Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Visiting Tokyo Towers Top Deck

How long will a Tokyo Tower tour take?

I visited Tokyo Tower for the time in the warmer parts of summer and the climb to the top was a little tougher than I expected. However, visiting in the cooler months in spring or fall would be far easier for anyone who wants to avoid the extreme humidity of summer.

Depending on the day of the week you visit Tokyo Tower will determine the amount of time it takes to see the tower. Generally, the tower tour should take about one hour. The tower has an open-air viewing area that has 600 steps to reach the viewing platform. Climbing the stairs should take 12-15 minutes at an average pace.

How many observation decks does Tokyo Tower have?

Tokyo Tower has two decks. The main deck viewing area at 150 meters or 490 feet is a two-story viewing platform. A second and higher platform called the top deck is positioned at 250 meters or 819 feet. It is also referred to as the special observatory. Both the main deck and the top deck have incredible views of the Tokyo cityscape. Both areas have employees to point out points of interest around the 360 views from each platform.

A friend told me before I visited that the Top Deck (highest viewing platform) was a must-see and I would be much more impressed by seeing it on a clear night. She was right. I would not be lying if I said I stood in amazement for 10 minutes before I could believe the incredible views.

On a side note, I visited Tokyo Tower twice once on the weekend and a daytime visit on a Monday.

As a general rule, it is best to visit Tokyo Tower on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid long lines and crowds that may make it harder to move around the observation areas and get the best possible photos and see the skyline.

Can you see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower?

Obviously, your visit to Tokyo Tower would need to be during the daytime, unlike my night visit to see Mount Fuji. My daytime visit was obscured by the summer haze.

As a general rule if you want to see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower make sure you visit on a clear day in the less humid months of spring, fall or winter and avoid the rainy season (early June to mid-July) as the mountain will most likely be harder to see.

What is the closest station to Tokyo Tower?

I was undecided at the time whether or not to take a taxi to the tower and since it was a good distance from my hotel and I wanted to save a little cash and take the train.

Depending on where you’re staying in Tokyo you’ll want to visit Tokyo Tower by either taxi, local bus, or train. If you opt for train the closest station to the tower is Onarimon Station. Once you reach the station your walk time to the tower will be about 5-10 minutes.

How much does Tokyo Tower Admission cost?

See the table below for admission rates for the main deck and top deck areas. (prices are subject to change)

TOKYO TOWER ADMISSION
RATES
The Main Deck Tokyo Tower Cost 150 meters (492 feet) Top Deck Tour 250 meters
(819 feet)
Adult (19 years and older)1,200 Yenonline price 2,800 yen / At the ticket counter 3,000 yen
Ages 16-181,000 Yenonline price 2,600 yen / At the ticket counter
2,800 yen
Ages 7-15 700 yenonline price 1,800 yen / At the ticket counter
2,000 yen
Ages 4-6500 yenonline price 1,200 yen / At the ticket counter
1,400 yen
Group rate 20-49 persons ages 19 and older1,080 yenmax 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 16-18 (group rate)900 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 7-15 (group rate)630 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 4-6 (group rate) 450 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Group rate 50 or more persons
Adult (19 years and older)
960 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 16-18 (group rate)800 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 7-15 (group rate)560 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Ages 4-6 (group rate)400 yen max 10 persons purchase at one time.
Standard rate applies for TOP DECK
Notation Top Deck admission may be canceled during high wind or snowCheck with admissions
Notation Group tours can pick up tickets at the group ticket window FootTown 1FTop Deck tickets include admission to the main deck as well.

What is around Tokyo Tower?

If you are afraid of heights and want to visit the tower and view it from the base or adjacent areas you are still in luck. At the bottom of the tower is a four-story building called FootTown. Inside are a couple of surprises visitors will love.

FootTown located at the base of Tokyo Tower has many tourist attractions. On the first floor is the Aquarium Gallery, The Tower Restaurant (400 seating capacity) Family Mart (A Japanese convenience store), and a souvenir shop. The second floor houses a food court (including a Mcdonalds). The third floor has a Guinness World Records museum and a celebrity wax museum. The fourth floor has an optical illusion museum that you can interact with.

There are elevators located in the FootTown building for access to the observation area above. On my second visit, I opted for the lazy guy’s way of getting to the top.

Is Tokyo tower taller than Eiffel Tower?

Never having been to Paris and just by estimation from photos I assumed that the Eiffel tower was much taller.

Tokyo Tower was in fact inspired by the Eiffel tower. However, it is 30 feet or (9 meters) taller than the French icon. The total height of the tower is 1093 feet or (333 meters).

Why Tokyo Tower was built?

The tower was built in the 1950s and finally completed in 1958 originally serving as a broadcasting tower for radio and TV. It came to be a symbol of post-war recovery for Japan after the extensive bombing of Tokyo in the final years of World War II

Why is the Tokyo Tower Famous?

Tourism made famous Tokyo Tower as well as being a symbol for Tokyo itself. The tower was Japan’s tallest structure until it was overshadowed by the Tokyo Skytree or simply known as Skytree in 2012 upon its completion.

Is Tokyo Tower or SkyTree better?

I love Tokyo tower. I am often asked which is better. The Tower or Skytree. That’s not an easy answer, but I suppose it comes down to personal preference.

Tokyo Tower is part of Japan’s past and it feels that way as well. Skytree is a wonder of modern engineering. If you want to get a feel for Japan’s history and see the city more intimately visit Tokyo Tower. If you love the modern and sleek high-tech feel of modern Japan and its future then Skytree is what you will want to see.

If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.

japanese proverb

10 Great Restaurants near Tokyo Tower?

The great thing about Tokyo Tower is that it’s surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Tokyo. Each restaurant on my list is either at the Tower or less than a five-minute walk.

  • Kinkatsu Tokyo Tower
  • Tokyo Tower Highball Garden
  • Cafe Di Espresso 
  • Shabu Shabu Yakiniku Tabehoudai Merino Ginza
  • Kushikatsu Dengana Hamamatsucho Hamasite
  • Umeiya
  • Mother Farm Cafe Tokyo Tower
  • Café La Tour
  • Cafe Mugiwara
  • Tango

What are the 10 closest hotels to Tokyo Tower?

Every hotel here is less than one mile from Tokyo Tower and most are less than half a mile. Imagine an evening stroll to see one of Tokyo’s best-known attractions. Upon my next visit, I plan to stay as close as possible to avoid a long commute to one of my favorite destinations in Japan.

  • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho Daimon
  • Tokyo Prince Hotel
  • Shiba Park Hotel
  • Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
  • HOTEL MYSTAYS Hamamatsucho
  • Meitetsu Inn Hamamatsucho
  • Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai
  • Richmond Hotel Tokyo Shiba
  • Tokyo Grand Hotel
  • Tokyo Toranomon Tokyu REI Hotel

In summary, my visit to Tokyo Tower was awe-inspiring. Day or Night Tokyo is something really special. A skyline that seems to go on forever. I could spend an entire month exploring the area around the Tower and never grow tired or run out of adventures to discover.

My fascination with Japan began several years back at a roadside bonsai stand while on vacation. I became more interested in the where and why's more than the trees themselves. My love of Bonsai led me to further research my interest in the gardens where they originated from and the places and people that surrounded those little trees. My curiosity was well rewarded upon visiting Saitama where the National Bonsai Museum was located and Omiya Village the bonsai mecca for lovers of this ancient art form. Exploring many towns and villages and even making my way to Japan's furthest southern prefecture of Okinawa. I hope to share my love of this wonderful and exotic place with all those who want to know more about Japan.