Tokyo’s skyline is home to two iconic structures—Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. While both offer breathtaking views of the city, they provide very different experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for the best skyline view, this guide will help you decide which tower is right for you, or maybe even both!
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🏗️ A Brief History & Design Comparison
| Feature | Tokyo Tower 🗼 | Tokyo Skytree 🌆 |
| Year Built | 1958 | 2012 |
| Height | 333m (1,092 ft) | 634m (2,080 ft) |
| Purpose | Originally for TV/radio broadcasting, now a cultural landmark | Built to improve digital broadcasting and serve as a tourism hub |
| Architectural Inspiration | Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, painted red and white for aviation safety | Inspired by Japanese aesthetics and Edo-era architecture |
| Earthquake Resistance | Designed by one of the fathers of earthquake-proof design, it proved its robustness during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake where only the antenna was damaged | Uses a shinbashira (central column) damping system like traditional pagodas which cushions the swaying during tremors |
| Lighting | Seasonal and event-based illuminations | Iki (sky blue) and Miyabi (purple) alternating daily, plus special event colors |
🌆 The View: Observation Decks
Both towers offer spectacular views, but they have different viewing experiences.
| Feature | Tokyo Tower 🗼 | Tokyo Skytree 🌆 |
| Main Deck | 150m | 350m (Tembo Deck) |
| Highest Deck | 250m (Top Deck) | 450m (Tembo Galleria) |
| View Highlights | Classic cityscape, close to Roppongi and Shiba Park | Panoramic, full skyline, Mount Fuji visibility on clear days |
| Unique Features | Open-air feel, mirrored interiors on the Top Deck | Glass floors, interactive AR displays, spiraling skywalk |
| Best Time to Visit | Sunset & nighttime for city lights | Early morning for Mount Fuji views, night for illuminated skyline |
🎟️ Ticket Prices & Accessibility
For help purchasing tickets check out our previous blogs on Tokyo Tower and our step-by-step guide to purchasing Tokyo Skytree tickets.
| Feature | Tokyo Tower 🗼 | Tokyo Skytree 🌆 |
| Main Deck | ¥1,200 | ¥2,100 |
| Top Deck / Premium Tour | ¥3,000 (Top Deck Tour) | ¥3,100 (Tembo Galleria) |
| Fast Pass | Available for premium tours | Online booking recommended to skip lines |
| Advance Online Discounts | Some discounts for online reservations | Lower prices when booking ahead online |
| Group Discounts | Available for groups of 10+ | Discounts for school & tour groups |
| Student Discounts | Show student ID for reduced rates | Available for students with ID |
| Annual Pass | Available for frequent visitors | Tokyo Skytree Annual Passport available |
| Disability Discounts | Discounts for visitors with official documentation (caregiver included) | Available with official documentation |
| Combo Tickets | Set tickets available with attractions like teamLab Planets | Skytree Enjoy Pack includes access to attractions like Sumida Aquarium or kimono rentals |
| Best for Budget Travelers? | Yes, more affordable | No, but offers a higher vantage point |
| Station Access | Closest to Akabanebashi Station | Directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station & Oshiage Station |
💡 Pro Tip: Booking tickets online in advance often provides small discounts and allows you to skip the ticket counter lines. If you’re traveling in a group, check for special rates!
🎡 Unique Experiences at Each Tower
Both towers offer exclusive experiences that go beyond regular observation deck visits. Here are some of the most exciting options:
🌟 Tokyo Tower Exclusive Experiences
Top Deck Tour 🔝
- A luxury tour to the highest observation point at 250m
- Includes an escort guide, interactive storytelling, and stunning mirrored interiors
- 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days
- Exclusive Tokyo Tower souvenirs available only for tour participants
Tokyo Diamond Tour 💎
- A premium guided experience available to only 70 participants per day
- Exclusive access to the Maple Lounge, where guests can enjoy unlimited beverages and snacks
- A curated journey with engaging performances, storytelling, and interactive quizzes
- Visits to both the Main Deck (150m) and Top Deck (250m) with immersive mirrored designs and special lighting
- Guests receive a commemorative photo as a keepsake
🌆 Tokyo Skytree Exclusive Experiences
Special Experience Tickets 🌙
- Unique seasonal events such as:
- Yoga sessions at the Tembo Galleria
- Nighttime cocktail events at the highest observation deck
- Exclusive seasonal light displays with projection mapping
- Limited availability, requiring advance booking, options subject to change.
Skytree Enjoy Pack 🎟️
- A combo ticket package that includes admission to Skytree along with another attraction or experience
- Options include but are not limited to:
- Sumida Aquarium (a stunning underwater world at the base of Skytree)
- Kimono rental experiences for a traditional Japanese photoshoot
- One-day transit passes for unlimited travel in Tokyo
Options are subject to change. Please see the official website for current availabilities.
- The package allows for significant savings compared to buying tickets separately
🍽️ Dining Experiences
Tokyo Tower Dining 🍴
- Café La Tour (Main Deck) – Casual café serving coffee, snacks, and light meals with a view
- Food Court at Foot Town – A variety of eateries, including ramen, crepes, and Japanese street food
Tokyo Skytree Dining 🍽️
- Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi) (345m) – Fine dining with a fusion of Edo-era and modern Tokyo cuisine
- Skytree Café (340m & 350m) – Quick bites, sweets, and drinks with panoramic views
- Tokyo Solamachi Restaurants – Over 30 eateries featuring sushi, ramen, desserts, and themed cafés
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Tokyo Tower Shopping 🛒
- Tokyo Tower Official Shop – Exclusive Tokyo Tower-themed merchandise
- Anime & Character Shops – Limited edition anime goods and collectibles
- Foot Town Stores – Specialty souvenir shops with traditional crafts and snacks
Tokyo Skytree Shopping 🛍️
- Tokyo Solamachi (300+ stores) – A shopping paradise with fashion, souvenirs, and specialty shops
- Pokémon Center & Ghibli Store – Perfect for fans of Japanese pop culture
- Exclusive Skytree Merch – Limited-edition Tokyo Banana, anime collaborations, and designer goods
🤔 Which One Should You Visit?
If you’re short on time or budget-conscious, Tokyo Tower is an excellent option with its classic charm and lower ticket prices. However, if you want a high-tech, futuristic experience with Japan’s tallest observation point, Tokyo Skytree is the ultimate destination. Check out our more detailed blogs about each skyline spot linked below.
✨ Best for Budget Travelers & Classic Tokyo Atmosphere: Tokyo Tower
✨ Best for Panoramic Views & Modern Tech Lovers: Tokyo Skytree
💡 Why not visit both? Each tower offers a unique perspective on Tokyo, and experiencing both will give you a complete skyline experience!
Before you go, check out PiQtour Japan’s YouTube page for more Japan travel tips! PiQtour YouTube 🎥✨
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