Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower

Q: What if I only have time for one?

Choose <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="wqvNlm7k" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="673721d73708538f4b94dce1" text="Tokyo Skytree" uid="www.tickets-tokyo.com.tokyo-skytree-tower" /> for sheer height, modern design, and panoramic reach. Choose <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="VV98EhcN" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="673721d73708538f4b94dd1b" text="Tokyo Tower" uid="www.tickets-tokyo.com.tokyo-tower" /> if you prefer centrality, nostalgia, and a more relaxed visit.

Quick comparison – Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower

Feature	Tokyo Skytree	Tokyo Tower
Location	Sumida Ward, Tokyo	Minato Ward, Tokyo
Price / Admission	Combo ticket (Tembo Deck 350m + Tembo Galleria 450m): ~ ¥3,100 (weekday adult)	Main Deck (150 m) ¥1,500; Top Deck Tour (150 m + 250 m) ¥3,300 online / ~¥3,500 at counter
What is it?	A modern broadcasting & observation tower with dual decks and a spiraling “skywalk” ramp	A classic, mid-20th-century lattice tower with Main and Top observatories
Built / Opening	Officially opened 22 May 2012	Built in 1958; a longstanding Tokyo landmark
Height / Decks	634 m total; observation decks at ~350 m (Tembo Deck) + 450 m (Tembo Galleria)	Observation decks at 150 m (Main Deck) and 250 m (Top Deck)
Timings	10:00 am – 9:00 pm (last entry times vary)	9:00 am – 11:00 pm (last entry ~ 30 minutes before)
Duration needed	~1 to 1.5 hours (including both decks)	~1 to 2 hours (depending on whether you take Top Deck)
Queues / Wait	Can be long especially for top deck access and during peak hours	Moderate to long, especially for Top Deck or special tours
Best time to visit	Mornings or weekdays; clear days for best views	Evening hours also prime for city/night views; avoid peak sunset times
Accessibility	Elevators, accessible routes, glass walkways; modern design	Elevators to decks; some older structures but generally accessible
Kid-friendly	High: fun glass-floor sections, modern aesthetics	Moderate: nostalgic charm, standard observatory views
Highlights	Tembo Deck, Tembo Galleria “skywalk,” glass-floor section, panoramic views	360° view, view of Tokyo landmarks, nostalgia of classic tower
Dining	Sky Restaurant 634 (at Skytree)	Cafés and shops in Foot Town base building
Nearby attractions	Tokyo Solamachi mall, Sumida Aquarium, shopping complex	Zojoji Temple, Shiba Park, cityscape views around Minato
Rules	Some areas with glass floor, restricted photography in certain spots	Usual observatory rules, sometimes weather closure for Top Deck tours

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time? Go with Tokyo Skytree — its sheer height, modern decks, and sweeping views make it a standout.

Prefer classic Tokyo charm and easier access? Choose Tokyo Tower for its nostalgic appeal and solid view at lower cost.

Have time for both? Do both — they offer complementary perspectives: modern vs vintage, height vs heritage.

See Tokyo from all angles

A Tokyo Skytree + Tokyo Tower combo ticket or guided city pass offers excellent value and lets you experience both iconic towers seamlessly. Save time and effort with one plan.

Book your Tokyo landmark combo

Major differences between Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower explained

Tokyo Tower view from Tokyo Skytree, surrounded by cityscape and skyline.

History & architecture

Tokyo Skytree: Opened in 2012, built as a cutting-edge broadcasting and observation tower, reaching 634 m, and features sleek modern design.

Tokyo Tower: Completed in 1958, modeled after the Eiffel Tower, built as a communications and TV tower during Japan’s postwar growth, with classic lattice design.

Aerial view of Tokyo cityscape and Sumida River from Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo.

Experience highlights

Tokyo Skytree: Offers dual observation decks (350 m + 450 m), a spiraling glass-floor “skywalk” in Tembo Galleria, and ultra-wide views including Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Tokyo Tower: Provides panoramic 360° views, a nostalgic tower experience, and access to a Top Deck tour at 250 m.

Visitors enjoying the night view of Tokyo skyline from Tokyo Tower Main Deck.

Atmosphere & audience

Tokyo Skytree: Sleek, futuristic, high-tech — appeals to visitors seeking the tallest, most advanced viewing platform.

Tokyo Tower: Warm, nostalgic, and iconic — appeals to those wanting a classic Tokyo landmark experience.

Tokyo Tower rising above Shiba Park with cityscape in the background.

Location & surroundings

Tokyo Skytree: Located in Sumida Ward, integrated with shopping (Tokyo Solamachi), aquarium, and metro connectivity.

Tokyo Tower: In central Minato Ward, close to Zojoji Temple, Shiba Park, and central Tokyo districts.

Tokyo cityscape illuminated at night, viewed from Tokyo Skytree.

When to visit

Tokyo Skytree: Best in morning or early afternoon; nighttime views good but lower deck may close earlier in heavy rain or for maintenance.

Tokyo Tower: Open until late (11:00 pm), making it ideal for evening cityscapes; Top Deck tours end ~10:45 pm, subject to conditions.

Women admiring ornate ceiling in Tokyo Skytree elevator.

Other practicalities

At Tokyo Skytree, glass walkways (Tembo Galleria) require care for those uncomfortable with heights. Elevators are modern and fast.

At Tokyo Tower, the Top Deck tour could be canceled due to weather (wind, etc.). Also, the base Foot Town area houses souvenir shops and exhibits.

What you’ll see at Tokyo Skytree

Tembo Deck (350 m)

Wide panoramic windows offering sweeping views across Tokyo and distant landscapes.

