Tokyo Tower: Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Iconic Landmark (Views, Tickets & Tips!)

As the most iconic landmark in Japan, Tokyo Tower must be an incredible attraction you cannot miss during travel to Tokyo. Aside from panoramic views of Tokyo City from the decks, tourists savor the ultimate travel experience from multiple perspectives. This article helps you discover hidden gems in Tokyo Tower and learn more about its history, insider tips, and nearby attractions.

Why Visit Tokyo Tower?

Symbol of Post-War Japan

Tokyo Tower carries unique historical significance, inspired by the Eiffel Tower design, which represents Japan’s economic recovery and modernization. With a height of 333 meters, it was built in 1958 as Japan’s tallest structure.

As a cultural icon, it is not only a Tokyo one-piece tower, but also the most representative one among all tourist attractions in Tokyo. In addition, the tower is also featured in Godzilla films and anime like Cardcaptor Sakura.

Unbeatable Retro Charm

With a history of 67 years [2025], Tokyo Tower is a distinct symbol of Japan, illuminating the night sky in Tokyo. During the daytime, panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and Mount Fuji will be offered for visitors.

Architectural Marvel

It was made of a steel structure, with 4,000 tons of steel from Korean War tanks. For its appearance, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower was painted with orange-and-white stripes in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

Top Experiences & Attractions at Tokyo Tower

Top Deck (250m)

Standing on the Top Deck, 250 meters high above the ground, and enjoying bird’s-eye views of Mount Fuji on clear days can be one of the top things to do in Tokyo. Remember to book the ticket in advance. Tourists can get a black-and-white photograph for free as a souvenir. And when waiting for the sightseeing elevators, you will be provided with a beverage specifically for guests.

Main Deck (150m)

The 150-meter-high main deck presents visitors with a “third dimension” of central Tokyo, even for children. They can also enjoy the spectacular views. Here you can experience the Skywalk Window Glass Floor, one of the highlights inside Tokyo Tower. From this window, people can have an open view overlooking this city, highly recommended for thrill seekers.

The Main Deck is divided into two floors, while the Tower Daijingu Shrine lies on the second floor, which is a historic shrine and draws numerous people to pray for peace and good health. And some related souvenirs are available.

After visiting the Main Deck and the shrine, Cafe La Tour is a retro café with a 1950s ambiance on the 1st floor, which is also a great place to enjoy leisure. Take a break and enjoy tasty food, especially Tokyo Tower special soft serve ice cream, while you appreciate the spectacular views.

Seasonal Illuminations & Events

Exploring the appealing side of Tokyo Tower at night can bring you a unique experience during your time in Tokyo.

When winter comes to Tokyo, Landmark Light with 180 lights will turn to a warm orange tone from October. Diamond Veil lighting (December–January) with 268 LED lights also shows up from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, whose rich colors vary with different themes, like Reborn Yellow in January, Lovely Red in February, and Cherry Pink in March.

During summer in Tokyo, Landmark Light lights up in white metal from July. Besides, a variety of events will be held, including Tanabata Star Festivals, Tokyo Tower Milky Way Illuminations, nighttime jazz concerts, etc.

Foot Town Base Adventures

The complex facility, Foot Town, connects the ground to the Main Deck from the 1st to 5th floor, which is a popular spot for gourmet, shopping, and entertainment. Taking a stroll here is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the Tokyo Tower area, allowing tourists to enjoy various fresh things on different floors.

On the 5th floor, you can enjoy lots of recreational facilities as well as board games, themed with assorted animations, games, and music. Submerge yourself in the VR world, with more than 15 rides, and experience a sensory enjoyment on the 4th floor.

The official store GALAXY stands on the 3rd floor, where different types of souvenirs are on display for you to choose from. Multifarious tasty food on the 2nd floor can fill your stomach. If any questions, they can be solved in the counseling center on the ground floor.

Open-Air Outdoor Stairs Walk

For an outdoorsman, you can give a shot at a unique stair climbing experience, with about 600 staircases, which takes approximately 15 minutes. It is characterized by ascending the tower while appreciating the surrounding cityscape. One thing that’s important to note is that participants cannot switch to the elevator to ascend in the midway.

Practical Guide for Visiting Tokyo Tower

How to Get to Tokyo Tower

A 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station via the Toei Oedo Line.

A 7-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to walk from Onarimon Station of the Mita Subway Line.

Walking approximately 15-20 minutes from the Hamamatsucho Station after getting off the JR Yamanote Line.

Tokyo Tower Ticket Price

The three main tours in Tokyo Tower include the main deck tour, the top deck tour, and the Tokyo Diamond Tour. Tokyo Tower prices vary with different tours.

