Tokyo Tower

Since 1958, a striking orange and white tower standing nearly 333 meters has stood watch over the quickly growing city of Tokyo, echoing the elegance of the Eiffel Tower. It was designed for the purpose of communication, but an observation deck was included. Not wanting to fill its skyline with several orange and white towers, it was decided that one large tower capable of servicing a larger area was the answer. Its vivid colors were chosen to meet the air safety standards of the era. Across Japan, smaller versions of these orange and white towers dot the landscape, but none are as iconic as Tokyo Tower itself. Its bold silhouette is instantly recognizable and often features in Japanese media.

 The towers designed followed the second world war, Japan was searching for an icon to symbolize hope and recovery. The design fell to famed tall building specialist Tachu Naito, who looked to France for inspiration. Unlike France which rarely experiences earthquakes, Naito challenged himself to make a tower which could withstand an earthquake twice the size of the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and strong enough to withstand the powerful typhoons which frequently hit Japan. The tower was built from steel and one third was sourced from US tanks damaged in the Korean war. Aiding the notion that out of war, peace and hope will drive the people forward. In a poetic irony the Eifel tower which inspired Tokyo tower was dethroned as the tallest freestanding building by it upon its completion by just 9 meters. Tokyo tower also weighs less than the Eifel tower as it is thinner. The final cost was around 2.8 billion yen and in 2000 the Tower was remortgaged for 10 billion.

 Every five years, a dedicated team spends an entire year repainting the tower, preserving its vibrant appearance. However, with advances in technology the tower received a coat of paint in 2019 designed to withstand the elements better and requiring repainting every 7 years instead. The next repainting is due for this year 2026. A fun fact is that it requires around 28,000 liters of paint to coat Tokyo tower. Today, guests are greeted by a spectacle of lights which decorate the tower; however, this was not always the case. After a decline in popularity in the 80s there was a bid to revamp the towers’ look. The new lighting arrangement allows the tower to sport unique colors depending on the season and if any big event is taking place, such as turning the tower pink for breast cancer awareness. Every new year it displays a countdown clock to welcome the new year.

 In 1961, the tower took on a new role, sprouting antennas for radio and TV broadcasts. Back then, Tokyo’s skyline was a patchwork of low buildings, a far cry from today’s bustling metropolis. The city was once a sea of rice paddies, with fields stretching across flood-prone land. As Tokyo expanded, skyscrapers began to rise, transforming the city into the sprawling capital we know now. Eventually, Tokyo Tower was overshadowed by taller buildings, and its role as a communications hub faded, passing the torch to Tokyo Skytree in 2012.

 Tokyo Tower has always stood as a testament to the city's vibrant spirit, built with tourism at its very core. After 2012, the Tower embraced this role fully, becoming a magnet for travelers. Adventurous visitors can ascend to observation decks via elevator or take the outdoor staircases for a thrilling, open-air climb, weather permitting. Beneath the tower, a bustling five-story complex awaits, brimming with culinary delights showcasing local flavors, as well as a variety of shops perfect for finding the ideal souvenir. The Tower’s attractions don’t end there: guests can marvel at lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical icons, explore an aquarium reminiscent of Skytree’s, or wander through the Guinness World Records Museum and a vibrant art gallery. Before the pandemic, Tokyo Tower even offered a whimsical One Piece-themed amusement park, where fans could dive into the world of their favorite manga and pick up exclusive merchandise.

 Tokyo tower has featured in a very long list of animes and Japanese medias most iconically is Godzilla where the tower has been destroyed and rebuilt several times after it has been damaged or even used as a weapon by one of the shows many Kaiju. Some of my personal favorites are its appearance in Tokyo magnitude 8.0 where it featured as a symbol of hope, Death note where it features often as the show takes place around the city, Sakomoto Days, Death note and many more. The tower features on many tourists to do lists and until last month it was also on mine. After finally visiting the tower, I was able to understand a little more why it is still popular despite Skytree being taller and newer. Tokyo tower represents an age gone by, a bygone era where it once was the tallest thing on the skyline, the tower’s look is unique, and I feel it personally has more charm and character compared to Skytree. The tower offers spectacular views and offers an insight into how Tokyo has expanded.

 There are plenty of places to explore once you are done and the tower is located near a park which can be explored for free. There is a beautiful shrine in the park so you can enjoy history and a more peaceful aspect of Japan. Whilst those wanting to see the tallest tower can enjoy a more modern experience with Skytree. Tokyo tower for me will always be more iconic, many people grew up with the tower always being there, I feel it is often the first tower which comes to mind should you mention you are visiting a tower in Tokyo.

I recommend Tokyo Tower to those with busier schedules as the tower does not take as long as explore as Skytree. The tower is well connected and there are many forms of transportation in the area. The walk through the park is pleasant but for those short on time there are buses available. The tower is open till late so you can enjoy nighttime or bustling daytime skylines. The tower offers different tickets; the top observatory can be accessed with a higher priced ticket. There is currently a diamond lounge experience that has limited tickets daily. For those purchasing the more expensive tickets you will be able to use the VIP elevators and enjoy more perks. But for those simply wanting to experience the tower the cheaper ticket offering just one observation floor is perfect for just this.

I fully recommend spending at least a few hours here and then treating yourself to some good food in the nearby areas. Tickets can be purchased online, and I recommend doing so to avoid queuing in line for tickets. Tickets for the second floor are time slotted so be sure to buy in advance should you want to visit as once they are sold out you will not be able to go to the top floor or limited exhibitions.