Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower located in Tokyo, Japan, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is known for its unique architecture and breathtaking view of the city. Read on to find out more about Tokyo Skytree’s history, from its construction to its present-day significance.
14 March 2008: Groundbreaking ceremony held for Tokyo Skytree.
2010: Tokyo Skytree became the tallest structure in Japan.
29 February 2012: Construction of Tokyo Skytree was completed.
22 May 2012: Tokyo Skytree officially opened to the public.
2018: The number of visitors to Tokyo Skytree reached 50 million.
22 May 2022: Ichikawa Ebizo XI marked the 10th anniversary of Tokyo Skytree with a special Kabuki performance.
2023: Tokyo experienced a significant recovery in international tourism, with visitor numbers rising from 3.8 million in 2022 to 19.8 million, marking a 421% increase. It hosted various events, including special New Year's celebrations and the Sumida River Fireworks Festival viewing from its observation decks.
The name Mushahi in Tokyo Skytree’s original height pays homage to the old name of the region. This encompasses parts of modern-day Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa. Tokyo Skytree was proposed in 2003 to overcome signal interference caused by Tokyo’s increasingly crowded skyline, ensuring clear digital broadcasting. The structure draws inspiration from traditional Japanese pagodas, incorporating a central column system called “shinbashira” for added stability.
Today, Tokyo Skytree is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo and an iconic symbol of the city’s skyline. It offers panoramic views of the city from its two observation decks, the Tembo Deck (at 350 meters) and the Tembo Galleria (at 450 meters). On clear days, visitors can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.
In addition to its observation decks, Tokyo Skytree houses a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops within Tokyo Skytree Town. The complex also includes the Sumida Aquarium and the Konica Minolta Planetarium, making it a well-rounded entertainment destination. The tower also regularly hosts seasonal light displays and special events, adding to its appeal as a year-round destination.
Tokyo Skytree is 13 years old and opened to the public on May 22, 2012.
It took four years to build the tower, from 2008 to 2012.
The tower was designed by Nikken Sekkei, an architecture firm based in Japan.
Tokyo Skytree is located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo Skytree’s address is 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan.
The architectural style of Tokyo Skytree is modern and futuristic, with a design inspired by traditional Japanese structures such as pagodas and the "sorakazari" decorative element used in Japanese shrines and temples.
Yes, visitors can take a guided tour of the tower to learn about its history and significance.
Tokyo Skytree reflects Japan’s cultural heritage through its structural design and decorative elements inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. It also symbolizes Japan’s resilience and innovation, incorporating advanced earthquake-resistant technology inspired by traditional pagodas.
The construction of Tokyo Skytree led to the development of Tokyo Skytree Town, a commercial and entertainment hub that revitalized the Sumida area. It includes shopping complexes, restaurants, an aquarium, and a planetarium, making it a cultural and economic landmark.
Tokyo Skytree’s structure draws inspiration from the architectural style of five-story pagodas from the Edo period, which were known for their earthquake-resistant design. The tower’s curved silhouette is also inspired by the "sori" (concave curve) found in traditional Japanese temples and shrines.
The name "Tokyo Skytree" was selected through a public naming competition held in 2008. The winning name reflects the tower’s purpose as a symbol of Tokyo reaching toward the sky and its role in connecting the city to the world.
