東京タワー · Iconic Red Tower

Tokyo Tower Complete Guide: Tickets, Views & What to See

The 1958 red-and-white classic that still defines Tokyo's skyline — tickets, viewpoints, and what makes it different from Skytree

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Tokyo Tower is the most-photographed structure in Tokyo. The red-and-white Eiffel Tower lookalike has been standing in central Tokyo since 1958, built when post-war Japan needed a symbol of recovery and modernity. At 333 meters, it is shorter than the Tokyo Skytree (634m) but stands in a more central, more atmospheric setting — and the photographs of the tower from Zojoji Temple or Roppongi Hills are far more iconic than any view from inside it.

This guide covers the practical visit (tickets, hours, what's inside) but also the alternative — for many visitors, the photograph OF Tokyo Tower from outside is more rewarding than going up it. Here's how to do both well.

Height333 m (1,092 ft)

Opened1958

Observation decksMain Deck (150m), Top Deck (250m)

Hours09:00–22:30 daily

Getting to Tokyo Tower

• Toei Oedo Line: Akabanebashi Station, Akabanebashi Exit — 5-minute walk. The closest station.
• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Kamiyacho Station, Exit 1 — 7-minute walk.
• Toei Mita Line: Onarimon Station, Exit A1 — 6-minute walk.
• JR Yamanote Line: Hamamatsucho Station, North Exit — 15-minute walk.
• From Roppongi Hills: 12-minute walk south, past Zojoji Temple.

Ticket Types

Ticket	Adult	Child
Main Deck (150m)	¥1,500	¥700
Top Deck Tour (150m + 250m)	¥3,500	¥1,600
Climb the stairs (600 steps, weekends only)	Free with Main Deck ticket	—

Where to buy

• At the tower: standard prices, usually short queues except weekend afternoons.
• Klook online: often 10–15% discount + skip-the-line. View Klook Tokyo Tower tickets.
• Combo passes with other attractions (One Piece Tower previously, now check current bundles).

Top Deck Tour requires booking a time slot. The Top Deck (250m) is reservation-only — book online or buy on arrival for the next available slot. Usually 30–60 min wait.

The Two Observation Decks

Main Deck (150m)

Two floors of viewing. Lower visibility distance than Skytree (the building is shorter and more central, so foreground buildings block more distant views). Best for: a quick visit, families with kids, the panoramic glass-bottom skywalk section.

• Glass floor: a small section showing straight down 150m. Same idea as Skytree but smaller.
• Cafe and shops: Tokyo Tower-themed merchandise.
• Live music or seasonal events occasionally on the deck.

Top Deck (250m)

Smaller deck at the higher level, mirrored interior creating an immersive viewing experience. Less crowded due to the higher ticket price + reservation requirement.

• Mirror walls: the dramatic mirrored interior of the deck.
• Drink included: the Top Deck ticket includes a welcome drink at the cafe.
• Audio guide: included; provides architecture and tower history.

Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree

The eternal question for Tokyo visitors.

Tokyo Tower (333m, 1958)

Lower, more central, more iconic from below. Better photo TARGET.

Tokyo Skytree (634m, 2012)

Higher, eastern, more impressive from inside. Better photo VIEW.

For one observation

Skytree wins — twice the height, broader views.

For one tower photo

Tokyo Tower wins — Zojoji Temple foreground is iconic.

For most travellers, the best strategy is: photograph Tokyo Tower from outside (free, iconic) and go up Tokyo Skytree for the actual observation experience (paid, dramatic views).

Best Photo Spots OF Tokyo Tower

The photographs of Tokyo Tower that define Tokyo travel are taken from outside. Several iconic angles:

Zojoji Temple foreground

The most-Instagrammed Tokyo Tower angle — the temple's traditional gate (Sangedatsumon) framed against the modern tower behind. The contrast of old wood and red steel works perfectly. Free, public access.

• Best time: sunset (16:00–17:30 winter, 18:00–19:30 summer) when the tower lights up.
• Best angle: standing inside the temple grounds, looking south.
• Access: 5-minute walk from Onarimon Station.

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower observation deck

The 250-meter Mori Tower observation deck (¥2,200) frames Tokyo Tower in the middle distance, with the Tokyo skyline behind. The classic "Tokyo Tower with skyline" shot.

• Tokyo City View (52F): indoor observation.
• Sky Deck (54F, weather permitting): outdoor rooftop, ¥500 add-on. The actual photo level.

Shiba Park

The park directly south of Tokyo Tower. Clean angle of the tower against the sky, especially beautiful in late autumn when the ginkgo trees turn gold. Free, open 24 hours.

Akabanebashi Bridge / Roppongi-dori

Looking up the boulevard, Tokyo Tower rises at the end. A more modern composition with highway elevators in the foreground.

Toranomon Hills upper floor

Free lobby views from the upper floors of the Toranomon Hills office tower.

The Prince Park Tower Hotel

The hotel's upper-floor restaurants and bar have direct views of Tokyo Tower. Bar minimum drink purchase usually around ¥1,500.

The classic Tokyo Tower shot: Zojoji Temple foreground + Tokyo Tower at twilight (blue hour, ~15 min after sunset). The temple gate is in natural light, the tower is illuminated, the sky is deep blue. Plan to arrive 45 min before sunset to settle in.

