Up in the Air

Standing at an impressive six hundred and thirty-four meters tall, Tokyo Skytree proudly overlooks the sprawling metropolis that stretches as far as the eye can see. Since its opening in 2012, it has held the title of the tallest structure in Japan. Originally built as a radio and TV tower, its coverage has become somewhat limited due to the surrounding high-rise buildings that were built after.

A fun fact about Skytree is that it was completed on Leap Day. The tower was designed in a neo-futuristic style, while incorporating elements of traditional Japanese beauty. At the core of its design is a strong emphasis on safety and security.

Tokyo Skytree has been constructed with earthquakes in mind, featuring seismic-proofing and a reinforced concrete shaft. The design aims to keep the centre of gravity as close to the middle as possible, ensuring that Skytree is one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. This concept remined me a lot of St Pauls and the famous wartime image of St Pauls emerging out of the fire and smoke unharmed. An icon of hope over the desolate landscape.

The tower offers two observation decks and a glass skywalk. It also has LEDS which showcase an array of colours that represent various Japanese values. Inside, the elevators are decorated to reflect the beauty of Japan’s different seasons. The name "Skytree" was selected through a public vote conducted by a jury of six, receiving thirty percent of the original votes.

Skytree has also made appearances in numerous anime series, and in a few disaster-themed shows, it has even been destroyed in some titles. Today, the tower is a famous addition to Tokyo’s skyline, providing panoramic views; on clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen. During my visit, I opted for the night view, watching as Tokyo transformed into a sea of golden twinkling lights. The nightscape from the tower was breathtaking and the sea of gold that surrounded me really put into perspective the sheer size of Tokyo.

It is reported that people waited an entire week in line to get tickets for the grand opening, and tours were fully booked for the first two months of operation. The opening day was eventful, with high winds and rain forcing the closure of two elevators, which left some visitors stranded up the tower for a few hours. In its first week, approximately 1.6 million people visited Skytree.

Today, Skytree continues to be a popular hotspot, with the surrounding area offering a variety of entertainment and dining options. Visitors can enjoy an aquarium, a planetarium, a postal museum, a petting zoo, and much more. The tower features multiple floors filled with diverse dining options and is often a location for school trips from nearby Tokyo schools.

Having finally ticked off Skytree from my list, I still plan to visit the other famous tower in Tokyo, opting to experience it once the sun sets and the twinkling golden lights of the city emerge. Skytree is recommended for first-time tourists to Japan and will provide several hours of sights and history.