Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower | Which Tokyo Landmark to Visit?

Q: What if I only have time for one?

Choose **Tokyo Skytree** for maximal height and wide views. Choose **Shibuya Sky** if your priority is central location, sunset views, and city immersion.

Quick comparison – Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower

Feature	Tokyo Skytree	Shibuya Sky
Location	Sumida Ward, Tokyo	Top of Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Ward
Price / Admission	634 m tower; observation decks at 350 m (Tembo Deck) + 450 m (Tembo Galleria)	229 m building’s rooftop observation on 47th floor with open-air 360° deck
What is it?	Combo (Deck + Galleria) ~ ¥3,100 (advance) Tembo Deck alone ~ ¥2,100 (advance)	Online advance: Adults ¥2,200 At counter (same-day): Adults ¥2,500
Built / Opening	A broadcasting tower with dual observation decks and glass-floor walkways	Rooftop open observation deck with direct 360° views over Shibuya and central Tokyo
Height / Decks	Opened 22 May 2012	Shibuya Sky opened within Shibuya Scramble Square (recent, modern deck)
Timings	10:00 am – 10:00 pm (last admission 9:00 pm)	10:00 am – 10:30 pm (last admission 9:20 pm)
Duration needed	~1 to 1.5 hours	~1 to 1.5 hours
Queues / Wait	Can get long, especially for combo / upper deck during peak times	High demand for evening/sunset slots; advance tickets often sell out
Best time to visit	Early morning, weekdays, clear days	Around sunset or at night for dramatic city lights
Accessibility	Elevators, wheelchair-accessible toilets, wheelchair loan available	Accessible as part of building; elevator access to rooftop deck
Kid-friendly	High	High (open space, photogenic spots)
Highlights	Viewing from 350 m & 450 m, glass-floor sections, views of Mt. Fuji on clear days, night cityscape	360° open-air views, view of Shibuya Crossing below, rooftop bar/snack areas, photogenic glass escalator & “Sky Edge” spot
Dining/Facilities	SKYTREE Café, Musashi Sky Restaurant, shops in base complex	Rooftop bar / drink & snack facilities on deck
Nearby attractions	Tokyo Solamachi, Asakusa, Sumida Aquarium	Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya station area, shopping districts
Rules/Restrictions	Single entry only, no pets (service dogs allowed), cannot leave and re-enter	Entry time slots, possible weather closures, rooftop deck may close under adverse conditions

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time? Visit Shibuya Sky it’s centrally located, offers immersive open-air views, and is quicker to access from Shibuya.

If you want to ascend higher and see sweeping vistas across Tokyo and beyond, go for Tokyo Skytree.

If your schedule allows, do both they provide contrasting viewing experiences: one high and central, the other sky-high and panoramic.

See Tokyo from every angle

Consider a combined observation pass or time-slot bundle covering both Tokyo Skytree & Shibuya Sky. Enjoy immersive city views at different heights without juggling tickets.

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Major differences between Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower explained

Tourists taking a selfie on Shibuya Sky Deck with Tokyo cityscape in the background.

Scale & Height

Tokyo Skytree soars at 634 m with decks at 350 m and 450 m, dominating Tokyo’s skyline.

Shibuya Sky’s rooftop is around 229 m - more modest but intimately integrated into the city center.

Tokyo cityscape with Mt. Fuji in the background, viewed from Tokyo Skytree tower.

View & Experience

Skytree offers long-range vistas, seeing across Tokyo, suburbs, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Shibuya Sky provides panoramic views over Shibuya Crossing, rooftops, central districts, and urban detail below.

Train crossing a bridge over a canal in Tokyo with cityscape in the background.

Convenience & Access

Skytree lies somewhat away from the central wards, accessible by metro and train lines.

Shibuya Sky is integrated into Shibuya Scramble Square and is directly connected to Shibuya Station access lines

Women in kimonos at Tokyo Skytree observation deck with city view.

Atmosphere & Crowd

Skytree draws large crowds, especially for its upper deck and Combo tickets on busy days.

Shibuya Sky has high demand for sunset or night slots; its rooftop open-air setting feels more intimate despite high visitor traffic .

Shibuya Crossing view from Shibuya Sky Deck, Tokyo, with bustling crowds and illuminated buildings.

Operational Hours & Timing

Skytree opens 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, last admission 9:00 pm.

Shibuya Sky runs 10:00 am - 10:30 pm, with entry until 9:20 pm

Tourists enjoying sunset views from Shibuya Sky Deck in Tokyo.

Ticketing & Pricing

Skytree has a tiered pricing structure (Deck alone / Combo) and offers discounts on advance bookings.

Shibuya Sky charges different prices for pre-booked and counter tickets; its evening slots are costlier.

What you’ll see at Tokyo Skytree

Tourists toasting with drinks on Tembo Deck overlooking cityscape.

Tembo Deck (350 m)

A spacious observatory level with wide glass windows and café space.

Tourists enjoying city view from Tembo Deck in Tokyo Skytree.

View from Tokyo Skytree overlooking cityscape and river.

Champagne and flowers on table with city view from Sky Restaurant 634 Grand Room Luxe Dinner.

