TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit!

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

Have you heard about a colossal radio tower standing guard over the Tokyo Metropolis area all day and all night? Its size may overwhelm you at first, especially up close, but you can’t help but admire its dignified appearance as it shoots up toward the sky.

Tokyo Skytree accurately embodies the famous saying “the sky’s the limit”. Soaring at a height of 634 meters, it is currently the tallest structure in Japan, and if you don’t count buildings made for habitation or office work, it is also the tallest tower in the world.

In addition to racking up records, it serves as the central nervous system for the radio and television broadcasts in the Kanto region. Therefore, the tower plays an important role in information dissemination in times of disaster and calamity.

But most tourists are blown away not just by the tower’s height but also the view! From the observation decks, the scenery will leave you breathless and the experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

If you are traveling to Tokyo soon, make sure you include Tokyo Skytree in your itinerary! Here are some tips and things to know before you go.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

How to Get to Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is located at 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage District, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan. It is the centerpiece of Tokyo Skytree Town, a commercial complex near Sumida River and Asakusa District in neighboring Taito City.

By Train

Tokyo Skytree Station and Oshiage Station both serve the Tokyo Skytree. You’ll find the Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, while Oshiage Station is on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisei Line (link to/from Narita Airport).

By Skytree Shuttle

The Skytree Shuttle takes you directly to Tokyo Skytree Town. These buses run between the Tokyo Skytree Town and the following locations: Ueno-Asakusa Area, Haneda Airport, and Tokyo Disney Resort.

BUS FARES

From Ueno-Asakusa Area: Adult, ¥230; Child, ¥120
From Haneda Airport: Adult, ¥1000; Child, ¥500
From Tokyo Disney Resort: Adult, ¥800; Child, ¥400

NOTE: Always check the official website for the latest schedules and updates.

On Foot

If you are staying in Asakusa District and you love exploring on foot, you can choose any of these three routes:

Via Sumida River Walk. This is closer to Sumida Park, crossing over Sumida River leading to Sumida Park Breeze Plaza, to Genmori Bridge, to Mizumachi, and finally, to Tokyo Skytree.
Via Azuma Bridge. This is adjacent to the Tokyo Cruise Ferry Terminal and Kaminarimon Temple Gate. Just follow the Toei Asakusa Line to Tobu Bridge across the Tokyo Sky Tree.
Via Komagata Bridge. This is closer to the hotels and still accessible from Asakusa Station. Follow the Toei Asakusa Line to Tobu Bridge just across the Tokyo Sky Tree.

NOTE: If your starting point is the Asakusa Station, the travel time to Tokyo Skytree on foot is 15-20 minutes.

Tokyo Skytree Ticket Rates

The Tokyo Skytree has two observation sites:

Tembo Deck on Floors 340, 345, and 350
Tembo Galleria, the higher observation deck, on Floor 445-450

There are two types of ticket purchase: Same-Day Ticket and Advance Ticket. Same-Day Ticket is purchased on the day of your visit — perfect for casual walk-ins, while Advance Ticket can be booked 30 days prior to your arrival.

TIP! Purchase an advance ticket for two reasons. First, same-day tickets sometimes sell out. Second, advance tickets can give you up to ¥400 discount.

Here are the prices:

Advance Ticket

Combo Ticket (Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria)
Weekdays: Adult, ¥2700; Teenager, ¥2150; Child, ¥1300
Holidays: Adult, ¥3000; Teenager, ¥2350; Child, ¥1400
Tembo Deck Ticket Only
Weekdays: Adult, ¥1800; Teenager, ¥1400; Child, ¥850
Holidays: Adult, ¥2000; Teenager, ¥1500; Child, ¥900

Same-Day Ticket

Combo Ticket (Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria)
Weekdays: Adult, ¥3100; Teenager, ¥2350; Child, ¥1450
Holidays: Adult, ¥3400; Teenager, ¥2550; Child, ¥1550
Tembo Deck Ticket Only
Weekdays: Adult, ¥2100; Teenager, ¥1550; Child, ¥950
Holidays: Adult, ¥2300; Teenager, ¥1650; Child, ¥1000

NOTES:

The ticket counter is located on the 4th Floor of Tokyo Skytree, while the group ticket counter is on the 1st Floor (Ground Floor). The operating hours of the 4th-floor ticket counter are 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily. The counters might close earlier if tickets are already sold out for the day.
Adult’s age is from eighteen (18) years old and above; teenager, from twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years old; and child, from six (6) to eleven (11) years old. Children from 5 years old and below can enter for FREE.
It is not possible to visit the Tembo Galleria without passing through the Tembo Deck, so there are no stand-alone Tembo Galleria tickets. If you want to see the Tembo Galleria, you need to purchase combo tickets.
Prices as of March 2024. The ticket rates may change without prior notice, so it’s best to check the official website for updates and other announcements.

