2025 Guide on How to Visit Tokyo Skytree

Last Updated on 14th April 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Rising 634 meters above Tokyo’s crowded cityscape, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest free-standing tower in the world. Its robust steel and concrete frame pierces the skyline, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance from the top. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to visit Tokyo’s best vantage point, the Tokyo Skytree!

Introducing Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Sky Tree, 東京スカイツリーis a television broadcasting tower and observation deck that can be found in the Sumida special ward. The Skytree’s design was first published in 2006 and based on the following concepts:

• Fusion of neo-futuristic design and the traditional beauty of Japan
• Catalyst for revitalization of the city
• Contribution to disaster prevention – “Safety and Security”

Construction began in 2008 and Tokyo Skytree was completed on a leap year, on the 29th February 2012. Shortly after, it opened to the public in May of the same year. While the Skytree is predominantly considered a tourist attraction, the tower also serves as the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region.

The steel and reinforced concrete structure stands in a tripod-like position and reaches a staggering 634 meters (2,080 feet) into the sky, making it the tallest structure in Japan and the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.

The specific height of “634” (meters), or “Musashi” as translated in Japanese, was chosen as it remembers an old name for the region where the Tokyo Skytree stands today.

Welcoming thousands upon thousands of visitors each day, the Tokyo Skytree is an impressive feat of architectural wonder where people can look out in awe at the sprawling layout of the “World’s Leading Megalopolis”.

What’s so special about Tokyo Skytree?

Towering above the highest population density in the world, a visit to Japan’s tallest manmade structure is truly a breathtaking moment you can’t forget. The vast architectural Tetris layout of the city is impossible to grasp until seen from above, a gentle reminder of just how big and built up our world can be.

Which is better, Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower?

The age-old question about multiple viewing decks in a city is: Which is better? The answer really depends on the experience you want. So, here are a couple of things to consider when deciding between the two.

Almost double the height of Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree offers a much vaster view of the city, and there are more sights visible (including Mount Fuji on a clear day!) and Tokyo Tower itself. It also boasts as being the world’s largest free-standing tower, so if reaching staggering heights is your kind of thing, this would likely be the preferred option.

Tokyo Tower, at 333 meters, still offers a pretty impressive view of the city, but on a more local scale. The tower itself is prettier, a painted red and white Eiffel Tower of sorts, plus you have the opportunity to step into the air of the outside viewing deck. There’s also much more to see and do in the surrounding vicinity. Read our guide on the best things to do near Tokyo Tower!

When is the best time to go?

As with most observation decks, the prettiest times tend to be at sunrise or sunset. Because of Tokyo Skytree’s opening hours, only the latter is available. However, this is also the busiest time, as most people have the same idea on a clear day, no matter what time of the week.

For sunset, I suggest heading up to the tower an hour before to ensure you have time to go through security and get through the queues. This also allows you to see the city in two different lights. From dusky pink skies to the twinkling city glow, visiting the Skytree at this time will not disappoint!

Opening hours:

The Tokyo Skytree is open every day of the year: Monday to Friday it is open 10 am – 10 pm and on Saturday and Sundays, it’s open 9 am – 10 pm. The last admission is always 9 pm.

Entry prices:

Adult admission for the Tembo Deck (350 meters) is 2,400 JPY. And, a ticket for Tembo Galleria (450 meters) and the Tembo Deck costs 3,500 JPY. You can save money if you choose to book online in advance, however, I recommend purchasing on the day unless you know the weather forecast is guaranteed to be clear visibility. Visit the official Tokyo Skytree website for more information here.

It should be noted, as it states on the official website, that you cannot reuse your ticket. Tickets are valid for one entry only, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

How to visit

Enter via the 4th floor entrance

Tokyo Skytree is a little further out from the city centre and can be reached easily from Tokyo Station by the JR Sobu Rapid Line, and then transfer to Kinshicho for the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. The walk between Tokyo’s small alleyways also makes for a nice way to get to the landmark.

The tower looms above the multilevel retail complex, Tokyo Solamachi – upon entering you’ll want to reach the 4th floor. It’s a little confusing, but there are several signs which will direct you to the entrance (if in doubt, follow the crowds of people that will be heading towards the entrance too!)

