The tallest freestanding tower in the world is arguably the Tokyo Skytree, which stands at a staggering 634 meters high or 2080 feet. The significance of the 634 pertains to the region. 634 in Japanese reads as “Musashi,” which is the historic name of the region of Tokyo. The Tokyo Skytree is also the world’s second tallest structure. However, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is purportedly the tallest building in the entire world. Below is a map of all the world’s tallest towers.
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The Burj Khalifa measures an astounding 829.8 meters or 2,722 feet. Despite this report, located in the Tokyo Sumida district ward, the Tokyo Skytree is an immensely tall radio broadcasting tower, offering a specular observatory and restaurant. The tower’s major role involves transmitting electric waves. The project was completed on May 22, 2012, and the tower (resistant to earth quakes) has become a new and major iconic symbol of Tokyo.
The tower has garnered much attention worldwide and at the entrance you can find a painted art of the Tokyo Sky tree. It appears you are standing on top of this massive tower.
The Tokyo Skytree was designed with a fusion of traditional Japanese esthetics and neo-futuristic creations by an architectural civil engineering firm named Nikken Sekkei, which was established in 1900 in Tokyo. The firm consists of a professional group that specializes in managing, unique designing, and planning from an engineering perspective.
The engineering of the Tokyo Skytree is very unique. Encompassing an intricate framework of steel tubes including an emergency staircase, elevator shafts, and reinforced concrete, the shape of the Tokyo Skytree is equilateral with sides measuring 223 feet (68 meters). The colors that it can emit at night include bluish violet, green, tangerine, sky blue, etc.
Before entering the Tokyo Skytree, you can find a beautiful animation of the Tokyo Skytree. It is work of art established by Team Lab, which is a group of brilliant designers, architects, engineers, etc., that work together and create art. This artwork is a must see in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Skytree is divided up into three sections or floors: 1) 340th floor, 2) 345th floor, and 3) 350th floor. The tower has two enclosed observatory decks and a huge shopping mall complex and an aquarium at the base.
TOKYO SKYTREE TEMBO DECK
You may take a 50 second ride on an elevator whizzing up to the “TOKYO SKYTREE TEMBO DECK” the 350th floor of the Tokyo Skytree. The Tokyo Skytree Tembo deck is one of the observatory decks and it is the lowest of the decks. You are an astoundingly 1,148 feet or 350 meters in the air. This amazing height offers such a splendid and jaw dropping view. While on this floor, you will be able to see the vast and beautiful city of Tokyo especially if it is a clear and sunny day. On the other hand, if the weather is not very clear, the city of Tokyo may be occur. Thus, it is important that you check the weather conditions before you visit the Tokyo Skytree.
Furthermore, there is an amazing and spectacular 360 glass panoramic view of the city of Tokyo. You will find three floors on the first observatory deck. On the lower floor (340th floor) you will find a Skytree Cafe, commemorative photography area, and a glass floor. Given the height of this Tower, I found the glass floor very appealing. When you peer through the glass, the people and the vehicles look like minature collectibles.
On the middle floor, (345th floor) you will find an amazing French Japanese cuisine Sky Restaurant 634 Musashi as well as a Skytree souvenir shop. On the top floor (350th), you will find a bird’s eye view of the Edo Era (period of the Samurais), and a Tokyo spacetime navigator touchscreen.
TOKYO SKYTREE TEMBO GALLERIA
There is a long line to the highest part of the tower — 450 floors, which is about 1,500 feet looking down to the ground. This is a massive tower. You will need to pay an additional 1,000 yen added onto the 2000 yen in order to access this floor. It is definitely worth the price considering this might be a once and a lifetime experience.
After a 30 second ride on the elevator, you will arrive on the 450th floor of the Tembo Galleria (2nd observatory deck). You will be blown away by the large windows and a sloping ramp and tunnel that spirals around to the highest point at an unbelievable 451.2 meters. This area is regarded as the highest skywalk in the world.
The dizzying glass windows and steel construction permits visitors to view the stunning height of the tower and out over the Kanto Region to remarkable distances. From this height, it feels like you are walking on the sky. It is very easy to stay on this floor for an hour. The reason why this is the case is that you are captivated in awe at the beauty and vastness of the city of Tokyo. You truly have somewhat of a airplane view of the city of Tokyo.
For those who have flown overseas to another country or even to another state in the United States, for instance, the objects below (including the houses and vehicles) appear smaller. This the case on the 450 floor of the Tokyo Skytree. The vehicles, for instance, look like miniature hot wheels collectibles. It is truly an experience to view the city of Tokyo from this spectacular height. Also, on this floor, you will find a commemorative photo service.
Delicious Ramen
I ended the tour with a bowl of oishii ramen and a crab cake!
How to get there.
If you are staying in a hotel in the bustling and lively district of Asakusa, you can walk to the Skytree in about 20–30 minutes. I would recommend walking along Asakusa-dori Avenue. You have a great advantage because you can take some amazing pictures and record videos of the Skytree from a distance. However, if you are traveling by subway, it is best to use the Tobu Skytree Line from Asakusa. Or if you are coming from another city, exit at the Oshiage Station (Asakusa Line, Narita SKY ACCESS Line, Hanzomon Line). You can also take a bus to the Skytree. I would recommend the Tobu bus company.
Prices and Schedule:
Schedule: Opening hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 22:00 (entry until 21:00).
Prices:
Admission: Tembo Deck
Adults: 2,060 yen
Ages 12–17: 1,540 yen
Ages 6–11: 930 yen
Ages 4–5: 620 yen
Galleria Tickets: sold at the Tembo Deck
Adults: 1,030 yen
Ages 12–17: 820 yen
Ages 6–11 510 yen
Ages 4–5 310 yen
TOP 5 HOTELS NEAR TOKYO SKYTREE
1. SOLA HOTEL
2. O3 Hostel and Apartment
3. Komatsuya
4. Richmond Hotel Premier
5. Oak Hostel Sakura
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