Tokyo’s Orange Icon
Tokyo Tower – symbol of a city 2008 saw Tokyo Tower celebrate its 50th anniversary, and as ever the 332.6 meter (usually rounded up to 333m) bright orange tower remains the iconic symbol of Tokyo’s post-war resurgence; millions of Tokyoites and Japanese from throughout the archipelago as well as many thousands of
non-Japanese visiting annually.
Occupying a large swathe of land beside Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Minato-ku, Tokyo Tower is actually a fully operational telecommunications and broadcasting tower with two observatories; one 150 meters above the ground, the other one hundred meters higher. Both provide interesting views over a city with a daytime population of over 12 million, but do come at a rather steep price.
Oftentimes, of more interest than the views offered of this part of town are the museums (wax figures and an aquarium) and shopping options contained within the tower. Those feeling particularly healthy can even attempt to climb the towers roughly 600 steps (to the lower observatory). *
Access: via Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) or Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) Fee: 820 yen (main observation deck)
Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00 daily although museums / other attractions generally 10:00-21:00
* in late 2011, a new 610m ‘version’ of Tokyo Tower to be known as Tokyo Sky Tree will open in Oshiage, Sumida Ward – several kilometres to the north of the current site.
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