Tokyo Skytree observation deck with panoramic city views.

View from Tokyo Skytree observation deck overlooking city streets below.

People ice skating at the base of Tokyo Skytree in the evening.

Tokyo Skytree illuminated at night with city lights in the background.

What you’ll see at Tokyo Tower

Mori Tower rising above Tokyo skyline, viewed from Tokyo Tower.

Main Deck (150 m)

360° view of Tokyo neighborhoods and landmarks from mid-height.

Upper deck of Tokyo Tower with mirrored walls and city view.

Tokyo cityscape from Tokyo Tower, showcasing skyscrapers and urban landscape.

Couple enjoying Tokyo cityscape at night from Tokyo Tower observation deck.

Visitors walking through an illuminated tunnel at RED° TOKYO TOWER.

Visiting Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Skytree: Buy tickets for Tembo Deck (350 m) and optionally Tembo Galleria (450 m). Advance booking can save up to ¥400 off the regular price.
Tokyo Tower: Purchase Main Deck ticket or Top Deck Tour ticket (includes Main). Online booking gives a slight discount for Top Deck.
Visit both: No official combined tower pass is standard, but many Tokyo city passes or attraction bundles may include both towers.
Doing both independently: It’s feasible to visit both in one day; start early at one, then move to the other later in the day or evening.

Tokyo Skytree:

Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo | Find on Maps

By train / metro:

Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station
Oshiage Station is also accessible via Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei Oshiage lines

Tokyo Tower:

Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo | Find on maps

By train / metro:

Nearest: Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) walk ~5 min
Onarimon Station (Toei Mita), Kamiyacho or Daimon (Toei Oedo / Asakusa lines) also options
From Skytree, take subway lines / transfers to the Minato area.

Tokyo Skytree:

General hours typically 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Last entry times vary — check the official schedule for that day.

Detailed Tokyo Skytree timings >

Tokyo Tower:

Observatories open 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (last entry ~30 minutes before closing)
Top Deck tours run until ~10:45 pm; bookings end ~22:15

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Duration & best times:

Tokyo Skytree: 1 to 1.5 hours; morning or early afternoon preferred
Tokyo Tower: 1 to 2 hours including Top Deck; evening is excellent for city lights

Tokyo Tower illuminated at sunset with city skyline in the background.

Buy advance tickets for Skytree Tembo Galleria to save ¥400 and avoid the queue.
Reserve Top Deck Tour at Tokyo Tower ahead, especially for evening slots — tours fill fast.
Check weather and visibility — on cloudy or hazy days, views are limited at both towers.
Start with Skytree in the morning, then visit Tokyo Tower later in evening for city lights contrast.
Bring a compact tripod or use stabilization — nighttime views at Tokyo Tower benefit from steady shots.Allow buffer time for transit and queues — elevators especially can cause delays.
Verify Top Deck operation — Tokyo Tower’s Top Deck may close due to high winds or maintenance.
Evening illumination: Both towers are illuminated at night, making a night visit rewarding.
Accessibility considerations: Skytree’s modern infrastructure may be more comfortable for mobility-limited guests.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower

Can you visit both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower in one day?

Yes—they are reachable by public transport in Tokyo. Start early at Skytree, then move to Tower later that day for varied views.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Tokyo Tower’s Main Deck is cheaper (¥1,500) versus Skytree’s deck combo (≈ ¥3,100). But for the full Skytree experience, cost is justified.

Which is better for first-time visitors to Tokyo?

Skytree offers the “tallest tower in Japan” appeal, modern design, and broader reach. Tower offers heritage and central location — if you have limited time, Skytree might be more impressive as a first pick.

Which is better for kids?

Skytree may engage children more with glass floors and futuristic elements. Tokyo Tower offers a simpler, more relaxed viewing experience.

How far is Tokyo Tower from Skytree?

They’re several subway transfers apart (Sumida to Minato ward). It takes perhaps 30–45 minutes depending on routes and transfers.

What if I only have time for one?

Choose Tokyo Skytree for sheer height, modern design, and panoramic reach. Choose Tokyo Tower if you prefer centrality, nostalgia, and a more relaxed visit.

Which provides the better view experience?

Skytree gives views from much greater height and offers glass-floor skywalks. Tower gives classic cityscape views, especially beautiful at night.

Is there a combined ticket or city pass including both?

No standard combined ticket exists specifically for these two towers, but some Tokyo attraction passes or city cards may include them.

How long do you need at each?

Plan ~1–1.5 hours at Skytree (for both decks) and ~1–2 hours at Tower (if you include Top Deck).

Which tower is taller?

Tokyo Skytree is significantly taller at 634 m. Tokyo Tower’s decks go up to 250 m.

Buy advance tickets for Skytree Tembo Galleria to save ¥400 and avoid the queue.
Reserve Top Deck Tour at Tokyo Tower ahead, especially for evening slots — tours fill fast.
Check weather and visibility — on cloudy or hazy days, views are limited at both towers.
Start with Skytree in the morning, then visit Tokyo Tower later in evening for city lights contrast.
Bring a compact tripod or use stabilization — nighttime views at Tokyo Tower benefit from steady shots.Allow buffer time for transit and queues — elevators especially can cause delays.
Verify Top Deck operation — Tokyo Tower’s Top Deck may close due to high winds or maintenance.
Evening illumination: Both towers are illuminated at night, making a night visit rewarding.
Accessibility considerations: Skytree’s modern infrastructure may be more comfortable for mobility-limited guests.

Quick comparison – Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower

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