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Tokyo Tower: Observatories, Photo Spots, Nearby Hotels, and Access
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Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark for Tokyo's citizens. In this article, we introduce its observatories and restaurants, along with access and best photo spots. We've also included a list of hotels where the guests can enjoy the view of the tower from their rooms.
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東京
Tokyo Tower: A Brief History
Photo by Pixta
Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, is a 333-meter-high tower that functions as a radio and television broadcasting antenna support structure.
Although the construction methods at the time were not as sophisticated as today, it only took one year for the completion of the tower. Many people still praise the project, along with the expertise of the construction crew.
Photo by Pixta
Its design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in France. At the time of its opening, the beautifully crafted Tokyo Tower became famous as the highest freestanding steel tower in the world.
Tachu Naito, also known as "Professor Tower," designed the structure. Mr. Naito also designed the Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, the Sapporo Television Tower in Hokkaido, and the Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower (formerly known as Nagoya Television Tower) in Nagoya. These structures have all become landmarks of each area.
The Two Observatories of Tokyo Tower and Ticket Information
Tokyo Tower has two observatories open to the public: the Main Deck, located at 150 meters above the ground, and the Top Deck at 250 meters altitude. (*A reservation is required to reach the latter.)
Visitors can take the elevator, or climb the 600 steps, located outside, to the observatory*. The Tokyo landscape, and when the weather is fine, Mt. Fuji, can be seen from the decks.
*Only the Main Deck can be reached by the stairs.
| Admission | Main Deck | Top Deck |
| Adult | 1,200 yen | 3,000 yen (Online: 2,800 yen) |
| High School | 1,000 yen | 2,800 yen (Online: 2,600 yen) |
| Elementary and Junior High School | 700 yen | 2,000 yen (Online: 1,800 yen) |
| Infant | 500 yen | 1,400 yen (Online: 1,200 yen) |
There is also a 1 Day Pass (2,200 yen for adults), which allows a same-day re-entry into the tower. With this pass, visitors can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views.
Book the Tokyo Tower 1 Day Pass
Photo by Pixta
The Skywalk Window on the Main Deck allows visitors to view the ground below through a transparent glass floor. For those who are not afraid of the heights, this should be a truly thrilling experience.
Tower Daijingu Shrine, also located at the Main Deck, is the shrine located at the highest altitude within the 23 wards of Tokyo. Due to its location high above the ground, many students, in hopes of achieving high scores in entrance examinations, visit this shrine.
Photo by Pixta
Those who wish to take a break should visit Cafe La Tour on the first floor of the Main Deck. Try their delicious ice cream, a treat that can be tasted only at Tokyo Tower.
Photo by Pixta
Participants in the Top Deck Tour can enjoy a cutting-edge art installation using mirrors and LEDs, as well as the grand view. The tour includes a drink, along with an audio guide available in thirteen languages.
Facilities and Restaurants within Tokyo Tower
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Visitors can enjoy shopping and dining on the first and second floors of Tokyo Tower Foot Town.
There is a wide variety of dining facilities such as 31 Ice Cream (Baskin-Robbins), which serves seasonal flavors along with the standard menu. We also recommend Kinkatsu, a restaurant specializing in dan dan noodles without soup, served with miso-flavored ground meat, chili oil, special dressing, and sesame.
Recommended Photo Spots to Capture Tokyo Tower
Zojoji Temple
Photo by Pixta
Zojoji is the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate clan, which governed Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The temple has a history of more than 600 years and many important cultural properties are located on the grounds. Every year on December 31, many people visit the temple to listen to the Joya no Kane, bells ringing in the New Year.
There is another appeal to Zojoji. Being located close to Tokyo Tower, the temple is an ideal photo spot, with the tower in the background.
Tokyo Tower Underground Parking
Photo by Pixta
Although the parking lot used to be little known, a photograph on Instagram created a buzz. Currently, it has become a photo spot attracting tourists from all over the world.
The location can be found on Google Maps, by searching Tokyo Tower Underground Parking.
Shiba Park
Photo by Pixta
In the Edo Period (1603-1868), a section of Shiba Park used to be a part of Zojoji Temple. This area was turned over to the park in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Shiba Park is one of the oldest public gardens in Japan.
Visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms and roses, and also take exotic photographs of Tokyo Tower with the blossoms at its feet.
Mita-dori Avenue
Photo by Pixta
As Tokyo is filled with high-rise buildings, Tokyo Tower can be seen between buildings, from certain streets.
Mita-dori is such a street, offering a full view of the tower. It is an ideal spot to take photographs.
Recommended Hotels Near Tokyo Tower
The following is a list of three popular hotels close to Tokyo Tower.
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo (Five Stars)
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo is a five-star hotel, offering a pleasant and luxurious atmosphere. The facility will become a gorgeous memory of your trip to Tokyo!
The highlight of this hotel is the great view. Famous sites, such as Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace, can be seen from the upper guestrooms and restaurants. The stay, whether it is business or sightseeing, will create a long-lasting impression.
Tokyo Prince Hotel (Four Stars)
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Tokyo Prince Hotel is a four-star hotel, with a wide variety of rooms.
From standard to deluxe suites, guests will be able to choose from various fares and types, according to their preferences.
Shiba Park Hotel (Four Stars)
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Shiba Park Hotel, established in 1948, is a mix of old and new.
It offers a wide lineup of meals, from Japanese to international dishes. The facility has an open library of about 1,500 books, and the guests can read about Japanese culture, architecture, and art, in a luxurious setting.
Enjoy the Views at Tokyo Tower!
Tokyo Tower, with a history of more than 60 years, is still shining bright, and its presence makes travelers grasp the history and beauty of Japan's capital.
The tower's light-up changes regularly, and the facility hosts various events as well. On your next visit, be sure to climb the tower, instead of just taking a photograph.
Tokyo Tower: Ticket Information
Main image by Pixta
Written by
東京
Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo.
Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter.
My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers.
Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles.
Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia.
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/
Instagram → @mihowang47
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