As a radio tower and tourist facility, Tokyo Skytree’s main purpose is to transmit various radio waves such as television and radio.
The “Tokyo Tower” built in 1958 was approximately 333 meters tall and was the tallest tower in the world at the time of its completion. However, as the number of high-rise buildings in the surrounding area increased year by year, it became difficult for Tokyo Tower to ensure the quality of radio wave transmission. In order to reduce radio wave transmission obstacles caused by high-rise buildings and expand the coverage of high-definition digital signal services, Tokyo Skytree started construction in 2008 and was officially completed in February 2012.
Tokyo Skytree is currently responsible for transmitting high-definition digital signals, while Tokyo Tower is mainly responsible for analog TV and FM radio station signals.
What is Tokyo Skytree City?
The so-called “TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN” is the general name for three facilities, including the radio tower “TOKYO SKYTREE®”, the commercial facility “Tokyo Solamachi”, and the office facility “TOKYO SKYTREE East Tower”. It also houses facilities such as an aquarium and a dome theater, and covers an area of approximately 3.69 hectares. Based on the concept of “Rising East”, you can experience Japanese manufacturing culture such as craftsman skills passed down from the Edo period, as well as the nostalgic atmosphere full of Shitamachi people.
In addition to commercial facilities, the vast area also has gardens full of flowers, trees, and squares where people can take a walk and relax. Besides sightseeing, you can also enjoy the natural scenery that changes with the four seasons. The entire Sumida area where Tokyo Skytree City is located and the Asakusa area, which is about a 20-minute walk away, are dotted with many scenic spots that retain the Shitamachi style of the Edo period.
Tokyo Skytree is a collection of attractive attractions such as shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities, but its biggest highlight is the panoramic view of Tokyo from its impressive height. There are two observation decks “Tembo Deck” and “Tembo Corridor” at 350 meters and 450 meters respectively in the tower. From here, you can enjoy the unique scenery that can only be seen in the Skytree. On a clear day, you can have a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain. And the night view seen from the Skytree observation deck is absolutely unparalleled in the world.
1. [Tembo Deck] Enjoy the 360-degree view outside the window from a height of 350 meters above the ground
The “Tembo Deck” consists of the 340th, 345th and 350th floors. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery at a height of 350 meters above the ground. It is equipped with a 360-degree large floor-to-ceiling glass over 5 meters high, and the unique open structure makes the field of vision wider. What is particularly worth mentioning is that on the 340th floor, you can overlook 340 meters below through the glass floor, and you can feel the excitement of hanging in the air. Also, at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER, the viewing window turns into a huge screen, allowing you to enjoy even more stunning night view videos.
In addition, there are facilities such as a ticket office to the “Tembo Corridor”, a photo service point, and a cafe on the Tembo Deck.
2. 【Tembo Corridor】Enjoy a walk in the air on the 450-meter-high glass passage
The “Tembo Corridor” extends from the 445th floor to the 450th floor. Passing through the 450-meter-high tubular sloped glass promenade, people can enjoy the wonderful feeling of walking in the air while admiring the breathtaking scenery through the glass.
Walking further along the “Tembo Corridor” is the highest arrival point, “Sunny Sky View”. In this performance space 451.2 meters above the ground, you can experience the magical sense of openness created by light and glass, the arc of the earth, and the feeling of floating in the air. It is particularly worth mentioning that the Tembo Corridor has a structure where light shines in from above, making it perfect for taking pictures.
3. [Night View] Tokyo’s stunning night view & Skytree lighting up
Tokyo Skytree is the only place where you can enjoy the night view of Tokyo from a height of 450 meters above the ground. The charming scenery of miniature-like super-tall buildings, highways stretching into the distance, and brightly lit bridges along the Sumida River is a sight to behold.
Not only is the night view from the Skytree Tower stunning, the lighting of the Skytree that emphasizes the steel structure of the tower is also eye-catching. The three basic colors are “狋 (aqua)”, “Ga (Edo purple)”, and “Hagi (orange)”, which rotate every day. The “粋” symbolizes the style of the Edo period, the “Ya” of aesthetic consciousness, and the “Hagi” of the prosperous future, showing the passage of time extending from today to tomorrow, and from tomorrow to the future.