When is the Best Time to Visit

The Tokyo Skytree is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, all year round. Last entry for the Tembo Deck is around 8:00 PM, while the Tembo Galleria is around 8:20 PM. Note that the operating hours are subject to change, depending on the season or the time of the year.

When is the best time to go? Any time of the day is great! But of course, having clear skies is a bonus, whether visiting during the day or at night. Delight in the sight of the city during the day as the sun lights up the urban landscape in its full glory or be mesmerized by the spectacular vision of the cityscape at night as the lights illuminate the Tokyo metropolis.

TIP: Go at dusk or just before sunset if you want to appreciate the panoramic vista of the city both by day and by night in one go. Witness as the day bids farewell and the city lights gradually set the city aglow.

Whatever time of the day you visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the area besides the view.

Things to Do at Tokyo Skytree

Here are some of the things to do at the Tokyo Skytree:

Reach the highest point at Tembo Galleria (Floor 445-450). This is the highest observation deck with a 110-meter spiraling walkway (air walk) from Floor 445 up to Floor 450. Here, you’ll find the Sorakara Point, the 451.2-meter-high summit or the highest point a visitor can reach.
Admire the views from Tembo Deck (Floors 340, 345, and 350). This observation area is set with over five-meter high glass panels, providing 360-degree views as far as 70 kilometers from the tower. Each pillar on the Tembo Deck Floor 350 is numbered from one (1) to twelve (12). Pillar 12 marks the North side; Pillar 9, the West side; Pillar 6, the South side; and Pillar 3, the East side. You can get a brochure with a schematic image of the panoramic view from the Tembo Deck. Using this brochure and the Pillar Numbers as your guide, you can locate specific landmarks for that particular side or direction. Other attractions at Tembo Deck are the Skytree Minilabo (Floor 345) and the Skytree Post (Floor 345).
Walk on glass on the 340th floor! Before you board the elevator back to the ground level, don’t miss another thrilling attraction. Summon your courage and walk on the Glass Floor (Floor 340). Dare to look down through the 12mm-thick quadruple glazed glass floors. If you want to have the glass floor to yourself, you can also have your photo taken at the designated official photography spot beside the generic glass floor area.
Make a wish at W1sh Ribbon (Floor 350). Purchase a colored ribbon from the capsule toy machine for JPY 500. Write your wish on it and tie it to the W1SH RIBBON monument.

Ride the Tembo Shuttle (Elevator) to the top. These are super fast elevators! There are six (6) lines of Tembo Shuttles: four (4) linking the Entrance/Exit Floor and Tembo Deck, and then two (2) connecting the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. Running at the speed of 600m/minute, the first four lines can shuttle visitors from the entrance floor to the Tembo Deck in about 50 seconds. Each line also features different decorations inspired by the four seasons — spring, summer, fall, and winter. The other two lines can take guests from the Tembo Deck to the Tembo Galleria in about 30 seconds. Both elevators have see-through ceilings and front panels.
Snap away at various photo spots. Take as many photos as you like! Take this opportunity to capture the remarkable city views. You can even make the view your background! Find spots that you like and take photos with your companions or avail of the commemorative photo areas found on Floor 340, 350, and 445.
Take a peek through the high-definition digital telescopes. If you want a closer look of some of the famous landmarks in Tokyo from the tower, you can take advantage of the high-definition digital telescope for a minimal fee. One is on Floor 350, while the other one is on Floor 450.
Learn more at Skytree Gallery. Here, you can learn trivia and more information about the design, the structures, and other features of Tokyo Skytree. The Skytree Gallery is located next to the Group Ticket Counter area on the 1st Floor (Ground Floor).

