- 2024-07-31
Discover the New Hotspot in Tokyo: “Toyosu Senkyakubanrai”
InFebruary2024,thelong-awaited“ToyosuSenkyakuban……
Tokyo Tower, an enduring symbol of the city, offers breathtaking views from its observation decks and a mesmerizing light display against the night sky.
Beneath it, the historic Zojoji Temple, the resting place of Tokugawa shoguns, preserves the history of Edo.
Completed in 1958 in Shiba Park, Minato Ward, Tokyo Tower initially served as a single radio tower for public broadcasting and became a symbol of Japan’s rapid economic growth.
Although its role as a broadcast tower ended with the opening of Tokyo Skytree,
Tokyo Tower remains a beloved landmark. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kanto Plain from its observation decks, explore an aquarium with 50,000 fish from 900 species, and experience various light displays that change with the seasons.
The area around the tower, rich with historical sites like Zojoji Temple, makes it a popular destination for tourists.
Let’s start with the observation decks of Tokyo Tower. A glass elevator whisks you to the main deck at 150 meters in just a minute.
The two-level main deck offers side views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Don’t miss the Lookdown Window on the first floor, where you can walk on glass panels and look 145 meters straight down—it’s a thrilling experience!
Other attractions on the main deck include a café with scenic views, live jazz and pop performances at the Club333 stage, and the Tower Daijingu shrine, known for blessings in love and exam success.
After exploring the main deck, head to the top deck at 223.55 meters.
Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Kanto Plain, including Mount Fuji, Tanzawa, and the Boso Peninsula. Unlike Tokyo Skytree, which has fewer surrounding tall buildings, the top deck of Tokyo
Tower provides a unique sense of height as you look down on the city’s high-rise buildings.
One of the highlights of Tokyo Tower is its night illumination, which creates a magical atmosphere.
The standard Landmark Light features 180 lights that illuminate the entire tower, with cool white lights in summer and warm orange lights in winter.
Don’t miss the Diamond Veil lighting on Saturdays and holidays, where the tower’s 17 tiers of lights change colors, adding a romantic and enchanting touch.
During special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve and events like the FIFA World Cup, the tower lights up in unique displays. The light-up schedule is available on the official Tokyo Tower website.
The illumination runs from sunset to midnight (Diamond Veil from 8 PM to 10 PM).
A visit to Tokyo Tower is not complete without exploring Zojoji Temple, an adjacent historic site. Founded in 1393 near present-day Kojimachi, Zojoji was moved to its current location in Shiba during the Edo period, where it became the Tokugawa family temple. Entering through the grand Sanmon Gate (a national cultural property), you’ll see the magnificent main hall rebuilt in 1974, with Tokyo Tower rising in the background—a striking blend of old and new Tokyo.
Behind Ankokuden, which houses the Tokugawa family’s Amida Buddha statue, lies a bronze gate adorned with the Tokugawa crest, leading to the mausoleums of several shoguns and their families. Although the original grand mausoleums were destroyed in WWII, the area retains a serene historical atmosphere.
The Tokugawa mausoleums are open to the public on weekends and holidays from 10 AM to 4 PM (entry fee: 500 yen).
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba Park, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3433-5111
Main Deck Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:30 PM)
No Holidays
From the Shiba Park exit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway, take Route 319 for 2 kilometers, about a 7-minute drive.
From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, then walk 15 minutes.
Traveling by car or train can be challenging, especially with the need to arrange tickets for the observation deck.
A recommended option is to join a bus tour, which includes tickets and guaranteed seats. Enjoy conversations with friends and family, take a nap, or enjoy a drink while admiring Tokyo’s cityscape from the bus window.