Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower both dominate Tokyo’s skyline and draw millions of visitors for panoramic city views. Each offers a distinct experience—from modern heights to nostalgic charm. If you must pick one (or try both), here’s a complete side-by-side guide to help you choose.
| 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 |
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.
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.
Wide panoramic windows offering sweeping views across Tokyo and distant landscapes.
360° view of Tokyo neighborhoods and landmarks from mid-height.
Yes—they are reachable by public transport in Tokyo. Start early at Skytree, then move to Tower later that day for varied views.
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.
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.
Skytree may engage children more with glass floors and futuristic elements. Tokyo Tower offers a simpler, more relaxed viewing experience.
They’re several subway transfers apart (Sumida to Minato ward). It takes perhaps 30–45 minutes depending on routes and transfers.
Choose Tokyo Skytree for sheer height, modern design, and panoramic reach. Choose Tokyo Tower if you prefer centrality, nostalgia, and a more relaxed visit.
Skytree gives views from much greater height and offers glass-floor skywalks. Tower gives classic cityscape views, especially beautiful at night.
No standard combined ticket exists specifically for these two towers, but some Tokyo attraction passes or city cards may include them.
Plan ~1–1.5 hours at Skytree (for both decks) and ~1–2 hours at Tower (if you include Top Deck).
Tokyo Skytree is significantly taller at 634 m. Tokyo Tower’s decks go up to 250 m.
TOKYO SKYTREE Tickets
TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck Night Entry Tickets with Alcoholic Drink
Tokyo Tower Tickets
Tokyo Tower Top Deck Tickets