Tokyo Tower: History, Facts, Location, and More Guide

Tokyo Tower: A Symbol of Japan's Post-War Rebirth

Tokyo Tower, standing tall at 333 meters, is an iconic landmark that symbolizes Japan's post-war rebirth and continues to captivate visitors with its stunning city views and rich history. This tower, once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, remains a beloved and integral part of Tokyo's skyline.

History of Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower was built to meet the growing demand for transmission towers from television stations in Tokyo. Instead of constructing multiple towers across the city, it was decided to build a single tower that could transmit TV signals across the entire city. The construction began in June and was completed in just a year and a half, largely by hand, involving around 220,000 craftsmen.

The tower's design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, reflecting its lattice steel structure. This design choice was deliberate, aiming to create an elegant tower that would become a part of the Tokyo skyline.

Facts About Tokyo Tower

• Height and Structure: Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters tall, with two main observation decks at 150 meters and 250 meters. It was the tallest freestanding tower in the world when built, surpassing the Eiffel Tower.
• Broadcasting Role: The tower serves as a broadcasting tower for several radio and TV stations, using its antennas for both analog and digital services.
• Observation Decks: The Main Deck at 150 meters offers a two-story observatory with glass floors, allowing visitors to look down almost 145 meters. The Top Deck at 250 meters provides an even more panoramic view of the city.
• Visitor Statistics: Over 150 million people have visited Tokyo Tower since its opening, with around 3 to 4 million visitors annually.
• Cultural Significance: Tokyo Tower was designated one of Japan’s Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, highlighting its cultural importance.

Location and Accessibility

Tokyo Tower is located in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo. The nearest subway stations are Akabanebashi and Onarimon, while the nearest JR station is Hamamatsucho, which is about a 15-minute walk away.

What to Do and See

Foot Town

At the base of the tower lies Foot Town, a five-story building that houses various amenities:

• Shopping and Dining: The second floor is dedicated to shopping and dining, offering a range of traditional Japanese cuisine and international flavors.
• E-Sports and VR: The third to fifth floors feature Redº Tokyo Tower, an e-sports and VR attraction zone, perfect for those interested in high-tech entertainment.
• Ticket Counters and Info Desk: The first floor contains ticket counters, an info desk, and coin lockers, where visitors can start their journey to the observation decks.

Observation Decks

• Main Deck: At 150 meters, this deck offers a two-story observatory with glass floors. Visitors can enjoy live music performances at Club 333 and take in the breathtaking views of Tokyo.
• Top Deck: Located 100 meters higher than the Main Deck, the Top Deck provides an even more expansive view of the city. Access is via a special gate on the Main Deck.

Surrounding Attractions

• Zojoji Temple: Founded in 1393, this temple is a great spot for taking photos with Tokyo Tower in the background, offering a traditional vs modern contrast.
• Shiba Park: This park is home to Shiba Toshogu Shrine and offers expansive green lawns, making it an ideal place for a picnic or social media photos.
• Atago Shrine: Known for its steep steps, this shrine once served as a lookout point for spotting fires in the city.

Tips for Visiting

• Ticket Prices: Tickets for the Main Deck cost around 1,200 yen for adults, while the Top Deck Tour costs approximately 3,000 yen. Booking tickets in advance can save you 200 yen per person.
• Duration of Visit: Visitors typically spend between one and two hours at the observatories, but adding a couple of hours to explore Foot Town and surrounding attractions is recommended.
• Photography Spots: Besides the tower itself, nearby observatories like the Tokyo World Trade Center and Roppongi Hills Mori Tower offer great skyline views featuring Tokyo Tower.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Original Name: Tokyo Tower's official name is "Japan Radio Tower," reflecting its primary purpose as a broadcasting tower.
• Recycled Steel: A third of the steel used to build the tower was recycled, including some from scrapped American tanks.
• Painting: The entire tower is repainted every seven years by hand.
• Stair Challenge: Visitors can climb the 600 steps to the Main Deck and receive an official stairs certificate upon completion.