Tokyo Tower, opened in 1958, has always been a symbol of Tokyo and a beloved tourist spot. Originally built as a broadcasting tower, it has since been replaced by Tokyo Skytree for that purpose. However, Tokyo Tower still charms visitors with its retro, elegant atmosphere.
Standing at 333 meters tall, its impressive size will amaze you as you approach. Tokyo Tower has two observation decks: the Main Deck and the Top Deck. To access them, you’ll need to purchase tickets, which we’ll explain further in this post.
Especially when it’s illuminated, It offers a different kind of light-up compared to Tokyo Skytree, making it a must-visit spot when you come to Tokyo.
How To Access Tokyo Tower
There are many ways to access Tokyo Tower, but taking the train is the most recommended option. You can reach Tokyo Tower in less than 10 minutes on foot from nearby subway stations, or about 15 minutes on foot from JR stations. If you plan to explore central Tokyo’s attractions, it’s a good idea to use the Toei Subway Day Pass.
For subway access to Tokyo Tower, here are the closest stations:
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Kamiyacho Station (about a 10-minute walk)
- Toei Oedo Line: Akabanebashi Station (about a 10-minute walk)
- Toei Mita Line: Onarimon Station and Shiba Park Station (both about a 10-minute walk)
- Toei Asakusa Line: Daimon Station (about a 10-minute walk)
For JR access:
- JR Hamamatsucho Station: About a 15-minute walk.
These options make it easy to reach Tokyo Tower from various parts of the city!
About the Toei Subway Day Pass
The pass allows unlimited rides on Toei Subway, Toei Buses, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.
Price
A single subway ride usually costs around 200 yen, so the pass is a cost-effective option for unlimited travel.
- Adults: 700 yen
- Children: 350 yen
Where to Buy
- Toei Subway Stations
- Ueno Okachimachi Station Tourist Information Center
- “Minowabashi Omoidekan” The pass is also available for PASMO PASSPORT holders at ticket machines in most stations (except Oshiage, Meguro, and Shinjuku Line Shinjuku stations).
- Note: Only foreign tourists can buy this pass. A valid passport is required.
- Hotels
- Example: Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo (available for hotel guests only).
- Airports
- Haneda Airport: International Tourist Information Center and Keikyu Line ticket counters.
- Narita Airport: Designated locations for international visitors.
- Note: At Haneda, domestic ANA flight passengers can purchase it at specific counters.
Enjoy your trip with this convenient pass!
Operating Hours of Tokyo Tower
This Tower is open from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM).
It’s best to check the official website for any changes in the schedule.
Light Up Tokyo Tower
This Tower is beautifully illuminated every night, making it a stunning sight in the city. Here’s what you need to know about the light-up displays:
1. Main Light-Up Styles
The most common lighting, featuring a warm orange glow. This light-up occurs from sunset to midnight and is designed to give a soft, calming ambiance to the city. And on the weekends or for a special events, A special light-up with multiple colors covering the tower in a “veil” effect.
2. Seasonal and Event Light-Ups
This Tower also changes its lighting for different seasons and events such as New Year, Valentine’s Day, Cherry Blossom Season, and Christmas
3. Special Events
This Tower frequently collaborates with charities or awareness campaigns, where the tower is illuminated in specific colors.
Things to Do!
Getting Inside to See A View
To access each of the observation decks, you will need a ticket. The lower deck, called the Main Deck, can be visited for ¥1,200 per person. To go to the higher Top Deck, a ¥3,000 ticket is required. These tickets can be purchased either online or on-site.
Main Deck: The Main Deck is located 150 meters above the ground and offers a different view compared to the Top Deck. Here, you can experience Tokyo’s cityscape up close. After its 2019 renovation, the windows were expanded, making the views even more impressive than before.
The Main Deck spans two floors, featuring a café and shops selling official Tokyo Tower merchandise. You can relax while enjoying the scenery or shop for souvenirs to remember your visit.
Top Deck: At 250 meters, the top deck gives you an even more panoramic view. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance
Tower Daijingu Shrine
Located on the Main Deck, the Tower Daijingu Shrine is said to be the highest shrine in Tokyo’s 23 wards. It is especially known for bringing good luck in love and success in academics.
Christmas Market
During the winter season, Tokyo Tower hosts a Christmas Market, creating a magical space where you can enjoy the holiday spirit while gazing up at the tower from below. The market, illuminated with warm lights, offers a unique and festive atmosphere that you can only experience at Tokyo Tower.
The market typically starts in late November. Be sure to check the official website for details. Entry is free, so don’t miss it if you’re in the area!
Cafe or Restaurant
The cafés and restaurants around it are great spots to relax while enjoying the view of the tower. I’d like to recommend a few places that are either delicious or stylish.
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN RESTAURANT Shiba Park
This is a delicious bakery
This is a bakery located near Tokyo Tower. It has even been used as a filming location for TV dramas. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
CAFE AND BAR TOWER VIEW TERRACE
This is a stylish terrace where you can enjoy a view of Tokyo Tower.
Hotels that you can see Tokyo Tower!
Here are some hotels where you can enjoy views of Tokyo Tower. While you can see the tower from certain rooms, the view may vary depending on the room type. Be sure to check the hotel details carefully or contact the hotel directly in advance to confirm.
Tokyo Dome Hotel
This hotel is next to the Tokyo Dome stadium, which is really famous hotel among Japanese.
And the price of this hotel is reasonable considering the quality of this hotel.
