Standing 634 meters above Sumida, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world. Opened in 2012, it replaced Tokyo Tower as the city’s primary broadcast tower and quickly became one of Tokyo’s most visited landmarks. The tower combines two observation decks, a high-end restaurant, and an expansive shopping complex that draws millions of visitors each year.
The Skytree sits within a 3.69-hectare development called Tokyo Skytree Town, which includes the massive Solamachi mall and the Sumida Aquarium. Whether the goal is panoramic views, fine dining, or retail therapy, the tower offers a self-contained destination that has reshaped the eastern Tokyo skyline.
How Tall Is Tokyo Skytree and How Does Its Elevator Work?
- Height: 634 m (2,080 ft)
- Location: Sumida, Tokyo
- Opened: May 22, 2012
- Observation decks: 350 m (Tembo Deck) and 450 m (Tembo Galleria)
- Elevator speed: Up to 600 m/min (10 m/s)
- Attractions: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi mall, Sumida Aquarium
- Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world (after Burj Khalifa).
- Its elevator is one of the fastest in the world, reaching the 350 m deck in about 50 seconds.
- The tower broadcasts digital TV and radio signals, replacing Tokyo Tower’s role.
- Tokyo Skytree Town covers 3.69 hectares with over 200 shops and restaurants.
- The view from the top can include Mt. Fuji on clear days.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 634 m |
| Floors | 29 (observation), 160 (overall structural count) |
| Construction started | July 2008 |
| Opened | May 22, 2012 |
| Architect | Nikken Sekkei |
| Elevator | Mitsubishi Electric, 600 m/min |
| Main observation deck | Tembo Deck (350 m), Tembo Galleria (450 m) |
| Ticket price (adult) | ¥2,100 (Tembo Deck) – ¥3,100 (combined with Galleria) – approximate 2025 |
What Are the Best Views, Restaurants, and Shopping at Tokyo Skytree?
Observation Decks
The Tembo Deck at 350 m offers a 360-degree view of Tokyo. A second, spiral ramp leads up to the Tembo Galleria at 450 m, which the official site describes as offering “a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kanto region.” On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance.
Sky Restaurant 634
Located on the 345th floor, Sky Restaurant 634 cannot be accessed from the observation decks. Visitors must take a dedicated elevator from the base. Lunch starts at around 6,000 yen, with dinner averaging 20,000 yen per person, according to a guide on GoWithGuide.
Reservations for Sky Restaurant 634 are strongly recommended, as the limited seats fill up weeks in advance. The restaurant is accessed via a separate underground elevator, not from the Tembo Deck.
Tokyo Solamachi Mall
At the base of the tower, Tokyo Solamachi contains more than 300 shops, restaurants, and the Sumida Aquarium. The mall is open from 10 AM to 9 PM, while the restaurant floor stays open until 11 PM. A video tour on YouTube highlights the range of Japanese crafts and specialty foods available.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Which One Should You Visit?
| Feature | Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 634 m (world’s tallest tower, Guinness-recognized in 2011) | 333 m |
| Observation Decks | Tembo Deck (350 m) + Tembo Galleria (450 m, world’s 9th highest) | Main Deck (150 m) + Top Deck (250 m) |
| Elevator Speed | Tembo Shuttle – Japan’s fastest elevator, reaches 350 m in under a minute | Standard elevators |
| Restaurant | Sky Restaurant 634 (345 m, requires dedicated elevator) | Multiple restaurants (e.g., La Rue, Wall) |
| Mall | Tokyo Solamachi – 300+ shops, restaurants, Sumida Aquarium | Depaiin (underground), fewer shops |
| Tickets (adult combo) | 3,100 yen (weekdays) / 3,400 yen (holidays) | ~2,050 yen (Main + Top) |
| Age Discounts | 12–17 yrs: 2,350 yen; 6–11 yrs: 1,450 yen | Children: 1,000 yen |
| Special Offers | 50% discount for disabilities; under‑3 free | No major disability discount noted |
| Hours | 10 AM–10 PM (last entry 9 PM); weekends start 8–9 AM | 9 AM–10:30 PM |
| Official Site | en.tokyo-skytree.jp | tokyotower.co.jp |
While Tokyo Skytree is more expensive, it offers a significantly higher observation height and a far larger commercial complex. Tokyo Tower, located in central Minato, may appeal to those on a tighter schedule or budget.
Where Is the Official Tokyo Skytree Website and How Do You Book Tickets?
