Why Tokyo Skytree Belongs on Every Itinerary
Standing at 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. Since opening in 2012, it has become one of Tokyo's defining landmarks — a feat of engineering that doubles as a broadcast tower, shopping complex, and one of the city's most spectacular viewpoints. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, the Skytree experience offers something genuinely hard to find elsewhere: a panoramic view of a megacity that stretches, on clear days, all the way to Mount Fuji.
The Two Observation Decks Explained
Tokyo Skytree has two separate viewing levels, each with a distinct atmosphere:
- Tembo Deck (350m): The lower observation floor features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a glass floor panel you can stand on, a café, restaurant, and gift shop. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time.
- Tembo Galleria (450m): Reached by a separate elevator from Tembo Deck, this upper level is a spiralling glass-enclosed corridor that feels more intimate and dramatic. On clear days, the views here are extraordinary.
Tickets for Tembo Galleria are sold separately from Tembo Deck, so factor that into your budget if you want the full experience.
Ticket Prices and How to Book
Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked in advance online. Advance booking (via the official Skytree website) is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays, and during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons when queues can be very long.
| Deck | Adult | Child (6–12) |
|---|---|---|
| Tembo Deck (350m) | ¥2,100 | ¥950 |
| Tembo Galleria (450m) add-on | ¥1,000 | ¥490 |
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. Check the official website for current rates.
Best Time to Visit
The experience changes dramatically depending on when you go:
- Daytime: Ideal for spotting distant landmarks including Mount Fuji (best on cold, clear winter mornings).
- Sunset: The city transitions from golden hour to glittering lights — beautiful but very busy.
- Night: Tokyo's illuminated grid is mesmerising after dark. Crowds thin out after 9pm on weeknights.
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Aim to arrive when the tower opens (typically 10am) to beat tour groups.
Getting There
Tokyo Skytree has its own train station: Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. It's also a short walk from Oshiage Station, served by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisai Line. The surrounding Solamachi shopping complex connects directly to the tower base, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping or dining.
Practical Tips
- Bring a jacket — the observation decks can be noticeably cooler than ground level.
- Avoid hazy summer days if views are your priority; visibility is usually best in winter.
- The Solamachi mall below has over 300 shops and restaurants — worth an hour before or after.
- Combine your visit with nearby Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, just a 15-minute walk away.
Is It Worth It?
For most visitors, yes — especially if you book tickets in advance and choose your timing wisely. The Tembo Deck alone delivers one of the most complete views of Tokyo you can get, and the Tembo Galleria adds a uniquely architectural thrill. If budget is a concern, the view from the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is a reasonable alternative — but nothing quite matches the scale of what Skytree offers.