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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree opened in Tokyo today and the city’s newest landmark is set to become an everlasting symbol of Tokyo. What is the Tokyo Skytree? It is a broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Tokyo, near Asakusa, which is a major tourist area.


A few facts about Tokyo Skytree:



• Stands at 634 meters
• The tallest structure in Japan
• World’s tallest freestanding broadcast structure
• Second highest building in the world behind Burj Khalifa in Dubai

The project was led by Tobu Railway and a group of broadcasters headed by NHK. One of the main purposes of the structure is to relay television and radio broadcast signals as the current facility, Tokyo Tower at 333 meters is no longer tall enough to provide complete coverage. The aim of the project was to create a structure that “transcends time and space”, and a design that allows the tower to function as both a transmitter and observatory. The project was completed on 29 February 2012 and opened to the public today on 22 May 2012.

Tokyo Skytree features two observation decks positioned at 350 and 450 meters from the ground that offer spectacular views over Tokyo. You can find more information on the Tokyo Skytree homepage

A must see on your next visit to Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree.

Find out more about the major tourist attractions in Tokyo


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12 comments:

  1. linaMay 22, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    Definitely a must see.

    Even if one does not plan to go up the tower, visiting the area and viewing it is definitely recommended too. :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMay 23, 2012 at 8:52 AM

      Thanks Lina, Definitely a must see even if you just visit the area as it is so impressive. It is also conveniently located close to Asakusa, so you can visit Sensoji temple and Nakamise shopping street as well :)

      John

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  2. RuroushaMay 22, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Today was cold and rainy, but I don't think that stopped the crowds. The tower was illuminated again tonight. Beautiful! :)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMay 23, 2012 at 8:54 AM

      Thanks Rurousha, Yes, I heard the weather was bad but it didn't keep away the crowds. You are lucky that you can enjoy the tower and must be amazing at night when illuminated.

      John

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  3. RuroushaMay 23, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    Me again. Do you know about the World Beer Museum in Sky Tree's shopping complex? Now you've got a really good reason to visit! :D

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    1. Japan-AustraliaMay 23, 2012 at 8:55 AM

      Hi Rurousha, Thanks for stopping by again. I didn't know that! That's good though as like you said, another good reason to visit the area :)

      John

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  4. UnknownMay 25, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    I'm heading to Tokyo this weekend, I hope I can squeeze in a visit to the Sky Tree - my itinerary is already packed!

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    1. Japan AustraliaMay 25, 2012 at 1:04 PM

      Thanks Ru-chan, I'm sure you are going to have a great time in Tokyo. If you are anywhere near Asakusa, you should be able to get some nice views of the Skytree. Have a great time and look forward to hearing about your adventures :)

      John

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  5. UnknownJune 6, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I'm sure it will be too crowded for sometime to get in and go to the top, but as you said, it would be fun to checkout the stores and restaurants at the bottom. Aand it has been a long time since I explores that area :-)

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJune 6, 2012 at 5:10 PM

      Thanks Thomas, Yes, sounds very busy and crowded at the moment, but love Asakusa and would be a fun area to checkout. Let us know what you think if you ever visit.

      John

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  6. smudgeonJune 9, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    i was in Japan last week - got out of the station at Asakusa to see hundreds of people in the street taking photos of this tower. i had no idea it had only just opened. it's rather striking.

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    1. Japan-AustraliaJune 10, 2012 at 1:49 PM

      Thanks Smudgeon, It does stand out and is already an icon of the city. Asakusa is an amazing part of Tokyo and some great views of the Skytree can be seen from there.

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