Whether you’ve purchased in advance or on the day (online) you’ll have to scan a QR code at one of the machines to print a physical ticket. Once this is done, you’ll go through a security scan and then queue up for one of the elevators. Depending on the time you get there, the wait should be no longer than 30-40 minutes during peak time.

The elevator

There are two elevators which can take up to 40 people at one time. They can reach the 350th floor (Tembo Deck) in around 50 seconds, so be prepared for your ears to pop from the altitude.

The ride-up feels like a small experience in itself. As you go up sci-fi-style music (if that’s a thing?) will play as the number of meters eerily speeds up. It’s only one the second elevator to the top that you’ll catch glimpses of the outside structure through the window.

Tembo Deck (350m)

Once you reach the Tembo Deck you’ll be welcomed and guided to take the left to start your visit. There’s also a photographer at the very start of your visit if you want to pay for a souvenir image of your trip.

The Tembo Deck is your first taste of viewing just how fast Tokyo is. I would say that if you want a closer view to the glass then you should definitely pay extra for a combo ticket as there are fewer barriers and a less obstructed view from the Tembo Galleria deck.

On this deck, you’ll find two cafes, which are nice but very expensive, and a gift shop selling all kinds of Tokyo Skytree memorabilia. There are also a few glass panels where you can peep down at people below, and some sofas if you want to take a minute to sit down and enjoy the views.

Tembo Galleria (450m)

If you’ve decided to brave the second lift to the upper observation deck, congratulations! The views from above are almost incomprehensible, the sheer scale of the city that continues to stretch onto what feels like infinity is a moment you’ll never forget.

The Tembo Galleria curves around in a spiral corridor so you don’t actually reach the ‘450th meter’ until you’ve walked around the whole thing. When we visited, the top deck felt much less crowded and offered a quieter opportunity to soak up the views and get some photographs.

On this deck, you’ll also find an area of glass flooring where you can experience the “air walk.” This part of the observation deck can bring on vertigo very easily, so I only recommend doing this if you have a strong stomach…or like thrilling heights!

Illuminated at night

The Tokyo Skytree is especially beautiful from afar come nightfall. The tower is illuminated at night, captivating people with its alternating light styles: “Iki” embodying the spirit of Edo, “Miyabi” representing aesthetic beauty, and “Nobori”, which symbolises festive spirit.

Tokyo Skytree glows a soft blue inspired by the Sumida River, purple and tangerine. The lights strobe upwards in a Lightsaber fashion. And, the design is in keeping with Tokyo’s connection from past and future.

Know before you go

To be honest, the most important things you need to know before your trip are:

• Check the weather forecast: This goes without saying, be sure to check the weather before booking as this can affect your experience. There is no outdoor terrace for the experience, however, you may find that a high forecast of rain or clouds will disrupt the views.
• Buy your tickets online in advance: As mentioned, not only will you save queueing time, but tickets are cheaper online. It’s also worth noting that the sunset time slot can sell out almost as soon as new tickets are on sale so do be sure to book in advance of your visit. Book tickets on the official website here.
• Check sunset times: If you wish to view the sunset, check online what time it is so that you can plan ahead and be sure to have enough time to get there and to the top before it happens.
• Be mindful when taking photos and videos: When capturing memories on your devices make sure you don’t catch any faces, and if you do be sure to blur or crop them out if you choose to post them online, as you are at risk of infringing on a persons right to privacy.

Things to do nearby Tokyo Skytree

As Tokyo Skytree is a little further out, there’s not a huge deal of things to see and do in the local area.

Sumida Park

Just a short 10-minute walk from the Sky Tree you’ll find the beautiful Sumida Park, which stretches over both sides of the Sumida River in the centre of Tokyo.

This riverside park is especially stunning if you happen to be visiting during the Sakura season as it’s home to over 500 cherry trees. In the warmer weather, you’ll see people enjoying picnics amongst the blossoms.

Sumida Aquarium

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the retail complex that sits below Tokyo Skytree is an aquarium. This surprising location for a fish tank is home to an impressive 10,000 sea creatures, including penguins, jellyfish, seals, sharks and plenty more.

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