Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck: Best Tickets, Times & Views In 2023

Tokyo Tower is a prominent landmark in the city of Tokyo, Japan, and is a popular attraction, with millions of visitors every year.

The iconic tower stands at a height of 333 meters (1,092 feet) and is the second-tallest structure in Japan, surpassed only by the Tokyo Skytree.

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

The Tokyo Tower Observatory, which is located at a height of 150 meters and 250 meters is well worth a visit and sits high on our list of the best observation decks in Tokyo.

How To Buy Tickets For the Tokyo Tower?

Tokyo Tower Tickets

If you want to visit the Tokyo Tower, buying tickets in advance can save you time and ensure that you don’t miss out on this iconic attraction. Here are a few ways to buy tickets for the Tokyo Tower:

Online: You can purchase tickets for the Tokyo Tower online through their official website or through third-party websites like Voyagin or Klook. Select the date and time you wish to visit, and the number of tickets you need, and complete your purchase. You will then receive an e-ticket that you can present at the tower.

At the Tower: If you prefer to purchase tickets in person, you can buy them at the ticket counter located on the first floor of the Tokyo Tower. However, keep in mind that during peak tourist season, there may be long lines, so it’s advisable to buy tickets online or arrive early.

Combo tickets: You can also purchase combination tickets that include admission to other popular Tokyo attractions, such as the Tokyo Skytree or the Roppongi Hills City View Observatory. These tickets can usually be purchased online or at the ticket counter at each attraction.

When buying tickets for the Tokyo Tower, keep in mind that there are two observation decks: the Main Observatory at 150 meters and the Special Observatory at 250 meters. The price of the ticket will depend on which observation deck you wish to visit.

How Much Does The Tokyo Tower Cost To Visit?

Tokyo Tower Tickets

The price of Tokyo Tower tickets varies depending on which observation deck you wish to visit.

Main Observatory (150 meters):

  • Adult (high school age and above): 1,200 yen
  • Junior high school student: 1,000 yen
  • Child (elementary school age and under): 700 yen

Special Observatory (250 meters):

  • Adult (high school age and above): 3,000 yen
  • Junior high school student: 2,500 yen
  • Child (elementary school age and under): 1,500 yen

Please check the official Tokyo Tower website or ticket vendor for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Additionally, if you plan to visit other Tokyo attractions, you may be able to purchase combination tickets that include admission to Tokyo Tower and other popular landmarks at a discounted rate.

Features of the Tokyo Tower Observatory

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
© Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

The Tokyo Tower Observatory offers two different observation decks – the Main Observatory and the Special Observatory. The Main Observatory is located at a height of 150 meters (492 feet) and offers a 360-degree view of the city.

The Special Observatory is located at a height of 250 meters (820 feet) and provides an even more panoramic view of the city.

The observatories are equipped with binoculars that visitors can use to get a closer look at the sights. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or a drink at the cafes and restaurants located on the observatory floors.

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

One unique feature of the Tokyo Tower Observatory is the “Diamond Veil” lighting system. The lighting system illuminates the tower with various colors and patterns, making it a striking sight at night. The Diamond Veil system is especially popular during special events and holidays, when the tower is lit up in festive colors.

Why Visit the Tokyo Tower Observatory?

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

The Tokyo Tower Observatory is an iconic landmark in Tokyo, and visiting it is a must for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich history and culture. The observatories offer breathtaking views of the city, and visitors can get a unique perspective of the city’s architecture, parks, and neighborhoods.

In addition to the stunning views, the Tokyo Tower Observatory is a great place to relax and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. The cafes and restaurants offer a range of local and international cuisine, and visitors can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city while taking in the view.

Reasons To Visit The Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

As one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its stunning views, rich history, and unique atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding Tokyo Tower to your itinerary:

Breathtaking views: From the Main Observatory at 150 meters or the Special Observatory at 250 meters, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of Tokyo and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Mount Fuji in the distance!

Iconic landmark: Tokyo Tower is an important symbol of the city’s skyline, and is instantly recognizable. It has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, further adding to its cultural significance.