Where to Eat and Shop

Skytree Cafe. Grab snacks and refreshments on Floors 340 and 350.
Sky Restaurant Musashi 634. If you fancy a proper sit-down meal with your loved ones, you might want to consider dining here. The restaurant serves Tokyo cuisine, incorporating seasonal fresh vegetables into its menu. Enjoy the food and the view! Reservations are required.
SKYTREE SHOP. If you wish to buy Tokyo Skytree merchandise and mementos, you can do your shopping at the two official Skytree shops located on the Fifth Floor and Tembo Deck Floor 345 — currently the highest elevation gift shop in Japan.
Tokyo Solamachi. Housing more than 300 shops and restaurants, this retail complex at the base of Tokyo Skytree offers more sopping and dining options to visitors. First to fourth floors (1F-4F) host retail shops such as ABC-Mart, Disney, Marvel, Strawberry Mania, Ganso Food Sample Shop, and more.

Sixth to seventh floors (6F-7F) are dedicated to restaurants. We’ve tried The Platinum (buffet set up) and Ginza Grill Cardinal. If you want to dine with a view of the Skytree, you can also head to 30th and 31st floors (30F-31F). There’s more! You’ll also find a food court on the third floor (3F).

Photos were taken in March 2024.

Other Nearby Attractions

If you are looking for other attractions in and near Tokyo Skytree Town, here are some of them:

SUMIDA AQUARIUM
Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku
Postal Museum Japan
Tokyo mizumachi Shopping Complex
SUMIDA RIVER WALK
Senso-ji Temple
Kaminarimon
Nakamise-dori Street
Five-Storied Pagoda

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there FREE WIFI at Tokyo SkyTree? Yes, Tobu Free WiFi is available. In case you forget your pocket WiFi or run out of mobile data service, you can connect to the internet via Tobu Free WiFi while touring around the Tokyo Skytree area.
What time is the SkyTree Tower lighting? There are times when the tower has special lightings or limited illumination display apart from the three lighting styles — Iki, Miyabe, and Nobori. When we visited in March 2024, the illumination schedule is 5:45 PM to 12:00 AM. But due to the season or events, this schedule is subject to change without prior notice. You may check the official website for updates and announcements.

Tokyo SkyTree Tower Lighting

Can I re-enter after I exit? No. Each ticket is valid for single entry only. Meaning, you cannot enter again the moment you exit the Tokyo Skytree observation area.
Can I buy tickets at SkyTree on the day of visit? Yes, but same-day tickets are sold on a “first come, first serve” basis. Tickets may sell out fast, especially during peak season, so it’s highly recommended to book ahead. Advance tickets are significantly cheaper, too!
Are pets allowed? No. Pets — caged or not — cannot enter the observation deck area. However, guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs are exempted.
What items are prohibited inside Tokyo SkyTree? You are not allowed to bring deadly weapons and tools, dangerous articles, hazardous items, toxic substances and chemicals, large items (with one dimension exceeding 70cm), radio equipment, drinks in cups and without a sealable lid, and other items that may cause damage to the premises.
Are there lockers and baggage storage counters? Yes, coin lockers and baggage storage counter are available. For your convenience, you may keep your stuff, especially those that are included in the list of prohibited items, in a coin-operated locker (1F-4F, B3F) or the baggage storage on the Ground Floor (1F).

Facts About Tokyo Skytree

The Height. The total height of 634 meters is not a random thought and was specifically chosen to represent the old name of the area where the tower stands today – Musashi. “Mu” stands for 6, “Sa” for 3, and “Shi” for 4.
The Design. The structural design combines neo-futurism and the traditional concept of Japan. The architectural design and construction materials may be futuristic and modern, but the design incorporates the traditional Japanese “Sori” (concave curves) and “Mukuri” (convex curves), creating the tower’s dynamic appearance, which changes depending on where you are viewing the tower from.
The Structural Form. The structural shape of the tower changes as it goes up — from a tripod or triangular form at the base to a cylindrical or circular form at the top. More than aesthetics, the form supports the whole structure by providing a firm foundation and also minimizing the effects of wind.
The Lighting. The tower has three distinct lightings. “Iki” stands for the spirit of urban commoners of Edo. It lights up the central pillar with faint blue highlights, mirroring the water of the Sumida River. “Miyabi” represents the traditional Japanese aesthetics. It illuminates the steel framework like a dress in a bluish violet color, symbolizing elegance. “Nobori” means prosperity. The lighting has a tangerine base color, which is widely considered a lucky color in Japan.
Official Opening. The tower was officially launched and opened to the public on the 22nd of May 2012. The construction was actually completed on the 29th of February 2012 – a leap year! From its groundbreaking on 14 July 2008, the tower’s construction took 1,325 days to finish.