Official Site
The official website is en.tokyo-skytree.jp. For direct ticket purchases, the authorized online store is jp-skytree.store.
Booking Process
Same-day tickets are available on site but can sell out, with waits up to one hour during peak periods. Online reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and secure a specific time slot. The most popular option is the combo ticket covering both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria; no Galleria-only ticket exists.
Discounts
A 50% discount applies for visitors with disabilities. Children under three enter free. A Night View Ticket offers discounted access to the Tembo Deck with a free drink, as noted by Voyapon’s guide to Tokyo Skytree.
On weekends, holidays, and during cherry blossom season, same-day tickets may sell out by early afternoon. Booking online ahead of time is the only way to guarantee entry.
Timeline of Tokyo Skytree
- July 2008 – Construction begins.
- December 2011 – Tower reaches its full height of 634 meters.
- May 22, 2012 – Grand opening to the public.
- May 2012 – Tokyo Skytree Town also opens.
- 2020 – Tower used for Tokyo 2020 Olympic broadcasting.
- 2025 – Still the tallest tower in Japan; ongoing maintenance and seasonal events.
What Is Confirmed and What May Vary
| Established Information | Variables |
|---|---|
| Height of 634 m is official and verified | Ticket prices can change seasonally or with promotions |
| Opening date and location are factual | Operating hours subject to seasonal adjustments and maintenance closures |
| Elevator specifications from manufacturer | Restaurant menus and availability (reservations recommended) |
| Tower is a broadcasting and observation tower | Visibility of Mt. Fuji depends on weather |
Why Tokyo Skytree Matters – Analysis and Context
Tokyo Skytree replaced Tokyo Tower as the primary broadcasting tower in 2012 because a taller structure was needed to handle digital broadcasts across the Kanto region. Its design combines traditional Japanese aesthetics (the shape of a sumo wrestler’s sash) with modern engineering. The tower has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions annually.
Compared to the 333-meter Tokyo Tower, Skytree offers a higher observation deck and a more integrated commercial complex. Tokyo Tower’s central location and retro aesthetic still appeal to some visitors, but for height, modern facilities, and all-in-one entertainment, Skytree stands as the premier choice.
Authoritative Sources and Quotations
The observation decks offer “a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kanto region” according to the official site.
Official Tokyo Skytree website
Key sources for this guide include the official Tokyo Skytree website, the Wikipedia article on Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Skytree Town official site, Klook ticket page, and Mitsubishi Electric’s technical information on the elevators. For more information on Tokyo Skytree tickets, you can visit $Tokyo Skytree Tickets.
What’s New and What to Expect (2025)
Visitors in 2025 should check the official site for seasonal illuminations and special events. New dining options are frequently added in Solamachi mall, and potential changes in ticket pricing or crowd management systems may occur. Ongoing maintenance closures occasionally affect elevator operations. For a deeper dive into extremely tall structures, see our guide on Mt Everest Peak – Height, Location, History and Key Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skytree Tokyo?
Skytree Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree) is a 634-meter-tall broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It opened in 2012 and is the tallest tower in Japan.
What is Tokyo Tower?
Tokyo Tower is a 333-meter-tall communications and observation tower in Minato, Tokyo. Built in 1958, it previously served as the main broadcast tower before Skytree took over.
How fast is the Skytree elevator?
The Tembo Shuttle elevator travels at up to 600 meters per minute (10 m/s), making it Japan’s fastest elevator. It reaches the 350 m Tembo Deck in about 50 seconds.
Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
Yes, same-day tickets are available on the 4th floor, but they may sell out on busy days. Online booking up to 30 days in advance is recommended.
Is there a discount for children?
Yes. Children aged 6–11 pay 1,450 yen, and teens 12–17 pay 2,350 yen for the combo ticket. Children under three enter free.
What is the best time to visit for views?
Sunset and early evening offer the best views, as the city lights up. Clear winter mornings also provide excellent visibility of Mt. Fuji.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the two observation decks. Adding Solamachi mall and dining can extend the visit to half a day.
Is the Sky Restaurant 634 accessible from the observation deck?
No. The restaurant has its own dedicated elevator from the base of the tower and cannot be reached from the Tembo Deck or Galleria.
What is the height difference between Skytree and Tokyo Tower?
Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters, nearly double the 333-meter height of Tokyo Tower. Skytree also has higher observation decks.
Is the tower used for broadcasting?
Yes, Tokyo Skytree replaced Tokyo Tower as the primary digital broadcasting tower for the Kanto region in 2012.
Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections, public spending and political accountability.