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Unique atmosphere: Tokyo Tower’s observatories are not just a great place to take in the view; they also offer a unique atmosphere that is quintessentially Japanese. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink at the cafes and restaurants located on the observatory floors, and soak up the city’s vibrant energy.

Diamond Veil lighting: Tokyo Tower’s Diamond Veil lighting system illuminates the tower with various colors and patterns, making it a stunning sight to behold at night. The Diamond Veil system is especially popular during special events and holidays when the tower is lit up in festive colors.

What Time Does The Tokyo Tower Light Up?

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

The Tokyo Tower’s Diamond Veil lighting system illuminates the tower with various colors and patterns, making it a popular attraction at night. The lighting schedule of the Tokyo Tower depends on the time of year and any special events or holidays. Generally, the Tokyo Tower’s lights are turned on at sunset, and they remain on until midnight.

However, during special events and holidays, the lighting schedule may be different. For example, during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the tower is lit up with festive colors until 2 a.m. the following day. During the summer months, the lights may be turned on earlier in the evening to coincide with the earlier sunset.

How To Get To The Tokyo Tower

The closest train stations to Tokyo Tower are Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line).

From Akabanebashi Station:

  • Take the Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station.
  • Take the Akabanebashi Exit and follow the signs for Tokyo Tower.
  • It’s a 5-10 minute walk to the tower.

From Kamiyacho Station:

  • Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho Station.
  • Take Exit 1 and follow the signs for Tokyo Tower.
  • It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the tower.

If you are planning to take a taxi there It’s worth noting that Tokyo Tower is located in a busy area of the city, and traffic can be heavy during peak times. If you’re traveling during rush hour, it may be faster to take the train or subway.

Things To Do Near The Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

Shiba Park: Shiba Park is a public park located at the base of the Tokyo Tower. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and features several walking paths, a pond, and a small zoo.

Zojoji Temple: Located just a few minutes walk from the Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple is a Buddhist temple with a rich history. The temple’s main gate, called Sangedatsumon, is a popular photo spot for visitors.

Akabanebashi: A neighborhood located near the Tokyo Tower, and is home to several small shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander and explore after visiting the tower.

National Art Center, Tokyo: About a 15-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower. It houses a large collection of contemporary art and hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

Hamarikyu Gardens: A large Japanese garden about a 20-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower. It features a large pond, traditional Japanese gardens, and a teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.

History of the Tokyo Tower Observatory

Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark of the Tokyo skyline, visible from almost any corner of the city. But did you know that this impressive structure has a fascinating history that spans over half a century?

In the 1950s, Japan was in the midst of a period of rapid economic growth and modernization. With the advent of television and radio broadcasting, the country needed a tall tower to serve as a transmitter and symbol of its technological prowess. And thus, the idea for the Tokyo Tower was born.

Construction of the tower began in 1957 and took over three years to complete. The tower was designed by architect Tachu Naito, who was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and stands at a height of 333 meters (1,092 feet).

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower Observatory was added to the tower in 1961, three years after its initial construction. The observatory was created to provide visitors with a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. It was initially built at a height of 100 meters (328 feet), but was later extended to its current height of 150 meters (492 feet) in 1987.

The Tower It was the tallest structure in Japan at the time of its completion and held that title for over 50 years until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2012.

Over the years, the Tokyo Tower has become a symbol of Japan’s post-war reconstruction and economic development. It has also served as a backdrop for numerous movies and television shows, cementing its place in popular culture.

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Despite its age, the Tokyo Tower remains an important landmark and tourist attraction in Tokyo. In recent years, the tower has undergone renovations and upgrades to maintain its status as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. It now boasts a modern lighting system called the Diamond Veil, which illuminates the tower with various colors and patterns.

So you could say that Tokyo Tower is a testament to Japan’s post-war growth and modernization. As the city around it continues to change and evolve, the Tokyo Tower remains a symbol of Japan’s resilience and progress, and a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Tokyo.

Sum Up

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower Observatory is a popular attraction for visitors to Tokyo, and for good reason. The observatories offer stunning views of the city, and the Diamond Veil lighting system adds a touch of magic to the experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Tokyo or a seasoned traveler, the Tokyo Tower Observatory is definitely worth a visit. With its rich history, striking architecture, and panoramic views, it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.