If you’re traveling to Japan’s capital, a visit to Tokyo Tower is a must. It’s one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions.
No trip to Japan is complete without a photo here, standing next to its spectacular lighting.
Next, you’ll learn more about this Japanese icon, each section it offers, and tips for making the most of your visit.
History of Tokyo Tower, the city’s symbol
The construction of Tokyo Tower was entirely based on the design of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, though it was created with a very different purpose.
When construction began in 1957, the main goal was to have it serve as a transmitter for NHK, Japan’s national public television network.
Just a year later, radio signal transmission was also added to its function.
Its red-and-white color scheme is typical for towers dedicated to broadcasting. Though broadcasting is no longer the tower’s primary purpose, it was decided to retain these colors as part of its classic image.
Standing at 315 meters, it is one of the tallest structures in Japan and is home to one of Tokyo’s top 8 observation decks.
Visiting Tokyo Tower
Before exploring Tokyo Tower, a great way to kickstart your adventure in the city is with a 24, 48, or 72-hour metro pass. This pass makes it easy to get around Tokyo, allowing you to reach the tower and nearby attractions without any hassle.
Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most popular destinations, visited by both tourists and locals alike.
It’s a quick visit that you can complete within a few hours, making it perfect to pair with other city tours.
Here’s what to expect inside:
FootTown
Your visit to the Tokyo Tower, also known as the Japan Tower, begins at its very base.
Here you’ll find FootTown, a hub of small eateries like restaurants and cafes.
FootTown is an ideal place to grab a drink or bite before your tour and snap some photos.
Food and drinks here are reasonably priced, and you’ll find international options, so there’s something for everyone.
However, before deciding to dine at FootTown, note that you can also enjoy a full menu and stunning views from the cafes at the Main Observatory.
In the FootTown area, there is a dedicated elevator that takes visitors to the other sections of the tower.
Main Observatory
The first spot to visit inside the tower is the Main Observatory, located 150 meters above the ground.
Here you’ll find additional cafes, such as Café La Tour and the Club333 Stage.
Both are highly recommended since, beyond offering snacks and beverages, the views make everything taste better.
Prices at these cafes are higher than those at FootTown, but it’s worth it to enjoy a drink with a view. That said, you won’t need to break the bank to have a memorable experience here.
For a truly memorable experience, consider visiting the observatory in the evening, when the city lights up. The views of Tokyo from the tower at night are truly breathtaking, providing a magical perspective on the bustling city below.
At this same level, you’ll find the Lookdown Window, a special glass-floor area that lets you peer down to the base of the tower and its surroundings, including the FootTown area.
There’s also a small shrine on the top floor of the observatory. Here, visitors can make prayers—although this is primarily a local custom, tourists are welcome to join in.
Top Deck: Special Observatory
The Special Observatory is a must-visit part of the tower.
Located 250 meters high, you can access it from the Main Observatory for an additional fee.
This observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, allowing for breathtaking, sweeping views that few other spots in Tokyo can match.
From here, you can see as far as Mount Fuji and the Tokyo SkyTree, which now handles the city’s radio and television broadcasts, a role once held by Tokyo Tower.
This high vantage point is perfect for taking photos; in addition to being an iconic location, it’s less crowded than the Main Observatory, providing more space for capturing spectacular shots.
Tower Illumination
Tokyo Tower features a top-tier lighting system, comparable to its inspiration: the Eiffel Tower.
This system is split into two modes: Landmark Light and Diamond Veil.
Both lighting styles transform the tower into a spectacular sight, especially at night, as it’s visible from nearly every part of the city.
Landmark Light
The Landmark Light is a classic lighting system often found on similar towers.
For Tokyo Tower, it’s used on “non-special” occasions, illuminating the structure in an orange hue during winter or a white glow for summer.
A total of 180 large, specialized lights bring the tower to life, highlighting its structure.
Diamond Veil
The Diamond Veil, as its name suggests, mimics a veil of diamonds.
The effect is truly fitting, as this lighting style makes the tower shimmer as if covered in millions of sparkling diamonds.
This system can display up to 7 different colors simultaneously, and even create unique lighting effects and shapes.
This special lighting is often reserved for important celebrations or commemorative events, such as:
- Breast cancer awareness campaigns
- World Diabetes Day
- Environmental awareness initiatives
Not long ago, Tokyo Tower celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland, as well as the Golden Wedding Anniversary of the Emperor and Empress. These important events were honored with special tower lighting.
This lighting system is also occasionally used for advertising campaigns. The most well-known cases include The Matrix Reloaded movie campaign in 2003 and a Coca-Cola campaign in 2004.
Tickets – Price and Visiting Hours
Tokyo Tower is open most of the time, but its different areas have independent schedules:
- The Main Observatory opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m.
- The Special Observatory opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m., with last entry at 8:30 p.m.
- FootTown opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. It’s best not to arrive right at closing time, as services may be limited.
Entry to the tower, which includes access to the Main Observatory, costs €9.50. If you purchase your ticket online (link here), you’ll get a small discount and avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter.
If you’d like to visit the Special Observatory as well, there’s an additional charge of €5.50. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes both observatories for €10.
The best value is the combo ticket for both observatories.
How to Get to Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is centrally located in Tokyo, about a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi and Onarimon metro stations, or a 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho metro station.
You can also reach the tower by walking from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote line, which takes around 15 minutes.
If you have a Tokyo Rail Pass, you can travel around the city for free and save money—perfect for a coffee break at one of Tokyo Tower’s many cafés.