Visiting Tokyo Skytree

By alantvuong on July 17, 2019

I always love visiting tall towers and buildings in every city I travel to because it allows me to view the landscape and see how big the city really is. Back in September 2016, as part of my Tokyo trip to attend Ultra Japan, I got to visit the world’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree (at 634 meters (2,080 feet)). It is also the 2nd tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa. It opened in 2012 and was built as a television and radio broadcast tower, taking over duties from the older Tokyo Tower which is now surrounded by skyscrapers and not as effective at delivering the signals. The Tokyo Skytree is located right in the heart of downtown Sumida, Tokyo.

Getting There

It was very convenient to get to Tokyo Skytree as me and my travel buddy took the train from our hotel to Tokyo Skytree Station. We thought the city overall was quite accessible to those in wheelchairs as you can read here. I actually enjoy taking public transit in foreign places because it allows me to become more like a citizen of the city and allows me to check out places and interact with different locations that I visit. If I just take a taxi from point A to B, I find I wouldn’t remember my experience as well.

wheelchair spot on the train

Tokyo Skytree Town

After arriving by train, we were immediately immersed in how huge the commercial area where the Tokyo Skytree is located. There are just tons of people, shops and restaurants everywhere. There is a world class Sumida Aquarium and Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku among the 300 stores known collectively as Tokyo Solamachi. We did not get a chance to see any of those attractions as our time was limited since we came later in the afternoon. We did get to visit the popular Pokemon store in this giant mall. There was everything Pokemon from sculptures, toys, cards, games, stationary, clothing, food and more. This location wasn’t even the biggest in Tokyo and we were already overwhelmed. If you love Pokemon, you should definitely visit one of their stores.

Tokyo Skytree Town

everything Pokemon

Tokyo Skytree

When we finally arrived at the ticket booth, we were happy that it wasn’t too busy. We were directed to head towards the special counter for International visitors. Since it was late evening, we were helped fast. Hours of operation are 8am to 10pm, with last entry at 9pm. If I remember correctly, we were luckily close to last entry time. Disability persons get half price admissions with a disability card. I obviously didn’t have one from Tokyo but showed the ticket person my card from Canada and was given the half price discount anyways. We had the option of buying a regular ticket that took us to floor 350 (Tembo Deck) or a combo ticket that allows visits to floor 350 and floor 450 (Tembo Galleria). They also had a fast track ticket that costs more and allows you to go in the express line up. We chose to do the regular combo ticket as there were hardly anyone at the lines at this time.

fun photo ops

Tembo Deck

The elevator ride to the Tembo Deck was only less than a minute. It took us from floor 1 to floor 350 in an instant. During the ride, the elevator was darkened so we could enjoy a colorful light show on the monitors inside the elevator. We were told that each of the elevators in Tokyo Skytree had a different theme and will have its own show and music. Once we got out of the elevator, it was great to see a panoramic view of the city and all the lights of the city at night. We had fun exploring and reading all the fun facts on the walls and enjoyed taking photos on the glass floor. This deck also includes a small cafe and Sky Restaurant 364.

on the glass floor

not the best pic, but view looking out at city

Tembo Galleria

We were so glad that there was an elevator that took us to the higher observation deck. Tembo Galleria is a glass corridor and offers an even better view than Tembo Deck. Since this floor is 100 meters higher than the other deck, we were able to truly see how big Tokyo really is. There is a professional photo op on this floor too which we did not use. This floor does slowly spiral and slope around which makes you feel like you are floating on air. It is even really wheelchair accessible too.

spiral ramp at Tembo Galleria, yes the lights changes color

really wheelchair accessible and provides the best views of the city

Overall, I wish we planned a bit better as we could have spent a whole day at Tokyo Skytree Town to check out all the attractions at this one-stop destination. I will definitely come back to check out the aquarium and the the planetarium and see Tokyo Skytree during the day to get a different perspective of the city. Very highly recommended for the combo ticket of Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.