Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree: A Complete Visitor's Guide

TL;DR: Which Tower Should You Visit?

Choose Tokyo Skytree if: You want the ultimate viewing experience from Japan’s tallest structure. Skytree takes visitors to 350-451 meters via ultra-fast elevators, offering superior panoramic views of Tokyo. The complex includes a shopping mall, aquarium, and multiple dining options, making it a comprehensive half-day destination. The streamlined access and self-paced exploration make it the most efficient choice for tourists prioritizing sweeping cityscapes and modern convenience.

Choose Tokyo Tower if: You seek a nostalgic, interactive experience at Tokyo’s 1958 Eiffel Tower-inspired landmark. Tokyo Tower offers unique activities like climbing 600 stairs to the observation deck (weekends only) and photographing its distinctive reflective interiors. While the viewing height is lower (250 meters vs Skytree’s 350+), the tower provides a different perspective of Tokyo, including views of Skytree itself. The nearby Zōjō-ji temple creates picturesque photo opportunities blending traditional and modern Tokyo.

The bottom line: Tokyo Skytree delivers better views and more attractions in less time. Tokyo Tower offers heritage, hands-on experiences, and superior photography opportunities. Visitors with limited time should prioritize Skytree’s Tembo Deck. Those with flexibility can visit both for complementary perspectives of the city, as each tower showcases different aspects of Tokyo’s character—one modern and efficient, the other historic and interactive.

Tokyo offers two iconic observation towers: Tokyo Tower (333 meters) and Tokyo Skytree (634 meters). Both provide stunning aerial views of the city, but each offers distinct experiences. This guide covers everything visitors need to know to decide whether to visit both, just one, or neither.

Tokyo Skytree Overview

Arrival and Attractions

Upon arriving at Tokyo Skytree, visitors will find surprisingly diverse attractions beyond the tower itself. The Sumida Aquarium features popular exhibits of penguins and jellyfish, earning positive reviews from guests. Adjacent to the tower, the Solamachi shopping mall offers extensive retail options, from snacks and restaurants to general shopping.

Ticketing and Reservations

Purchasing tickets for Skytree is straightforward through their online system. After booking, visitors receive an email with a QR code to present upon arrival. Same-day tickets are typically available, though booking in advance is recommended for specific time slots. Morning and sunset slots tend to be more competitive. The tower operates time slots every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM until 8:30 PM.

The Lower Deck (Tembo Deck)

The Tembo Deck sits at 350 meters and can be reached via one of Japan’s fastest elevators, traveling at 600 meters per minute. This main observation area offers multiple floors of attractions and amenities.

At the 350-meter level, visitors will find the Skytree Cafe serving beer, cocktails, snacks, and lemonade. The deck features Sorakara-chan, the tower’s mascot, available for photo opportunities. As the world’s tallest free-standing broadcast tower, Skytree invites guests to make wishes “to be number one” on special paper ribbons that can be purchased as souvenirs.

Free commemorative stamps are available throughout the facility—a popular collecting activity at Japanese tourist sites and train stations. Staff members assist with stamping, creating a fun memento of the visit.

Descending to 345 meters reveals a restaurant level, while the 340-meter floor features a glass floor offering vertiginous views straight down. This lower level tends to be less crowded than the main 350-meter deck, making it ideal for those seeking unobstructed photo opportunities.

The official shop on one of these floors sells Skytree merchandise and limited-edition collaborations with various franchises throughout the year. Checking the website before visiting can reveal current special events.

Dining Options

Restaurant 634 (pronounced “Musashi”) operates on the 345-meter floor. The name references the tower’s height—634 meters—which itself honors Musashi, the historical name of the area. This number combination works because Japanese numbers can be pronounced multiple ways: mu (6), sa (3), shi (4).

The restaurant offers French course meals and teppanyaki dinner options, plus a lunch course. While quite pricey, it provides an opportunity to dine with spectacular views. Reservations can be made through their website.

The Top Deck (Tembo Galleria)

For an additional fee, visitors can access the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. Unlike Tokyo Tower’s timed top deck entry, Skytree allows guests to proceed to the top deck at their own pace after entering the main deck.

The ascent involves another elevator ride, during which ear-popping from altitude change is common. The top deck features a spiral ramp that gradually ascends, offering changing perspectives of the cityscape. The highest accessible point, called Sorakara Point, reaches 451.2 meters.

At this elevation, a slight swaying sensation similar to being on a boat becomes noticeable—those sensitive to motion sickness should be aware. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible in the distance, though only the peak can be seen and views are weather-dependent.

Recommended Visit Duration

A thorough visit to Tokyo Skytree typically requires 1.5 to 2 hours. The online ticketing system allows guests to move at their own pace once inside, making timing relatively flexible. Those visiting in winter should note that sunset occurs around 4:30 PM, and the efficient elevator system means reaching the observation decks takes minimal time.

