A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoying Tokyo Skytree - Japan Travel Sights

A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoying Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree® stands tall in the heart of Sumida, Tokyo, surrounded by the Tokyo Skytree Town®. This entertainment hub offers gourmet dining, shopping at Tokyo Solamachi®, an aquarium, a planetarium, and more, making it an ideal spot to spend an entire day.

Tokyo Skytree: A Marvel of Modern Engineering

The Tokyo Skytree, located in the nostalgic district of Sumida, has become a prominent landmark in Tokyo. At 634 meters, it is the world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower, recognized by the Guinness World Records™. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline and even see Mount Fuji from its two observation decks.

The Skytree Town surrounding the tower includes over 300 shops at Solamachi, an aquarium, and various attractions that provide fun for both children and adults.

Admire the Skytree’s Beauty

The Tokyo Skytree is designed to resemble a massive tree stretching toward the sky, utilizing the latest technology.

Before entering, take a moment to appreciate its elegant form inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, with curves known as “sori” and “mukuri.”

The tower’s original “Skytree White” color, with a slight blue tint, blends harmoniously with its surroundings. At night, the tower is illuminated with two primary lighting themes, “Iki” (chic) in pale blue and “Miyabi” (elegance) in Edo purple, alternating daily, with occasional special lightings.

Inside, the experience begins with a ride in the observation shuttles (elevators) from the 4th-floor entrance. Each of the four shuttles features panels themed around spring cherry blossoms, summer fireworks on the Sumida River, autumn festivals, and winter birds, showcasing traditional Edo craftsmanship such as Edo Kiriko glass and Edo Oshie Hagoita paddles.

The stunning summer fireworks panel often elicits gasps of awe from passengers.

Stunning 360-Degree Views from the Observation Decks

The Tokyo Skytree has two observation decks. The “Tembo Deck” at 350 meters comprises three levels: Floors 350, 345, and 340, connected by a spiral walkway. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Mount Fuji and Tsukuba Mountain, approximately 70 kilometers away.

From the top level, the skyscrapers of central Tokyo appear small, underscoring the tower’s immense height. Various features enhance the viewing experience, such as the Tokyo Space-Time Navigation system displaying 360-degree views at different times and the Edo Hitomezu Byobu, a folding screen comparison of current views and 200-year-old illustrations.

Descending to Floor 345, visitors can dine at “Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi)” or shop for original merchandise at “THE SKYTREE SHOP.” On Floor 340, a thrilling glass floor offers a view straight down to the base of the tower. The “SKYTREE CAFE” on Floors 350 and 340 serves sweets and snacks.

The “Tembo Galleria” at 450 meters, with its sky-high walkways and ambient lighting and sound effects, gives a floating sensation.

Exclusive Souvenirs at Solamachi

Around the Skytree, the sprawling Skytree Town covers approximately 36,900 square meters. Solamachi boasts over 300 shops, including new ventures and famous stores from across Japan, offering a diverse shopping and dining experience.

Don’t miss the sweets shops selling Skytree-themed chocolates and cookies, perfect for souvenirs. Tokyo Banana’s Solamachi-exclusive leopard-print version, “Tokyo Banana Tree,” is a popular choice.

Restaurants in Solamachi include “Tenku Lounge TOP of TREE” with Skytree views, the “World Beer Museum” offering beers from around the globe, local flavors at “Tsukishima Monja Daruma,” and renowned ramen at “Rokurinsha TOKYO.”

Additionally, Sumida Aquarium features around 10,000 marine creatures across 400 species, with exhibits like the “Cradle of Life and Bounty of Water” tank recreating the waters of the Ogasawara Islands.

The “Konica Minolta Planetarium ‘Tenku’ in Tokyo Skytree Town®” showcases cutting-edge systems projecting approximately 400,000 stars, with popular original programs utilizing realistic CG images and surround sound.

Relax in the “Sky Arena” or “Dome Garden” plazas, and enjoy the full range of activities Tokyo Skytree Town has to offer.

Access

By Car

  • From Komagata Exit on the Metropolitan Expressway No. 6 Mukojima Line, take Asakusa Street for 2 km, approximately 4 minutes.
  • Underground parking: 645 spaces, Multi-story parking: 270 spaces (7:30 AM – 11:00 PM, last entry at 10:00 PM). Parking costs ¥350 per 30 minutes. Free parking for 1 hour with a purchase of ¥3000+ at one store in Solamachi, or 2 hours for ¥5000+ purchases. (*Multi-story parking is closed from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Sundays and holidays.)

By Train

  • From Tokyo Station, take the Yokosuka/Sobu Line Rapid to Kinshicho Station (8 minutes), then transfer to the Hanzomon Line to Oshiage (Skytree) Station (2 minutes). The Skytree is a 3-minute walk from the station.

By Shuttle Bus

  • Approximately 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Skytree by Skytree Shuttle®.

Facilities

Sky Restaurant 634

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Phone: 03-3623-0634
  • Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry 2:30 PM), 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM (last order for food 8:30 PM, drinks 9:30 PM). Children under elementary school age are not allowed during dinner time.
  • Closed: Follows Skytree schedule

SKYTREE CAFÉ

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:45 PM (last order 9:15 PM)
  • Closed: Follows Skytree schedule

THE SKYTREE SHOP

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Closed: Follows Skytree schedule

Tokyo Solamachi®

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Phone: 0570-55-0102 (Tokyo Solamachi Call Center, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
  • Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (floors 6, 7, 30, and 31 are open from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM). Hours vary by store.
  • Closed: Irregular holidays

Sumida Aquarium

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Phone: 03-5619-1821
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM). Hours vary seasonally.
  • Closed: Open year-round (temporary closures for facility inspections may occur)
  • Admission Fees: Adults ¥2000, High School Students ¥1500, Middle/Elementary School Students ¥1000, Children (3 years and older) ¥600

Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku” in Tokyo Skytree Town®

  • Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  • Phone: 03-5610-3043
  • Hours: Shows start every hour from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Closed: Irregular holidays (closed during program changes)
  • Admission Fees: Adults ¥1100, Children (4 years and older) ¥500 (Healing Program: ¥1400 for all, children under elementary school age not admitted)

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