Tokyo Tower is in the city’s heart and is one of its oldest icons. It opened in 1958 and has been a popular photo spot ever since. So many sights and scenes are visible from its observation decks. You could go wild there with a camera. But it does have some problems. Anyway, let’s explore it.
If you don’t know, Tokyo Tower has two observation floors. One is 150 meters above the ground and the other at 250 meters. This article is only concerned with the lower one. I’ll get to the top eventually!
But the views? They are excellent. In some directions, you can see very far. But in others, not so.
When the tower opened, it was the tallest structure in Tokyo. Not anymore. Things kept evolving.
Taller and taller buildings have gone up. It’s been nonstop. Clusters of them are throughout the city. It reminds me of the Star Wars Death Star from Star Wars. Concrete, steel, and glass cover the landscape.
The skyscrapers around the tower are a double-edged sword. They make the views more attractive and have created photo opportunities. Tokyo has that sci-fi look, especially at night. But there the buildings are so close together that they block views completely. While in other places, there are gaps through which to shoot. Some find that a real negative. Not everyone likes it, but I do.
In 1953, the national broadcaster NHK started operations. Private companies soon followed suit. As airwaves filled, the Japanese government believed they’d need many transmitters. That was something it wanted to avoid. The solution was to construct one large tower that covered the entire region. It would also be a monument to the country’s growing economic prosperity. They’d base it on the most cultured of structures, the Eiffel Tower.
Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
Here it is on Google maps:
Train access
Six train and subway stations are nearby! They include Akebanebashi, Daimon, Hamamatsucho, Kamiyacho, Onarimon, and Shibakoen. See them on the map.
The main deck is ￥1500, while the top one is ￥3100 if you buy tickets at the counter. Buy them online and get a small discount. For full details, consult the Tokyo Tower website.
Conclusion
Tokyo Tower has some flaws, but it is a great place. It’s fantastic for those who enjoy skyscrapers and cityscapes. And considering the price (for the main deck), it’s good value. Even after over fifty years, it is still going strong.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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