Tokyo Tower Overview

Arrival and Facilities

Tokyo Tower offers a more focused experience than Skytree. The main attraction is the tower itself, though several restaurants, a food court, and gift shops are available. These shops sell Tokyo Tower merchandise and general Tokyo-themed goods, including Tokyo Banana, a popular local confection.

Ticketing and Access

Online reservations are recommended for Tokyo Tower. The Top Deck Tour offers slots every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 10:15 PM, with the top deck closing at 10:45 PM. Same-day reservations are usually possible due to frequent time slots, though planning ahead is wise during holidays or busy seasons. Those purchasing tickets at the counter should note that only cash is accepted.

The Stairs Challenge

Tokyo Tower offers a unique feature unavailable at Skytree: climbing 600 stairs to the main deck. This option is available only on weekends and holidays. Visitors take an elevator to the rooftop of Foot Town (marked as ‘R’ for Roof, approximately the 5th floor), where the stairway entrance labeled “Stairs 600” begins.

The climb takes 10-15 minutes for most people, with step counters marking progress along the way. The tower’s website notes that even toddlers can complete the climb. Built in 1958 and modeled after the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower’s outdoor stairs provide a windy but engaging alternative to elevator access. However, the experience can be exhausting, and many visitors find taking the elevator more practical.

The Lower Deck (Main Deck)

The main deck sits at 150 meters (492 feet). Multiple official shops throughout this area sell Tokyo Tower merchandise, including novelties like 410-yen Tokyo Tower water, candy, and cookies. Goshuin (traditional temple and shrine stamps) are also available at the official store.

The main deck’s first floor features a glass floor section where visitors can look straight down—an experience that elicits excited (and sometimes fearful) reactions. This lower level tends to be less crowded, as many visitors don’t discover it until they’re ready to leave.

One interesting fact: Tokyo Tower’s red and white coloring stems from aviation laws requiring high structures to be visible to aircraft. While modern regulations rely primarily on red warning lights, the tower maintains its distinctive color scheme.

Free commemorative stamps are available here as well for collectors.

The Top Deck

Accessing the top deck at 250 meters (with the tower’s total height reaching 333 meters) requires a timed reservation and additional fee. Unlike Skytree’s streamlined approach, reaching Tokyo Tower’s top involves watching an introductory video and taking several different elevators, consuming 20-25 minutes.

The top deck features distinctive shiny, reflective architecture that creates striking photo opportunities—arguably more photogenic than Skytree’s top deck. However, the viewing height is lower than Skytree’s main deck. Tokyo Skytree is visible in the distance from this vantage point.

The top deck experiences noticeable swaying, which may affect those with motion sickness. Despite the height, bathrooms are available at the top deck level.

Viewing Tokyo Tower from Outside

For exterior views of Tokyo Tower, Zōjō-ji temple provides an excellent vantage point. This temple setting creates a uniquely Japanese aesthetic, combining traditional architecture with the modern tower.

Comparing the Two Towers

For Views: Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree offers superior viewing experiences overall. The Tembo Deck at 350 meters provides excellent perspectives, and the essential viewing experience justifies the admission price. The cafe at the main deck level offers a particularly enjoyable way to spend time with the view—possibly more worthwhile than ascending to the top deck.

For Photography: Tokyo Tower’s Top Deck

While Skytree excels for panoramic views, Tokyo Tower’s top deck provides more unique photo opportunities thanks to its reflective, shiny architectural elements. These create distinctive Instagram-worthy shots unavailable at Skytree.

For Overall Experience: Consider Time Available

The top deck at Tokyo Tower is recommended primarily for visitors with ample time or those specifically seeking unusual photo opportunities. For straightforward viewing purposes, Skytree’s main deck sufficiently satisfies most visitors.

External Viewing Locations

Both towers can be appreciated from outside without purchasing admission:

• Tokyo Skytree: The Genmori Bridge area along the Sumida River provides excellent views and a pleasant walking environment
• Tokyo Tower: Zōjō-ji temple offers photogenic views combining traditional and modern Tokyo elements

Final Recommendations

Tokyo Skytree stands out as the more essential Tokyo experience, particularly the lower Tembo Deck. The cafe provides an enjoyable way to extend the visit while taking in views. The entire experience typically takes 1.5-2 hours.

Tokyo Tower offers a more nostalgic experience with unique features like the stair-climbing option and distinctive top deck architecture. However, the longer access time to reach the top deck and lower viewing height make it less essential for those prioritizing views alone.

Visitors with limited time should prioritize Tokyo Skytree. Those with more flexibility can enjoy both towers, as each provides a different perspective on Tokyo and its own unique character.

Considering Other Options?

If you’re exploring all of Tokyo’s observation deck options, you might also want to consider Shibuya Sky, the open-air rooftop observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square. While Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower offer enclosed viewing experiences at significant heights, Shibuya Sky provides a completely different atmosphere with its 229-meter open-air rooftop, trendy downtown location, and direct views of the famous Shibuya Crossing. For a detailed comparison of these two modern observation experiences, check out our Shibuya Sky vs Tokyo Skytree guide.