Tokyo Tower Lighting

The tower's lighting changes through the year and across nights:

• Landmark Light (default): warm orange in winter, white in summer. Standard since 1989.
• Diamond Veil (special): twice nightly at the top of the hour from 20:00–22:00. Multi-color diamond pattern. 20-minute show.
• Special illuminations: pink during cherry blossom season, red for celebrations, special colors for events.
• Lights out at midnight on most nights.

Foot Town (Tower Base)

The base of Tokyo Tower includes Foot Town, a multi-level complex with shops, restaurants, and small attractions:

• Tokyo Tower Aquarium: small aquarium specializing in tropical fish. ¥1,000.
• Pokemon GO Lab: interactive AR Pokemon experience. ¥1,500.
• Tokyo Tower official shop: merchandise and souvenirs.
• Cafe and restaurants: light meals and tower-themed snacks.
• Wax Museum (closed permanently in 2013): only mentioned because old guidebooks still list it.

Foot Town entrance is free; individual attractions ticketed.

Nearby Attractions

Zojoji Temple

The Tokugawa family temple at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Founded 1393, with Tokugawa shoguns' mausoleums inside. Free entry to grounds.

• Sangedatsumon main gate: the iconic foreground for Tokyo Tower photos.
• Shogun mausoleums (paid): ¥500, includes treasure house with shogun artifacts.
• Mizuko Jizo statues: the rows of small statues with crocheted bibs, a moving sight especially around dusk.

Shiba Park

One of Tokyo's oldest parks (1873), surrounding Zojoji Temple. Walking paths, autumn ginkgo trees, occasional events.

Roppongi (5–10 minute walk)

The art museum district. Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills, 21_21 Design Sight, National Art Center. See our Roppongi Complete Guide.

When to Visit Tokyo Tower

By time of day

• Sunset (golden hour): the most photogenic. The tower transitions from daylight to lit-up evening.
• Blue hour (15 min after sunset): the absolute peak for photos. Sky deep blue, tower illuminated.
• Daytime (10:00–15:00): useful if you go INSIDE the tower for the views. Less crowded.
• Late evening (after 21:00): Diamond Veil lighting show; smaller crowds.

By season

• Winter: clearest air, best Mt. Fuji visibility from the deck.
• Spring (cherry blossoms): Shiba Park trees frame the tower; pink-themed lighting some evenings.
• Summer: hazy days; sunset is best.
• Autumn: Shiba Park ginkgo + Zojoji foreground is exceptional.

Tokyo Tower at Night vs During Day

The tower's character changes dramatically by time:

• Daytime: red-and-white industrial steel structure. Practical, less romantic.
• Sunset to 22:00: illuminated, photogenic, iconic Tokyo.
• After lights out: dark steel silhouette.

If you have only one visit, prioritize the illuminated evening hours.

One-Half-Day Tokyo Tower & Surroundings Itinerary

1. 14:00: Arrive at Akabanebashi Station. Walk to Tokyo Tower.
2. 14:30: Main Deck visit (90 minutes including queues, photos, browsing).
3. 16:00: Walk to Zojoji Temple. Tour the grounds and Tokugawa mausoleum.
4. 17:00: Coffee at a local cafe; rest.
5. 17:30: Sunset photos from Zojoji Temple gate.
6. 18:30: Walk into Roppongi.
7. 19:00: Dinner in Roppongi.
8. 20:30: Optional: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower view back at Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower with Kids

• Main Deck: the glass floor section delights kids.
• Foot Town Aquarium: compact, kid-paced.
• Pokemon GO Lab: AR Pokemon-catching for Pokemon GO players.
• Stair climb (weekend only): 600 steps to the Main Deck — older kids enjoy.
• Foot Town merchandise shop: kid-friendly Tokyo Tower stuffed animals.

Practical Tips

• Buy online for discount: Klook is consistently 10–15% cheaper than gate prices.
• Cash or card: all major payment methods accepted.
• Free Wi-Fi on the observation decks.
• Photography: tripods banned, phones and cameras fine.
• Allow 90–120 minutes for Main Deck + Foot Town. 2.5 hours including Top Deck.
• Accessibility: fully wheelchair-accessible including elevators.
• Mt. Fuji visibility: December through February mornings, before 11:00. Less reliable than Skytree due to lower altitude.
• Avoid Saturday afternoons if you dislike queues for the Top Deck.

Should You Go Up Tokyo Tower?

Honest answer: probably not.

Yes if:

• You love mid-century industrial architecture and want to be INSIDE the icon.
• You are visiting with kids who would love the glass floor.
• You want a different angle from Skytree (more central, lower).
• You have time AND budget for both Tokyo Tower and another observation experience.

Skip if:

• You only have time for one observation experience (Skytree wins on views).
• Budget is tight.
• You can be satisfied with the iconic Zojoji photo from outside (which is free and arguably better than going up).

For most first-time visitors with limited time, the sweet spot is: walk to Zojoji Temple at sunset, photograph the tower from outside, walk through Foot Town for free, then move on without buying a ticket.

Pair with Roppongi and Skytree

Tokyo Tower is steps from Roppongi's art district. See our Roppongi Complete Guide and our Tokyo Photography Spots guide for the best angles. For the taller alternative, see our Tokyo Skytree Guide.