If Mount Fuji is the natural symbol of Japan, then Tokyo Tower may very well be its modern symbol. Seen in innumerable movies and anime, a view of the orange and white steel behemoth through a window means the setting is invariably in the Japanese capital. Indeed, a good view from any Tokyo hotel would include the tower resting splendidly high above the buildings.

Tokyo Tower was conceptualized in the 1950’s during Japan’s post-war economic boom. Easily inspired by Paris’s own Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower was built at the cost of ¥2.8 billion and weighs 4000 tons, making it the tallest self-supporting iron structure in the world. It is painted orange and white to fulfill a requirement from the Civil Aviation Board, an easily seen color combination for aircrafts. The tower serves as a transmitting antenna for major networks, as well as a major tourist attraction.

Tokyo Tower is a popular destination to foreigners, out-of-town Japanese residents, and school children alike. All of them climb up to the two observation decks. The main observatory is 150 meters up and costs 820 yen to access. For an additional fee of 600 yen, smartly-dressed ushers in navy blue blazers will lead visitors to the Special Observatory, a full 100 meters higher, for a more dominant view of the megalopolis. Indeed, on a clear day, one may squint for a view of Mount Fuji, far into the horizon. Visitors are welcome to use both large computerized display, which points out major structures visible from the tower, and several coin-operated observation scopes arranged around the decks. There is also a grilled floorboard where one can see straight down to the ground (there is even a sign besides it inviting people to “LOOK DOWN”). If you think it’s already dizzying to look up the tower, try looking straight down!

Tokyo Tower is located in the Minato district of Tokyo. The closest subway stations to Tokyo Tower are Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line and Akabanebashi Station on the Oedo Subway Line. You can also walk there from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line in about 15 minutes, but the easily convenient  method of transportation is the taxi. If you’re planning to visit Tokyo Tower, drop by a few hours before dusk. The shift from stately daylight to the brilliant sunset to the dazzling view at night as the city lights up is not to be missed by anyone lucky enough to be in Tokyo. While waiting for the sun to lazily slip under the horizon, you can pass the time in Café la Tour, the in-house coffee bar, or stroll around the gift shop. While leaving the tower under the cover of night, feel free to turn your back and gaze up to the iron giant that is shimmering in bright orange lights, resplendent in the Tokyo night.

Posted in Attractions, Japan

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