Tokyo SkyTree and Sumida River at sunset with a train crossing a bridge.

What you’ll see at Shibuya Sky

Aerial night view of Tokyo cityscape from Shibuya Sky Deck.

360° open-air rooftop deck

Unobstructed views over Shibuya and surrounding districts.

Aerial view of Shibuya Crossing from Shibuya Sky Deck, Tokyo, with bustling crowds and illuminated buildings.

Women admiring ornate ceiling in Tokyo Skytree elevator.

Tokyo skyline at night with Tokyo Tower from Shibuya Sky Deck.

Tourists ordering drinks at Skytree Cafe Tembo deck.

Visiting Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky

Visitors descending stairs at Shibuya Sky Deck with Tokyo cityscape view.

Tokyo Skytree: You can purchase advance tickets (Deck alone or Combo with Galleria) up to 30 days before. Advance pricing gives a discount of about ¥300–400.
Shibuya Sky: Timed entry tickets are sold online (often cheaper than counter); same-day tickets available at 14F counter if not sold out.
Visit both: There is no official combined ticket, but you can schedule your day to visit both separately.
Doing both independently: Start with one in the morning and the other later in the day (esp. Shibuya for sunset), but account for transit time between locations.

Shibuya Sky observation deck with illuminated beams and Tokyo cityscape at night.

Morning – Tokyo Skytree (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Enter at opening, ascend to Tembo Deck and Galleria.
Enjoy panoramic views, cafés, and skyline perspectives.

Lunch (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)

Eat in the Solamachi shopping complex or nearby areas.

Afternoon – Transit to Shibuya & explore (1:30 pm – 4:30 pm)

Visit neighborhoods, shopping, or nearby attractions.

Evening – Shibuya Sky (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm or later)

Ascend to rooftop around sunset.
Stay to soak in night views of Tokyo and Shibuya Crossing.

Late Evening (Optional)

Return to central from Shibuya, explore nightlife, illuminated cityscapes.

Tokyo subway train on elevated tracks with city skyline in the background.

Tokyo Skytree: Address: Tokyo Skytree, Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

By train / metro: Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station; also reachable via Oshiage Station on multiple lines.

Shibuya Sky: Address: Shibuya Scramble Square, atop the building in Shibuya Ward

By train / metro: Directly connected to Shibuya Station - lines such as Toyoko, Den-en-toshi, Fukutoshin, Hanzomon, JR lines, Ginza, Inokashira lines lead into or around the building.

By car: Parking in nearby lots; building has no in-house parking.

Visitors enjoying Tokyo skyline view from Tokyo Tower's main deck.

Tokyo Skytree:

10:00 am - 10:00 pm; last admission 9:00 pm
On Sundays and holidays, opening might begin earlier (9:00 am)
Duration needed: ~1 to 1.5 hours

Shibuya Sky:

10:00 am - 10:30 pm; last admission 9:20 pm
Duration needed: ~1 to 1.5 hours
Best times: evenings / sunset for enhanced views

Packing clothes for Niagara Falls Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, including hat and camera.

Book in advance Skytree’s combo tickets sell out, and Shibuya Sky’s evening slots are high demand.
Check entry time for Skytree you must use ticket time slot; for Shibuya carefully pick sunset times.
Arrive early if visiting Skytree to avoid queues especially for the Galleria.
Clear weather matters distant views (Mt. Fuji, etc.) depend on good visibility.
Combine with nearby attractions Skytree area offers Solamachi, Sumida Aquarium; Shibuya offers crossing, shops, nightlife.
Layer clothing rooftop decks can be windy and cool, especially at night.
Time your transitions allow buffer for transit between distant wards.
Verify operating status decks may close due to weather.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Skytree vs Shibuya Sky

Can you visit both Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Sky in one day?

Yes, with planning. They lie in different parts of Tokyo, so allocate travel time and pick suitable time slots.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Shibuya Sky’s usual ticket (¥2,200) is less expensive than Skytree’s combo observation ticket (~¥3,100) when booked in advance.

Which is better for first-time visitors to Tokyo?

Skytree gives you higher, farther views - a grand introduction to Tokyo’s expanse. Shibuya Sky gives context to the urban core and local districts in a more accessible way.

Which is better for kids?

Shibuya Sky’s open rooftop may be more engaging and less time-intensive. Skytree offers spectacle but requires more time and patience.

How far is Shibuya Sky from Tokyo Skytree?

They are in different wards; travel between them involves multiple train transfers and can take 30+ minutes depending on routes.

What if I only have time for one?

Choose Tokyo Skytree for maximal height and wide views. Choose Shibuya Sky if your priority is central location, sunset views, and city immersion.

Which offers the better viewing experience?

Skytree wins on height and expansive vistas; Shibuya Sky wins on direct urban immersion and rooftop openness.

Are both included in any Tokyo city passes?

Some Tokyo passes may include one or both observation decks - check specific pass benefits.

How long do you need at each?

Around 1 to 1.5 hours should suffice for either deck, depending on lines and crowd.

Which is taller?

Tokyo Skytree (634 m) is vastly taller than Shibuya Sky’s rooftop height (~229 m).