Tokyo Tower is a 333-metre broadcasting and observation tower in Minato City, built in 1958 and modelled on the Eiffel Tower. Its red-and-white lattice is a familiar part of the skyline, and the two observation decks give you a close-up view of central Tokyo from above. The Main Deck has a glass floor, while the higher Top Deck adds another perspective on the city. Visit around sunset to see the skyline in daylight and after dark, or stay below to photograph the tower when its lights come on.
A tower built for broadcasting
Tokyo Tower opened in 1958, when television broadcasting was spreading across Japan. Built to support television and radio transmissions, it continues to serve broadcasting functions. Its construction also gave Tokyo a prominent landmark during the city’s post-war recovery and economic growth.
The 333-metre steel tower takes its design cues from the Eiffel Tower, though it stands taller. Its red-and-white form remains easy to pick out among the buildings of Minato City. Tokyo Skytree is now taller, but Tokyo Tower still combines a working communications role with public observation decks.
Views from the two decks
The Main Deck is 150 metres above the ground, with views across central Tokyo. A glass-floor panel gives you a direct look down towards the street below. Information about the tower’s history and construction is also displayed on this level.
The Top Deck, at 250 metres, gives a higher view across the city. On clear days, Mount Fuji can appear in the distance. The skyline and landmarks look different as daylight fades, so a visit near sunset lets you see the city before and after dark. The tower is illuminated at night, and its lights also make it a subject for photographs from nearby streets.
Seeing the tower from outside
You can enjoy Tokyo Tower without going up. Walk around the nearby streets and Shiba Park to find different angles on its red-and-white frame, or take photographs as the lights come on in the evening. The tower’s position among the city buildings gives it a different look from street level than it has from the observation decks.
The tower complex has shops, cafés and other visitor facilities. Crowds can build during peak periods, so a weekday or an off-peak visit may make the experience easier to manage. The surrounding area also has places to explore, including Zojo-ji Temple and Shiba Park.
Perguntas frequentes
How tall is Tokyo Tower?
Tokyo Tower is 333 metres tall. Its Main Deck is at 150 metres and its Top Deck is at 250 metres.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower?
Mount Fuji can be visible from the Top Deck on clear days.
What is on the Main Deck?
The Main Deck has a glass-floor panel and displays information about Tokyo Tower’s history and construction.
When is a good time to visit Tokyo Tower?
Go around sunset to see the city in daylight and after dark. The tower is illuminated at night.
