Tokyo Tower, Broadcasting and observation tower in Minato, Japan.
Tokyo Tower is a 333-meter steel structure painted in red and white, located in Minato ward near Shiba Park, featuring two observation platforms at different elevations. The lower deck sits at 150 meters and offers panoramic views over the city, while the upper observation area at 250 meters provides an even wider field of vision.
Construction finished in December 1958, and the facility became the main broadcasting hub for television and radio during the nation's postwar reconstruction. Although newer antenna structures now handle most transmission duties, the installation remains as a technical and architectural witness to that rebuilding era.
Locals and travelers gather regularly to watch the seasonal light displays that shift during national holidays and special occasions. These illumination shows have become part of the city rhythm, marking important moments in the collective calendar for residents and giving the skyline a changing visual identity throughout the year.
Visitors can choose between the lower observation deck at 150 meters or the upper viewing area at 250 meters, with wait times noticeably longer on weekends and holidays. Clear weather offers the best viewing conditions, while early morning or late evening hours often provide quieter moments with fewer crowds.
The entire structure requires repainting every five years, consuming roughly 28,000 liters of paint to preserve the red and white pattern. This coating process is done by hand through specialized crews who spend months treating the full exterior surface to withstand weather exposure.
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