Tokyo Tower: What's There to See Around the Capital's Retro Landmark?

An Icon of Modern Tokyo

As soon as you approach the Minato district, its red-and-white silhouette catches your eye. Standing 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower has dominated the capital since 1958 and is one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks . Its construction coincided with a period of dramatic transformation in Japan, as the country recovered from the war and entered a new era of economic growth.

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it became the tallest structure in Japan at the time. Its primary purpose, however, was not tourism; it was designed as a telecommunications tower to support the development of the television networks emerging in the country.

Today, Tokyo Tower has lost its height record to Tokyo Skytree, but its popularity endures. Its retro silhouette and location in the heart of the city continue to make it one of Tokyo’s greatest landmarks. And for travelers, it’s also a great starting point for exploring the Minato district.

The tower’s main attraction is, of course, its two observation decks, which offer a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo.

At 150 meters, the Main Deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Through its large floor-to-ceiling windows, the skyscrapers seem to stretch as far as the eye can see! On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. The extra touch? Glass-bottomed sections let you admire the view from the deck’s floor, giving you the feeling that you’re walking on air!

To go even higher, head to the Top Deck, 250 meters up. Accessible as part of the Top Deck Tour, it offers an even more impressive view of the capital. The experience lets you gradually gain altitude before discovering Tokyo from its highest vantage point.

Our favorite time of day? Late afternoon, when the sun sets over the city and the buildings are bathed in a soft glow.

But what makes the visit interesting is the striking contrast between the temple and the tower. From the entrance to Zojo-ji, Tokyo Tower rises behind the traditional buildings, creating one of Tokyo’s most iconic images.

Take the time to walk through the vermilion gate, then turn around: you’ll see, all in one frame, several centuries of history and one of the symbols of the country’s modernity.

As you continue your walk through Shiba Park, you’ll arrive at Shiba Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is particularly known for its massive ginkgo tree, said to have been planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu. A visit here allows you to further explore the history of the Tokugawa clan—which you’ve already encountered at Zojo-ji—while enjoying a much more peaceful setting.

To reach its entrance, you must climb 86 particularly steep steps, known as the “steps to success.” The shrine stands atop a hill that once served as a lookout point over the city to watch for fires.

Once at the top, the contrast with the modern streets of Minato is striking: the silence of the shrine seems to belong to another era.

• Choose your time slot based on the view you’re looking for. To enjoy the panoramic view in the best conditions, opt for a clear day. For the atmosphere, late afternoon remains our favorite time, as you can watch Tokyo gradually transition from day to night.
• Book your ticket in advance if you’d like access to the Top Deck. The Main Deck is open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with last admission at 10:30 p.m. The Top Deck Tour runs until 10:45 p.m., with the last departure at 10:15 p.m. However, schedules and admission conditions are subject to change, particularly depending on the weather.