Tokyo Tower, Broadcasting and observation tower in Shiba-koen, Minato, Tokyo, 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.
A third of the steel used in the tower came from scrap metal of US tanks damaged in the Korean War. The 90-meter antenna was bolted into place on 14 October 1958, making it then the world's tallest freestanding tower, surpassing the Eiffel Tower by 9 meters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,062 contributors worldwide.
