The Tokyo Skytree is the third tallest structure in the world, surpassed only by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Standing at an impressive 630 metres, the tower opened to the public in May 2012 after nearly four years of construction and a cost of approximately 40 billion yen.
Located in Sumida, the tower serves as a broadcast mast, a series of restaurants and an observation tower. The observation decks have become one of Tokyo’s “Must Sees” for tourists and Tokyoites alike. There are two different observation levels, one at the 350 metre mark that can accommodate 2,000 people at any one time, and another at the 450 metre mark that can hold up to 900 people.
Tokyo Skytree Town (Tokyo Solamachi)
At the base of Tokyo Skytree is Tokyo Skytree Town, also known as Tokyo Solamachi, a massive commercial and entertainment complex featuring:
- Over 300 shops and restaurants
- Exhibition halls and a dome theatre
- A planetarium
- Postal Museum Japan
- Sumida Aquarium – Home to Japan’s largest indoor tank, housing over 35,000 litres of seawater and 10,000 sea creatures, including penguins, jellyfish, and seals
World Beer Museum – A Unique Drinking Experience
One standout venue at Skytree Town is the World Beer Museum—more of a beer hall and dining spot than a traditional museum. Here, you can experience five themed pubs in one venue, offering beers and cuisine from Germany, England, America, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Plus, there’s a bottle shop stocked with beers from around the world, serving as the museum’s souvenir store.
Access:
The Tokyo Skytree complex is served by two stations at either end:
- Tokyo Skytree Station (West side) – Operated by Tobu Railway, formerly known as Narihirabashi Station
- Oshiage Station (East side) – A major hub for several railway lines
From Asakusa:
Tokyo Skytree is about 1 km from Asakusa Station.
- Take the Tobu Skytree Line (TS-02) (formerly the Isesaki Line)
- Transfer from the Toei Asakusa Line (A-18) or Metro Ginza Line (G-19) at Asakusa Station
From the JR Yamanote Line:
The most direct route is to:
- Transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line at Shimbashi (A-10)
- OR transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line at Shibuya (Z-10)
- Both lines stop at Oshiage (Skytree) Station (A-20, Z-14)
Note: Oshiage Station is at the opposite end of the complex from Tobu’s Tokyo Skytree Station.
Tokyo Skytree Website:
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
Tokyo Skytree Town Website:
https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/en/
