Tokyo : Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of the most visited attractions in Tokyo. Built in 1958, this lookalike of Paris’ Eiffel Tower is a communications tower which doubles up as an observation tower.

 At 333 metres, Tokyo tower is 13 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower, after which it was modeled. Interestingly, the Tokyo tower weighs about 4000 tons against Eiffel Tower’s 7000 ton.  Ever since it’s opening, The Tokyo Tower has been the world’s tallest self supporting steel tower.

Signals for major Japanese TV media channels like NHK, Fuji TV, TV Asahi and TBS and radio channels are broadcast from the Tokyo Tower. With the transition of Television from Analog to digital broadcasting, most of the broadcasting signal will be moved to the currently under construction, Tokyo Sky tree. The height of the Tokyo Tower is the major constraint in broadcasting high frequency digital waves, therefore the move.

The other major source of revenue for the Tokyo Tower is tourism. With it’s strategic location, the Tokyo Tower is the perfect place for a bird’s eye view of Tokyo. The main observatory is located 150 metres above ground while the special observatory is 250 metres above ground.

On days with clear weather, one can view as far as Mount Fuji. We were lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji when we visited Tokyo Tower around sunset in summer. 

At night, the lit up skyscrapers, the neon lights, the Rainbow bridge make a pretty sight when viewed from either of the observatories.

 

Located beneath the tower in a 4 storeyed building called “Foot Town” are many museums, restaurants and shop. Separate fees are charged for the museums.

 

 

The Tokyo Tower is lit up at night and the colours vary according to the season: orange in Winter and White in Summer.

The upper tip of the Tokyo Tower was bent during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.

On New Year, many people visit Tokyo Tower to view the first sunrise of the new year from the Tokyo Tower. Only a limited number of people are admitted to see this spectacle, making it a coveted event.

Admission:  Adults: 1420 yen (upto the Special Observatory)

                Adults: 820 yen (upto Main observatory)  

                Students: Sr High school and above : 820 and 600 yen

                Students: Jr High and Elementary school: 460 and 400 yen

                Children above 4 yrs : 350 and 300 yen

                Children: below 4 yrs : Free

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 22:00 ( Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time).

Closing Days: Open 365 days

                  (Special Observation deck may be closed during bad weather)

Phone: 03-3433-5111

Access: 4-2-8, Shiba Koen, Minato Ku, Tokyo – 105-0011

            

Nearest Station:  Kamiyacho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line,

                        Onarimon Station on Mita Line,

                        Daimon Station on Asakusa Line,

                        Akabanebashi on Oedo Line,

                        Hamamatsucho Station on JR Yamate Line