Tokyo Tower
July 11th, 2008 by TE
2008 will see Tokyo Tower celebrate its 50th anniversary and as ever the 332.6 metre (usually rounded up to 333m) bright orange tower remains the iconic symbol of Tokyo’s post-war resurgence; millions of Tokyoites and Japanese from throughout the archipelago visiting annually. Occupying a large swathe of land beside Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Minato-ku, Tokyo Tower is actually a fully operational telecommunications and broadcasting tower with two observatories; one 150 metres above the ground, the other one hundred metres higher.
Both provide interesting views over a city with a daytime population of 12 million, but do come at a rather steep price. Oftentimes, of more interest than the views offered of this part of town are the museums and shopping options contained within the tower. Those feeling particularly healthy can even attempt to climb the towers roughly 600 steps (to the lower observatory). *
Access: via Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) or Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line)
Fee: 820 yen (main observation deck)
Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00 daily although museums / other attractions generally 10:00-21:00
* in late 2011, a new 610m ‘version’ of Tokyo Tower to be known as Tokyo Sky Tree will open in Oshiage, Sumida Ward – several kilometres to the north of the current site.
