Tokyo Skytree and Oshiage: New Symbol Born in Downtown Tokyo

What Is Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower and tourist facility, 634 meters tall, that opened in 2012. Standing in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, in Tokyo old-town district, it is one of the tallest free-standing broadcasting towers in the world. The height "634," read as "Musashi" in Japanese, was chosen in reference to the fact that this whole area was once called Musashi Province. The tower has two observation levels: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters above ground and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, from which you can take in the Tokyo cityscape.

Spectacular Views from the Observation Decks

The greatest appeal of Tokyo Skytree is, without question, the view from its observation decks. The Tembo Deck at 350 meters offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the city, and a section with a glass floor lets you feel the thrill of looking straight down. The higher Tembo Galleria is a spiral corridor rising to 450 meters, offering views from an even loftier vantage point. On clear days you can glimpse distant Mount Fuji, and at night the glittering lights of Tokyo spread out below.

Solamachi and Old-Town Strolling

At the foot of Tokyo Skytree spreads the large commercial complex "Tokyo Solamachi." With more than 300 shops ranging from fashion, sundries, and souvenirs to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, it can be enjoyed all day. An aquarium and a planetarium are also attached, so you can have fun regardless of the weather. The surroundings retain an old-fashioned downtown atmosphere, and a short walk brings you close to Asakusa, letting you enjoy both traditional streetscapes and a modern landmark.

Practical Travel Notes

Tickets for the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria are available same-day, as well as date-and-time-designated advance tickets. Holidays and long weekends get crowded, so buying advance tickets can shorten waiting times. Admission uses variable pricing that differs between weekdays and holidays, so check the official website for current rates. If you prioritize the view, clear winter days when the air is crisp and far-reaching, and the twilight hours as day turns to night views, are especially recommended. If you combine your visit with Solamachi or the aquarium, allow half a day to a full day. Because the whole tower does not fit in frame from its base, taking commemorative photos from a little distance along the Sumida River or from nearby bridges is recommended.

Best Season and Access

It can be enjoyed year-round, but on clear winter days when the air is crisp and views reach far, the vistas from the observation decks are exceptional. Access is convenient: the Tobu Skytree Line "Tokyo Skytree Station" connects directly, or it is a short walk from "Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station." It is close to Asakusa, so combining it with a stroll along the Sumida River is recommended. At Tokyo new symbol, Tokyo Skytree, fully enjoy the spectacular views from the sky and the charm of the old town.

📚 Sources

This article draws mainly on the opening guidance and ticket information published on the official site of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Skytree Town, and the sightseeing information of Sumida ward. It also reflects the signage around Oshiage and Tokyo Skytree Station and information on the nearby shopping streets. Hours, fees, and event content may change, so please confirm with the official information of Tokyo Skytree or Sumida ward before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day to tour the observation decks and commercial facilities.
• What to bring: Timed tickets can be handy for the observation decks, so consider arranging in advance.
• How to get around: Tour the town on foot from Tokyo Skytree or Oshiage Station.
• Time of day: From dusk into night the view is beautiful and popular, so expect crowds.
• Note: The view depends on weather, so a clear day lets you enjoy the panorama.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045 (Tokyo Skytree / Tokyo Solamachi)
• Opening hours (observation decks): these vary from day to day. Last admission is 1 hour before closing time (you can check the opening hours calendar on the official website)
• Opening hours (Tokyo Solamachi): the whole complex is open 10:00-21:00, and the restaurant floors (6F, 7F, 30F and 31F) are open 11:00-23:00. Note that some shops differ
• Prices: a combination ticket for the Tembo Deck and the Tembo Galleria costs from 3,000 yen for adults (aged 15 and over) and from 1,500 yen for children (aged 6 to 14). The Tembo Deck alone costs from 1,800 yen for adults and from 900 yen for children. A ticket for the Tembo Galleria alone can be bought on the day from the ticket machines on the Tembo Deck for 1,400 yen for adults and 700 yen for children. Infants aged 5 and under and preschool children aged 6 and under are admitted free of charge. Children up to junior high school age pay the child rate, and those of high school age and above pay the adult rate
• A note on prices: admission prices vary depending on the day you visit. If you buy at the ticket counter or ticket machines on the 4th floor, a counter issuing fee of 500 yen per ticket is added (this does not apply to Tembo Galleria tickets)
• Parking: Tokyo Skytree Town multi-storey car park, about 250 spaces; underground car park, about 650 spaces
• Access: just by the main entrance of Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. Also just by Exit B3 and Exit A2 on the third basement level of Oshiage Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, the Hanzomon Line, the Keisei Line and the Toei Asakusa Line. From Asakusa it is 3 minutes on the Tobu Skytree Line with no change of train

* The closing days of the observation decks and a telephone number for visitors are not published on the official website.

(Sources: official website of Tokyo Skytree; official website of Tokyo Solamachi)