The iconic red and white Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward is Japan's answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Great cityscape views can be had from the observatory - if you don't mind that they don't include the tower itself.
Tokyo Tower - image © Florentyna Leow
With its iconic red and white stripes, Tokyo Tower is Tokyo’s answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Modeled after the latter, Tokyo Tower is the city’s second tallest structure after the Tokyo Skytree at 333 meters high. It's a popular tourist spot – with two observation decks at 150 and 250 meters respectively – but it also serves as an active broadcasting facility.
You can buy tickets for the Tokyo Tower online.
Tokyo Tower - image © Florentyna Leow
The main deck at 150 meters has some vertigo-inducing glass floor sections where you can look down to the ground below. We don’t recommend this if you have a fear of heights.
Tokyo Tower - image © Florentyna Leow
Tokyo Tower is especially pretty at night when it's illuminated. The colours on the tower lighting change according to the season, and nearby Shiba-koen Park is a popular spot for a date night out.
Tokyo Tower - image © Florentyna Leow
The only snag with going up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Tower is, of course, that you won’t see the iconic red and white tower itself in the city skyline. If you'd rather have a metropolitan view that includes this tower, you're better off visiting another observation deck like the Tokyo Skytree or the Mori Building nearby in Roppongi.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance online.
English name:
Tokyo Tower
Japanese name:
東京タワー
English address:
4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011
Japanese address:
〒105-0011 東京都港区芝公園4-2-8
Opening hours:
Main Deck: 9am-11pm (last entry 10:30pm)
Top Deck Tour: 9am-10:15pm
Admission:
Adults: 900 (Main Deck), 2800 (Main Deck and Top Deck Tour)
Junior high and elementary school students: 500 (Main Deck), 1800 (Main Deck and Top Deck Tour)
Preschool children older than 4 years: 400 (Main Deck), 1200 (Main Deck and Top Deck Tour)
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo line.
Train: 15-minute walk from the north exit of Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote line, and Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Tokyo Tower on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3433-5111
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Tokyo Tower is located in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
