Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Vlad
Choosing the iconic landmark for your Tokyo adventure
Tokyo is well know for its dynamic skyline and futuristic architecture. Among the numerous iconic landmarks that dot the cityscape, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree stand tall as two of the tallest and most popular attractions. Deciding between these tourist favorites can be challenging, but I’m here to guide you through the unique features and experiences each offers, complete with vivid photos and comparisons. This post aims to help you make an informed choice about which landmark to visit during your 2024 Tokyo adventure if time or budget constraints prevent you from seeing both.
Table of Contents
Tokyo Tower: Embracing Tradition and Charm
Since its completion in 1958, Tokyo Tower has stood as a vibrant emblem of Tokyo’s historical and modern eras. It’s a great place to visit if you want to experience a piece of post-war Japanese history. It is also a great place to visit if you want to get a close-up view of the city. Here’s what makes Tokyo Tower a captivating destination:
- Architecture and Design: Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters tall (1,092 feet) and is adorned in a striking orange and white colour scheme. Its lattice structure exudes an old-world charm that blends very well with the surrounding cityscape.
- Observation Decks: The tower offers two observation decks for visitors. The Main Observatory at 150 meters (492 feet) provides sweeping views of Tokyo’s skyline, including landmarks like the Tokyo Dome and Tokyo Bay. For a higher vantage point and a much broader view, the Special Observatory at 250 meters (820 feet) treats visitors to a broader, less obstructed view of the city centre’s beauty. I highly recommend the special observatory.
- Attractions and Experiences: Besides the observation decks, Tokyo Tower boasts a variety of entertainment and cultural experiences. The FootTown section at the base of the tower houses shops, restaurants, making it an excellent place to explore Tokyo’s vibrant culture and indulge in local cuisine. Additionally, the tower features an ‘open-air outdoor stairs walk‘ – climb the 600 or so stairs for a truly memorable experience (just not on a very warm or humid day).
- Nearby attractions: Close to Tokyo Tower are several notable sites including Zojo-ji Temple, surrounded by tranquil parks and gardens, Shinbashi, Roppongi Hills, Hamarikyu Gardens, the Diet Building, and the Imperial Palace.
Tokyo Tower Location
4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
Tokyo Tower Opening Hours
9am – 10:30pm Monday to Friday
Main Deck* (150m): 9am – 10:30pm (please note last admission is at 10pm)
Top Deck** (250m): 9am – 10:15pm (please note last last tour is at 9:30pm-9:45pm)
*Final entry may end earlier in the event of excessive crowds
**The Top Deck may close at anytime in the event of bad weather
- Less crowded
- Provides good views
- Romantic look and feel
- Easily accessible
- Climb the stairs for an outdoor experience
- The views can be obstructed by nearby tall buildings
Tokyo Skytree: Scaling New Heights
As a modern marvel of Japanese architecture, Tokyo Skytree has been a part of Tokyo’s skyline since 2012. Here’s why it’s worth your visit:
- Cutting-Edge Design: Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree soars to a staggering height of 634 meters (2,080 feet for my American readers), making it the tallest tower in Japan and one of the tallest structures globally. It’s Tokyo’s new symbol, and if features prominently in many Japanese dramas and TV series these days. Its sleek and innovative design, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, offers a stunning visual impact. On clear days, it can be seen from as far away as Hakone’s Owakudani (88kms straight line)!
- Observation Decks: Tokyo Skytree offers two observation decks as well, providing breathtaking views of Tokyo and beyond. The Tembo Deck at 350 meters offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and provides less interrupted views thanks to its design, while the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters (1,476 feet) features a spiralling glass corridor, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo (although the views are a bit disrupted by the smaller sized windows in my opinion). In comparison to Tokyo Tower, both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria offer far wider views of the Greater Tokyo area. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mt Fuji from either one of the decks (imagine that, seeing Mt Fuji from 450 meters up, wouldn’t that be an unforgettable experience?).
- Shopping and Dining: Attached to the base of the tower and as part of the Tokyo Skytree Town complex, is the bustling Tokyo Solamachi, a shopping and entertainment paradise. With over 300 stores, restaurants, museum, and a planetarium, Tokyo Skytree offers an abundance of retail therapy and foods delights for visitors of all ages. The array of shops is really vast and you would need some time to actually explore them all. This is also a great place to find awesome Japanese souvenirs.
- Other attractions close by: Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dedicated to the goddess of mercy is a short stroll away from the Skytree. Senso-ji is one of the Tokyo’s main attraction for local and international tourists alike. With the bustling Nakamise-dori street on the approach to the temple, a great place to visit for street food and souvenirs too. If visiting in mid-to-late May, you might find yourself in a middle of Three Shrine Festival – one of the largest and the wildest Shinto festivals in Tokyo!