Kinds of Tour Adult High School Student Child (Elementary or Junior High School) Child (4 years old or above) Main Deck Tour 1,500 yen 1,200 yen 900 yen 600 yen Top Deck Tour 3,300 yen 3,100 yen 2,100 yen 1,500 yen Tokyo Diamond Tour 7,000 yen 6,500 yen 4,700 yen 3,000 yen

Tokyo Tower Opening Hours

Kinds of Tour Main Deck Tour Top Deck Tour Tokyo Diamond Tour Time 9:00 am-11:00 pm (last admission at 10:30 pm) 9:00 am-10:45 pm (last admission at 10:15 pm) 12:00 am; 1:00 pm 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm 4:00 pm; 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Tokyo Tower Lightup Guide

The Tokyo Tower lights are divided into two types, Infinity Diamond Veil and Landmark Light. Infinity Diamond Veil only shows up on Mondays and Thursdays, from sunset, around 8:00 pm, to 10:00 pm. During that time, it started to light up, with 268 LED lights changing in various ways and forming different color patterns, themed by seasons and traditional Japanese culture.

After 10 o’clock, the Landmark Light approaches. Landmark Light appears every day. During the summer period, from July to September, the tower will be warm orange, and it turns to white light when winter comes to Tokyo, from October to July. Check Tokyo Tower's official website for more details.

Best Spots for Photography

Behind the Tokyo Tower sits an underground parking lot, viewed as a hot photo spot around the world. From the top of the stairs of the car park, Tokyo Tower can be perfectly put into the viewfinder in a perfect perspective, especially at dusk.

Tripod-friendly spot at Shiba Park belongs to ground Number 4. Tokyo Tower, the surrounding greenery, and the blue sky together constitute an incredibly colorful picture.

Shoot from Zojo-ji Temple for traditional framing, and you will gain a magic scene, beautifully blended by tradition and modernity. This impressive view is definitely a spot you cannot miss.

From Rainbow Bridge, photographers can have sweeping views of Tokyo Tower and the magnificence of Tokyo Bay, which is a perfect shooting spot for a vista.

Kudanzaka Park offers a stunning perspective, especially in spring, capturing the Tokyo Tower surrounded by the great nature. The balance of architecture and plants together forms a peaceful image.

Tokyo Tower vs. Newer Rivals

Feature Tokyo Tower Shibuya Sky Tokyo Skytree Views Retro cityscape, Mt. Fuji on clear days Tokyo cityscape and shows on transition pod Views of Mt. Fuji and mountains in a distance Tickets 1,500 yen for adults; 1,200 yen for high school students; 900 yen for Juniors; 600 yen for children Enter at 3:00 pm: 3,000 yen for adults (12 years old and above) Enter after 3:00 pm: 3,700 yen for adults 2,100 yen for adults; 1,400 yen for teenagers; 850 yen for children Unique Edge Historical legacy; illuminations Rooftop lounges; VR experiences; art gallery Illuminations; aquarium

Attractions near Tokyo Tower

Zojoji Temple

A 5-minute walk from Tokyo Tower to Zojoji Temple, which is a Buddhist temple. In addition to being a popular shooting spot for Tokyo Tower, the temple also offers the stunning scenery of cherry blossoms in springtime. It is a great choice to spend your leisure time after visiting Tokyo Tower.

Shiba Park

Renowned as one of the oldest parks in Japan, Shiba Park is also seen as an ideal place for dating and a popular shooting spot, offering different perspectives of Tokyo Tower. Additionally, when cherry blossoms and autumn seasons come, the park will present a stunning picture for tourists from home and abroad, as well as ideal picnic spots for families with kids.

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

The teamLab Borderless is home to a variety of artworks. Artistic creation here allows you to immerse yourself in this unique space. Wander through every room and explore the borderless world, with breathtaking art pieces presented by digital devices, which can be a heaven for artists and art lovers.

Atago Shrine

Atago-jinja Shrine sits around Tokyo Tower, enshrining the fire god, and highlighted seasonal views make it different from the surrounding office buildings. Not only does the shrine mean fire prevention, but it can also bring “flames” into love and business. People who pay a visit need to climb up steep stairs leading to the shrine, which means stepping into success in life.

FAQs about Tokyo Tower

1. How tall is Tokyo Tower?

Soaring 333 meters (1,093 ft) high and located in the center of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower was the tallest structure in Japan before Tokyo Skytree was constructed.

2. Is Tokyo Tower worth visiting after Skytree opened?

Yes! Most citizens still see Tokyo Tower as an unparalleled landmark of Japan, with nostalgic charm, where visitors can also enjoy illumination shows and lower admission fees, compared with Tokyo Skytree.

3. Can I see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower?

Yes. If weather permits, Mount Fuji can be observed on clear days.

4. Are night illuminations free?

No. If you enjoy the light shows inside the tower, pay the admission fees for the main deck. Tourists can choose to appreciate the illuminations for free from outside the tower, like Shiba Park.

Plan Your Tokyo Trip with Hi Five Trip

Moreover, a customized Tokyo city tour based on your pace and requirements is available so that you can have fun during the journey.