Want to see Tokyo from above? There’s only one place to do it properly. At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan — and on a clear day, the views stretch so far across the Kanto Plain that it genuinely stops you in your tracks. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
What Exactly Is Tokyo Skytree?
Located in Sumida, just a short trip from Asakusa, Skytree is primarily a broadcasting and observation tower — but the design is worth appreciating in its own right. It fuses futuristic architecture with traditional Japanese aesthetics in a way that feels considered rather than gimmicky, and it’s become one of the defining landmarks of modern Tokyo.
At the base of the tower sits Tokyo Solamachi, a massive shopping and dining complex with over 300 shops and restaurants. Even if you’re not heading up, it’s worth a wander — but let’s be honest, you’re going up.
Save Money: Buy Your Tickets in Advance
Here’s a tip that’ll save you both money and time: don’t buy your tickets at the counter on the day. Purchasing online at least one day ahead saves around ¥400–¥600 per person, and more importantly, you get to skip the ticket queue entirely and head straight to the elevator entrance during your timed slot. You can book through the official Skytree website or through travel apps like Klook. Takes two minutes and makes the whole experience noticeably smoother.
[Check out the ticket prices on official website here]
The Tembo Deck (350m) — The Main Event
The Tembo Deck is the primary observation floor and it’s genuinely impressive. Five-metre-high glass panels wrap the entire level, giving you a full 360-degree view across the Kanto region. On a clear day — particularly in winter or early spring when the air is sharpest — you can see all the way to Mount Fuji on the horizon, which never gets old no matter how many times you see it.
The Tembo Deck itself has 3 floors and there are cafes and a restaurant where you of course get magnificent views from with your meal.
There’s also a glass floor section if you’re up for it. Looking straight down 350 metres through a pane of glass is the kind of thing that makes your stomach do something interesting, even if you’re not particularly scared of heights.
The Tembo Galleria (450m) — Is It Worth the Extra Climb?
The Tembo Galleria takes you another 100 metres higher via a sloped glass ramp that genuinely feels like you’re walking through the sky. Is it worth the additional cost on top of the Tembo Deck ticket?
If it’s your first visit and the weather is clear, go for it — the sensation of standing at 450 metres is something you won’t forget quickly. If it’s overcast or hazy though, the view from 350 metres is more than enough and the visibility difference between the two levels won’t justify the extra spend. Check the weather forecast before you decide.
How Busy Does It Get? Do You Need a Reservation?
Yes, book ahead — full stop. Skytree gets seriously busy, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and around sunset when wait times for walk-up tickets can stretch well beyond an hour. A timed entry reservation means you walk straight to the elevator during your slot without any of that drama, which is a much better way to start the experience.
The Best Time to Visit
If you want to make the most of a single visit, aim to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset. You’ll get the full daylight panorama first, then watch the sun drop behind the mountains to the west — hopefully catching Mount Fuji in silhouette if conditions are right — and then stay as the city below gradually flickers to life in a sprawling ocean of neon and light. It’s one of those views that makes you genuinely glad you made the trip.
Getting There & Opening Hours
[Opening hours]: 10:00am–10:00pm, with last entry at 9:00pm. Just double-check the official website before you go as hours can vary on public holidays and special events.
[Access]:
∙ Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) — right at the base of the tower
∙ Oshiage Station (Hanzomon Line / Asakusa Line) — the most convenient option if you’re coming from Shibuya or Asakusa, and probably the one you’ll use most
– Planning your Tokyo trip? See how to fit Skytree into your schedule:
[Check out my Ultimate Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary!]
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