Japan: Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree) (*)

The Tokyo Skytree is a new television broadcasting and observation tower which offers shops, restaurants and an aquarium for visitors to enjoy. It is the landmark of Tokyo and the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the Sumida City Ward. Located not far from Asakusa, the tower stands at 634 meters (2080 feet) making it the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai which stands at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet). The tower was completed on February 29, 2012 and its main purpose is to relay complete digital broadcasting signals since the Tokyo Tower which stands at 333 meters (1,093 feet) can no longer do so, being surrounded by numerous high-rise buildings.

Tokyo Skytree Town

The tower project was led by Tobu Railway and six broadcasting companies headed by NHK. Its design was based on three basic concepts:

• Combining fusion of futuristic design and the traditional beauty of Japan
• Servings as a catalyst for the revitalization of the city
• Contributing to disaster prevention

Tokyo Skytree visible from Asakusa

Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Beer buildings from the Sumida River

The Tokyo Solamachi complex below the Skytree plaza

Skytree from the escalators going up to the plaza

Tokyo Skytree Plaza

The Skytree mascots

Various artistic depictions of the Skytree at the entry plaza

The main ticket counter & Skytree guide

The base of the Skytree is constructed like a tripod which extends to a height of about 350 meters (1,150 feet) from which point the tower’s structure is cylindrical, offering panoramic views of the Sumida River and the city below. There are observation decks at the 350 meter level (1,150 feet) and at the 450 meter level (1,480 feet). The lower level called the Tembo deck has a capacity to hold 2,000 visitors and spans three levels. The top-level features tall windows which offer a 360 degree view of the city. There is a large digital touch panel display which provides information on the various buildings that are visible from the tower. The middle level features a souvenir shop and the Musashi Restaurant which serves Japanese-French fusion cuisine. On the lower level of the Tembo deck, visitors will find a café and a section of glass flooring giving them a direct downward view of the streets below.

The Tembo Deck, very early in the morning

The digital touch panel display

The biobu or screen displaying the area surrounding the Skytree

The cafe

In between the levels of the Tembo deck

From the Tembo deck visitors can board elevators to the Tembo Gallery located at the 450 meter level, which has a capacity to hold 900 visitors. The upper observatory features a spiral, glass-covered skywalk in which visitors ascend the last 5 meters to the highest point at the upper platform.

Tembo Gallery

Glass floor

View from the glass floor

Guide at the Tembo Gallery level

Views from the Skytree

The large white Tokyo Dome visible from the Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree was designed to withstand earthquakes. Its central shaft is made of reinforced concrete and the main internal pillar is attached to the outer tower structure 125 meters (410 feet) above ground. From there until 375 meters (1,230 ft.) the pillar is attached to the tower frame with oil dampers, which act as cushions during an earthquake. According to the designers, the dampers can absorb 50 percent of the energy from an earthquake. We all know how important that can be given that Japan is a country prone to earthquakes.

At night, the Tokyo Skytree is illuminated using LED lights. There are two patterns which are used: Iki ( sky blue) and Miyabi (purple).

Iki color scheme

Miyabi color scheme

As the Skytree’s opening approached, people reportedly waited in line for a full week to get tickets. By the opening, trips up the tower were fully booked for the first two months of operation. The tower opened to the public on May 22, 2012 drawing a crowd of tens of thousands, despite rainy conditions which blocked the view from the tower’s observation deck. Strong winds also forced two elevators to be shut down, leaving some visitors briefly stranded on the observation deck. According to Tobu Railway, 1.6 million people visited the Skytree during its first week of opening.

Shops at the Skytree Town

Tobu Tokyo Skytree Station