyo Skytree?
Apart from the stunning views, there are also other things you can enjoy at Tokyo Skytree such as:
- Skytree Gallery - here you can admire photos of the behind-the-scenes of Skytree's construction and various exhibitions including a full-scale model of the lightning rod placed on the 634-meter high pinnacle of the tower
- Skytree Post - send a letter or postcard to your family and mates as a souvenir of your visit to the world’s highest tower through a distinctive red post box on level 345 of Tokyo Skytree. The OG frame postal stamps and postcards are also available for purchase.
9. What else is there to do at Tokyo Tower?
Buckets of fun, and hours of entertainment
Tokyo Tower is an iconic piece of Japan’s history and serves as a place to shop, enjoy the views, eat and check out live shows and exhibitions. It also has its own amusement park and nightclub.
The club, named Club 333, is located on the Tower’s main observation floor and showcases live performers every Saturday afternoon and evening, with DJs playing each Friday night.
The Tower’s theme park is based around One Piece, anime that has sold more than 400 million copies globally. The family-friendly attraction is set over three levels and includes rides, merchandise stores, food outlets, games and performances.
10. Are either towers in Tokyo accessible?
Tokyo Skytree is fully accessible, and a great time for everyone
Tokyo Tower’s accessibility is a bit behind the times and wheelchair access is only available up to the lower observation deck. It is also worth noting that the tower itself is situated on a steep hill, which could present an issue for users of manual wheelchairs and/or their carers.
In contrast, Tokyo Skytree has the modern touch and is completely accessible, with all possible obstacles being considered.
11. Can I see Tokyo's skyline outside the two towers?
Capture all the best sights with a helicopter ride around Tokyo
If the 450-metre-high viewing area isn’t quite tall enough for you, get above it! On a private helicopter ride in Tokyo you can whizz past the city sites, giving you the chance to see both towers from a height that exceeds even theirs. Not only that, but you’ll also fly over other iconic fixtures including the Tokyo Gate Bridge and Arakawa River. A great option for those who want to see the sites of Tokyo in a hurry and without the crowds.
13. Should I visit Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower then?
Seeing a new city from above is a great way to get a lay of the land
If each Tower had to describe themselves in just one sentence, we think they would say:
- Tokyo Tower is a soaring icon, a beacon of positivity for Japan and a fun and easy way to see the whole city with little effort.
- Tokyo Skytree is an awe-inspiring, modern wonder that is set in a charming area that itself has loads to offer pre- or post-visit.
So the winner is...
With so much to offer it's tough to choose which is the better way to view the city: Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower.
All we'll definitively say is that it wouldn’t be a visit to Tokyo without stopping by at either one or both of these towers!
