Built as a broadcast tower and opened to the public in 2012, Tokyo Skytree has quickly become a must-see attraction. The world's second-tallest structure behind the 828-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai serves as a digital terrestrial broadcasting centre for Tokyo and the surrounding region. The public can ride up to the two observation decks and enjoy 360-degree views of Tokyo against the stunning back drop of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Worried about being up the tower in an earthquake zone? Its designers dismiss any concerns as interestingly, although the Skytree might be the height of modernity, it has a similar structure to a traditional pagoda. It makes use of a shinbashira, or central column. that acts as a stationary pendulum to counterbalance seismic waves. There are virtually no records of a pagoda toppling in Japan, some of which date back to the 17th century.
When you ride the high-speed elevator to Tembo Deck, the first observation deck at 350 metres, in addition to the stellar views, you can see a reproduction of a folding screen painting from Japan's feudal period. This represents what Edo, the old name for Tokyo, used to look like.
From here, you can pay an additional fee and ascend through a glass tube to Skytree Tembo Galleria. Perhaps not one for sufferers of vertigo – though you're unlikely to have made it this far if you do! Here you will find a walkway that spirals upwards around the tower to reach the ultimate observation height of 450 metres.
When you arrive back on solid ground, there are plenty of things to do. There’s a large shopping complex with more than 300 stores, restaurants and an aquarium and planetarium.
You can buy tickets for the lower observation deck in advance for a specific time and date via a Japanese website, but only if you have a Japanese credit card. Alternatively, same-day tickets can be purchased on the fourth floor of Skytree Town. If you want tickets for the Galleria level, these can only be bought on the Tembo deck. Tokyo Skytree has its own subway station and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is the best way to get here, as cars are not encouraged.
