Tokyo Skytree

Standing at 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest building globally. Located in the Sumida district, it draws thousands of tourists each year. It's particularly impressive given Japan's frequent earthquakes. Initially, I was unsure about going to the top, but considering that the tower endured so many years without major damage, my concerns quickly faded. Though Tokyo Skytree is visible from afar, it's only when a person is standing at its base, one can truly appreciate its massive presence.

As mentioned, the tower's popularity means getting a ticket can be challenging. However, the pandemic's impact on tourism allowed me to wait just ten minutes in line. The ticket system is efficient, with options of buying at the ticket office or at machines in a single line. Two ticket types are available: a standard ticket for the 350-meter observation deck or a "combo ticket" granting access to the 450-meter second deck.

The price of an entrance ticket varies depending on whether you want to go up to the upper floor; whether you visit Skytree at the weekend or during the week; and how old you are (6-11/12-17/18+)

With ticket in hand, we head to one of four elevators, each themed to a season. I selected the "winter" elevator. Unexpectedly, the journey to 350 meters takes just 50 seconds, with smooth acceleration and deceleration making the G-forces almost unnoticeable. Upon exiting, you hardly feel that you've ascended so high.

The view is impressive, isn't it?

The 360-degree view of Tokyo left me awestruck. The observation deck offers not just stunning vistas but also a bar, a small restaurant, and a souvenir shop. You can even send mail right from the tower! This is all on the "lower deck." The higher deck, a hundred meters up, provides equally spectacular sights and hosts another souvenir shop currently themed with the popular Demon Slayer anime, given the tower's affiliation with a television station. This deck has photo spots with anime characters and a figurine display. Despite the enticing extras, the basic ticket delivers a satisfying experience. Notably, up there, I didn't notice any swaying from the wind, common in tall buildings. Later I learned that the tower is specifically engineered to withstand vibrations and earthquakes. Even during the massive 2011 earthquake, the Skytree remained unscathed, a testament to its engineering prowess. It's unique triangular base transitions to a rounded shape as it rises. Intriguingly, its height isn't just about engineering. It honors the Musashi region (mu-sa-shi) with its name reflecting the digits 634.

Japan's trend of creating mascots extends to the Tokyo Skytree with Sorakara-chan— a star-haired girl featured on promotional materials and the entrance ticket, alongside two other characters.

The characters in the photo are Sukoburuburu, Sorakara-chan and Teppepen

And what is there to do, once you finish exploring the Skytree? There are multiple options around. If you miss the bar at the top, a shopping center below offers numerous dining choices and opportunities to buy Skytree and anime-related souvenirs. Conveniently, Tokyo Skytree is also a train station, so if you're done exploring, you can easily catch a train elsewhere. This accessibility is why I recommend the Skytree to anyone visiting Tokyo. It's an incredible experience I intend to relive on my next visit!