The Shopping Mall in The Shadow of Tokyo Skytree

Discovering Tokyo Solamachi: The Shopping Mall in the Shadow of Tokyo Skytree

Located at the base of Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo Solamachi is a vibrant shopping and entertainment complex that offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities. This sprawling mall is part of Tokyo Skytree Town, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists.

What is Tokyo Solamachi?

Tokyo Solamachi is a massive complex featuring over 300 shops, restaurants, and attractions. It combines traditional Japanese elements with modern facilities, making it perfect for souvenir shopping, dining, and leisure activities. The mall is designed to cater to a wide range of interests, from shopping for famous Japanese character goods like Pokémon and Hello Kitty to exploring traditional Japanese crafts and souvenirs.

Shopping and Attractions

The mall offers a diverse array of shopping options, including:

• Character Goods: Find exclusive merchandise from popular franchises like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Studio Ghibli.
• Traditional Crafts: Explore shops selling traditional Japanese crafts, perfect for unique souvenirs.
• Fashion and Apparel: A variety of clothing stores offering everything from casual wear to high-end fashion.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Enjoy a range of dining options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors and specialty cafes.

In addition to shopping, Tokyo Solamachi is home to several attractions:

• Sumida Aquarium: Located within the complex, offering a variety of marine life exhibits.
• Postal Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Japan's postal service.
• Tenku Planetarium: A state-of-the-art planetarium providing stunning celestial displays.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

The dining options at Tokyo Solamachi are as diverse as the shopping. You can find:

• Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Restaurants serving authentic Japanese dishes, including sushi, ramen, and tempura.
• International Cuisine: A range of international restaurants offering everything from Italian to Chinese cuisine.
• Specialty Cafes: Unique cafes with themed menus, such as Kirby-themed sweets and Godiva chocolate milkshakes.

Getting to Tokyo Solamachi

Accessing Tokyo Solamachi is straightforward:

• By Train: The mall is directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line and Oshiage Station, which is accessible via the Asakusa Subway Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, or the Keisei Oshiage Line.
• From Tokyo Station: Take the Marunouchi Line to Otemachi Station and transfer to the Hanzomon Line to reach Oshiage Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately 200 yen.

Opening Hours and Practical Information

The mall operates from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some restaurants on the 6th and 7th floors staying open until 11:00 PM. Here are some key details to plan your visit:

• Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045
• Opening Hours: Entire building: 10:00 to 21:00, with extended hours for some restaurants.

Combining Your Visit with Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Solamachi is intricately linked with Tokyo Skytree, making it easy to combine your shopping and dining experience with a visit to the tower. You can purchase tickets for Tokyo Skytree on the 4th floor of the mall or reserve them online for a slight discount and to avoid waiting in line. The tower offers two observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters, providing breathtaking views of Tokyo.

By visiting Tokyo Solamachi, you can enjoy a comprehensive experience that includes shopping, dining, and exploring one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. Whether you are looking for unique souvenirs, delicious food, or simply a day out in a vibrant setting, Tokyo Solamachi has something for everyone.