Tokyo Skytree Guide

Tokyo Skytree is the second tallest building in the world and the tallest in all of Japan. Here is information for you before you book your tickets to this wild observation deck.

Background:

Tokyo Skytree was built back in 2012 and was designed by Nikken Sekkei, which was the same company that designed Tokyo Tower back in 1958. As it stands today, it is the second tallest building in the world.

The Tower stands in at 2,080 feet with two observation decks at the 350 meter mark (Tembo Deck) and at 445 meters (Tembo Galleria).

How to get there:

Tokyo Skytree sits in the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, next to the Sumida River and just walking distance from Asakusa (Sensoji Temple). To get there, you can take multiple subway lines including the Asakusa and Hanzomon lines that all depart out of Oshiage Station, which is just a 10-minute walk to the Skytree.

Tickets:

Tickets can be bought two ways. The first is on site, but I have to warn you about this. Buying on site will force you to get into a line, after purchasing tickets, you will then have to que up for the line to get into the Tower. To avoid this, buy tickets online. Tickets are about $20 USD per person for access to the Tembo Deck. For an additional $5 USD you can get access to the Tembo Galleria.

Upon arrival:

Upon arrival (if you bought tickets prior) you will get into line before going through a brief security screening. You will then be ushered off to four different elevators that reflect the four seasons. You will then feel the pressure on your ears as you go flying up to the Tembo Deck and the observation area of Tokyo Skytree. If you bought the additional tickets for the Tembo Galleria, you will need to find your way to the second set of elevators that will take you to the higher observation deck.

While exploring:

Be prepared for crowds at all times and even more during the weekend. It can be quite hard to get the perfect picture with all the crowds that flock to Tokyo Skytree and the wait times for the elevators can be quite lengthy so be prepared for both.

While exploring the observation decks, be prepared to spend more money if you want a souvenir, want to visit the café (that also has a long line to get into), or want an additional picture opportunities such as the glass floor on the Tembo Deck.

The area around Tokyo Skytree is a great area to explore though (and not that hard on the wallet either). There are plenty of restaurants and stores around the area including an aquarium. And being within walking distance of Asakusa makes it an ideal place to visit while exploring this part of Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree is a great spot to visit but the crowds make it less attractive when other observation decks like Mori Tower or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are available.

The area under the tower with the countless restaurants and retail are better options as well if you want to see the tower but not deal with the crowded tower itself.