Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan, a 634-metre broadcasting tower in Sumida ward on the east side of the city. Most people come to Tokyo Skytree for its two observation decks, which look out across the whole Kanto plain and, on clear days, to Mount Fuji. At its base is a large shopping and dining complex, so the visit can easily take up an afternoon.
Why visit Tokyo Skytree
Opened in 2012, the tower was designed to echo traditional Japanese forms, with a base shaped like a triangle that gradually becomes a circle as it rises, and a pale blue-white colour inspired by indigo dyeing. From the top you get a different perspective on Tokyo than from the observation floors in Shinjuku or Roppongi: the Sumida River, Asakusa and the low-rise neighbourhoods of the east side spread out below you.
It is also an easy place to go with mixed groups. While some people head up the tower, others can explore the shops, the aquarium or the planetarium in the complex below.
Getting to Tokyo Skytree by train
The tower has excellent rail access. Oshiage station, served by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, the Toei Asakusa Line and the Keisei and Tobu railways, sits directly under the complex, and you can walk from the platforms into the building without going outside. Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line is right next to the tower too, one stop from Tobu's Asakusa terminal.
- From Asakusa, you can also walk: cross the Sumida River and follow the canal for about 20 minutes, with the tower in view the whole way.
- The Asakusa Line runs through to Keisei trains for Narita Airport, which makes Oshiage convenient if you are staying nearby.
- IC cards such as Suica and PASMO work on every line serving the area.
Tokyo Skytree tickets
There are two decks. The Tembo Deck at 350 metres is the main observation floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a small glass floor section. The Tembo Galleria at 450 metres is a sloping glass corridor that spirals upward around the tower, reached with an additional ticket. You can buy a ticket for the lower deck alone or a combined ticket for both.
Tickets can be bought on the day at the tower, but booking a dated time slot online through the official website, tokyo-skytree.jp, is usually cheaper and avoids queues on weekends and holidays. Prices differ between weekdays and weekends, and there are separate fast-entry tickets for visitors from abroad. Check the site for current prices and hours.
Best time to visit and how long
Visibility makes or breaks the trip. Clear winter mornings give the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji, while summer haze often hides distant views. Sunset is the most popular time, with the city turning from daylight to lights in one visit, so book that slot early. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Allow about an hour to an hour and a half for the decks, including the lift ride, which is fast but involves some queuing at peak times. Add time for food and shopping in the complex below.
Highlights at the tower and below
The Tembo Galleria ramp
Walking up the glass spiral feels like floating around the outside of the tower. The highest point inside is marked as the Sorakara Point.
Tokyo Solamachi
The shopping complex at the base has hundreds of stores and restaurants, including Japanese souvenir shops, character goods and a food hall. The upper restaurant floors have their own views.
Sumida Aquarium and the planetarium
Inside the complex, the Sumida Aquarium is known for its penguin and jellyfish displays, and there is also a planetarium. Both are ticketed separately.
The tower lit up
After dark the tower is illuminated in changing colour schemes. Some of the best views of it are from the riverbank in Asakusa or from the bridge over the canal.
Nearby on the same stop
Oshiage is a good base for exploring the east side of Tokyo:
- Asakusa and Senso-ji: Tokyo's best-known temple is one stop away by train, or a 20-minute walk across the river.
- Sumida River walk: the riverside paths are popular for cherry blossoms in spring.
- Kitajukken River canal: the canal running beside the tower is lined with paths and gives clear photos of the tower reflected in the water.
See what else is close to this station on Tokyo Skytree on Around the Metro, or browse more stations on the Tokyo metro map.