Tokyo Skytree Location
1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045
Tokyo Skytree Opening Hours
- Best views of Greater Tokyo area
- Surrounding shopping & entertainment complex has everything you need
- Very, very busy
- Observation decks may be overcrowded
Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree Ticket Prices Comparison (correct as of June 2024)
Tokyo Tower Main Deck (lower deck) | Tokyo Tower Top Deck (upper deck, combo ticket) | Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (lower deck) | Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galeria (upper deck, combo ticket) | |
Adults (19 years and over at Tokyo Tower, 18 years and over at Skytree) | 1200 yen | 3000 yen in person 2800 yen booked online | 2100 yen in person (2300 yen on weekends & holidays) 1800 yen prebooked online (2000 yen during holiday periods) | 3100 yen in person (3400 yen on weekends & holidays) 2700 yen prebooked online (3000 yen on weekends and holidays, prebooked online) |
High School Kids (16 to 18 year olds) | 1000 yen | 2600 yen in person 2800 yen booked online | ||
Teenagers (12 to 17 year olds) | 1550 yen in person (1650 yen on weekends & public holidays) 1400 yen prebooked online | 2350 yen in person (2550 yen on weekends & holidays) 2150 yen prebooked online (2350 yen on weekends & public holidays, prebooked online) | ||
Primary & Junior HS Kids (7 to 15 year olds) | 700 yen | 2000 yen in person 1800 yen booked online | ||
Primary School Kids | 950 yen in person (1000 yen on weekends & public holidays) 850 yen booked online | 1450 yen in person (1550 yen on weekends & holidays) 1300 yen prebooked online (1400 yen on weekends & public holidays, prebooked online) | ||
Kids (4 to 6 year olds) | 500 yen | 1400 yen in person 1200 yen booked online | ||
Infants & Toddlers | Free | free | free | free |
Keep an eye on their official English-language websites for the latest updates and admission charges here: Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree
Making Your Decision
Now that we’ve explored the distinctive features of both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, how do you choose which one to visit or which one is better? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Historical Significance: If you appreciate historical landmarks and Tokyo’s heritage, Tokyo Tower’s rich history and vintage charm might be your preferred choice. It certainly is mine.
- Height and Views: If you’re seeking unparalleled heights and panoramic views, Tokyo Skytree’s record-breaking stature and innovative design will impress. You can see a lot more of Greater Tokyo, including some other city landmarks like the Imperial Palace. And on a clear day you can see well past Fujisan (Mt Fuji)! In one of my visits in mid 2023, we were lucky (or unlucky) to experience a very mild earthquake right at the moment of having a photo taken of us at Tembo Galleria 445 skywalk photo spot (sitting on the sofa with our legs in the air)! No kidding. What a surreal moment that sent shivers down our backs! It’s needless to say it was a once in a life time experience that we will never forget!
- Surrounding Attractions: Take into account the attractions around each tower. Tokyo Tower’s FootTown offers cultural experiences while being a short stroll to many of the city’s other attractions, while Tokyo Skytree’s Tokyo Solamachi complex offers extensive shopping and dining options as well as being a short distance away fron Senso-ji Temple.
- Ease of access: Consider where you are staying in Tokyo (or sightseeing around). Tokyo Tower is generally easier to access if you are staying in or around Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Roppongi, whereas if you are staying in Tokyo’s east then the Sky Tree will generally be quicker and easier to access.
- Crowds: Both locations are popular with tourists, however the Skytree is more popular (especially with Japanese visitors), resulting in longer waiting and queuing times, as well as crowded observation decks.
- Cost: The Tokyo Tower is slightly cheaper overall, and you can book online on the same day if spots are available. They also do not charge more for visiting on weekends and holidays. Whereas the Tokyo Skytree overall charges a little bit higher, and if booking online you do have to make a booking at least one day ahead.
- Personal Preferences: Consider your own personal interests, architectural preferences, and the overall experience you’re seeking. Both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree have their own unique ambiance and charm, catering to different tastes.
My Personal Insights on Both Landmarks
Ultimately, the choice between Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree will depend on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your visit to Tokyo. Tokyo Tower provides a look into the city’s past with its historical significance and nostalgic charm, while Tokyo Skytree offers a modern, cutting-edge experience with its soaring heights and contemporary design. Whichever landmark you choose, both will undoubtedly leave you in awe of Tokyo’s splendour and offer spectacular panoramic views of this vibrant metropolis.
I personally prefer the Tokyo Tower; it has a soul and way more romantic feel reminiscent of Paris, while the Skytree has the heights and the more typical-grey Japanese style (or design). Having said that, I enjoy visiting both, and have visited both on many occasions, as they offer a different experience and provide the contrast between the old and the new Tokyo.
If time allows, I would highly recommend visiting both! Remember, whether you find yourself gazing at Tokyo’s skyline from Tokyo Tower’s lattice structure or soaring high above the city from Tokyo Skytree’s dizzying heights, the experience will be nothing short of extraordinary. So go ahead and embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the remarkable wonders of Tokyo!