The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan at 634m, and the height can be read as 6 (mu), 3 (sa), 4 (shi) in Japanese as a reference to Musashi (武蔵国, Musashi-no-kuni) the old name for the region. Built in 2012, the tower took over from the Tokyo Tower as the main radio and television broadcasting facility, including digital terrestrial television broadcasts.
The tower features two observatories, the Tembo Deck at 350m, and the Tembo Galleria at 450m, both of which are separately ticketed attractions. While there are many observatories across the whole of Tokyo, the sheer height of the Tokyo Skytree gives a sense of unprecedented scale and a bird’s eye view of the city from way on. up. For those who love city views, the galleries are a must visit. It is generally said that the view from the Tembo Galleria is not much different from that of the Tembo Deck, but do note that if you are going for a special character collaboration event at the Tokyo Skytree, the gallery is usually located at the Tembo Galleria.
Even if you are not into city sights, the shopping complex at the base of the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Skytree Town, is a great place to walk around and explore. It includes many character shops including for mascots such as Sumikko Gurashi, Rilakuma, and Hello Kitty, as well as for video games and anime, like a Pokemon Center, Studio Ghibli, Kirby, and a Shonen Jump store. There is also a modern aquarium, the Sumida Aquarium, located within the mall, which, while small in size, features well designed exhibits that present a unique viewpoint into the underwater world.
