Tokyo Skytree Ultimate Guide: Breathtaking Views, Night Scenery, Cafes, and Photo Spots

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Tokyo Skytree Ultimate Guide: Breathtaking Views, Night Scenery, Cafes, and Photo Spots

A Story of Tokyo Unfolding from 634 Meters Above the Ground

Tokyo Skytree

“What kind of place is Tokyo Skytree?”

Everyone wonders this before visiting for the first time, carrying a mix of curiosity and anticipation. You’ve probably seen it on TV, in videos, or photos, but the moment you stand beneath it and look up at its soaring height, all your preconceptions will be instantly redefined.

From the breathtaking views of its observation decks, the surreal experience of walking through the sky, to the way Tokyo transforms at each hour of the day and the enchanting nighttime illumination—Tokyo Skytree offers a truly unique Tokyo experience.

This article introduces all the highlights of Tokyo Skytree. We hope to deliver information that excites you and helps you picture the iconic structure before your visit.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest broadcasting tower, located in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo. It opened in 2012 and is a major tourist attraction featuring two observation decks at 350m and 450m above ground, offering panoramic views of Tokyo.

Business hours
Weekdays 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Weekends & Holidays 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Peak Season (e.g. Golden Week) 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Regular holiday
Open year - round
Telephone number
+081-3-6700-4822
Official site
https://www.tokyo - skytree.jp/
Parking
Tokyo Skytree Town Parking Lot
How to visit
Direct access from Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Oshiage Line/Keisei Narita Express, Tobu Skytree Line)
Direct access from Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
Address
1 - 1-2 Oshiage, Sumida - ku, Tokyo 131 - 0045, Japan

Observation Deck | Main Deck at 350m Offering a Stunning Panorama

Observation Deck

The Tokyo Skytree observation deck is a three-level facility located 350 meters above ground. Floors 340, 345, and 350 each offer unique perspectives and experiences, but all provide sweeping panoramic views of Tokyo.

View from the observation deck

View from the observation deck

From 350 meters above, Tokyo’s cityscape appears miniature. The buildings and neighborhoods look tiny, as if you’re gazing down at a model city—a sight you can only experience from Skytree.

View from the observation deck

View from the observation deck

On clear days, you can even see landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo Bay. The scenery transforms depending on the season and time of day, making each visit special.

Observation Deck

Thrill on the Glass Floor

Glass Floor

The “Glass Floor” on Floor 340 allows you to look straight down through a transparent panel, offering a dizzying view of the ground 350 meters below. It feels as if you’re floating in mid-air, a thrilling and surreal experience.

Glass Floor

Glass Floor

Can you stand on a floor suspended 350 meters above ground? Give it a try and challenge yourself!

A Rare Sight: The Skytree’s Gigantic Shadow

On clear days, the Tokyo Skytree casts a massive shadow that changes with the time of day. I’ve heard that on winter mornings, it can stretch up to 1.5 kilometers. The shadow is shortest at noon when the sun is at its highest point, but you’re lucky if you can spot the Skytree’s dramatically elongated shadow. Please try to find it yourself!

The photo below shows the Skytree’s shadow around 8:30 am in May. Reaching all the way to Sumida Park, the shadow here is about 650 meters long.

Skytree Shadow

Tembo Galleria | Walk in the Sky at 450m Above Ground

Entrance to Tembo Galleria

Above the observation deck, the Tembo Galleria sits at 450 meters. Accessed via a special elevator, this is the highest point of Skytree’s observation facilities.

Tembo Galleria

The sloped floor structure allows you to walk while gradually ascending and enjoying the ever-changing view. It truly feels like walking through the sky—an unforgettable and dreamlike experience.

View from Tembo Galleria

View from Tembo Galleria

View from Tembo Galleria

Since it’s 100 meters higher than the main deck, the cityscape looks even more miniature. It’s a unique perspective you can’t find anywhere else.

Miniature-like cityscape

At the very top is “Sorakara Point,” the highest accessible spot in Skytree, offering 360° views of Tokyo. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of distant mountains—yes, Mount Fuji too.

View from Sorakara Point

Admission to the Tembo Galleria requires an extra fee on top of the observation deck ticket, but the extraordinary views from Tokyo’s highest floor make it more than worth it. We highly recommend visiting both.

View from Sorakara Point

SKYTREE CAFE | A Sky-High Café Experience at 350m

The observation deck features two cafes, one on Floor 340 and another on Floor 350.

Relax with a sweet treat or a refreshing drink while taking in the incredible views. Each floor offers a different atmosphere and experience.

SKYTREE CAFE | Tokyo Skytree

SKYTREE CAFE 340 | Counter Seats with a View

SKYTREE CAFE 340 Entrance

Located on Floor 340 (first level of the observation deck), SKYTREE CAFE 340 features counter seats lined up against large windows. It’s a hidden gem perfect for quietly enjoying the view.

Counter seats

Counter seats

Sitting here, you can gaze out at the 340m-high view with a cup of coffee in hand—an experience that feels truly luxurious.

Panoramic view

Panoramic view

The menu offers drinks, sweets, and light meals. Sometimes seasonal treats make a special appearance—perfect for a break between sightseeing.

Our top recommendation? The Skytree Latte. With its adorable latte print of Tokyo Skytree, it’s not only delicious but also super photogenic.

Skytree Latte

There are also table seats, making it ideal for families to take a break.

Table seats

Enjoy the soft creaminess of the latte while admiring the view—it’s a blissful moment. A must-visit café when you’re on the observation deck.

Latte and skyline

SKYTREE CAFE 350 | Japan’s Highest Café

SKYTREE CAFE 350

Located on Floor 350 (third level of the observation deck), SKYTREE CAFE 350 is a standing-style café. It holds the distinction of being Japan’s highest café. From its counter tables, you can enjoy drinks and sweets while taking in views from 350 meters above the ground.

Counter tables

View from counter tables

View from counter tables

View from counter tables

Our recommendation here is the “Sky Soft” ice cream. With its soft sweetness and cute appearance, it’s a popular item for both taste and photos.

Sky Soft

Since the observation deck spans three levels, this café is a perfect place to rest your feet. As you savor a sweet or a drink, the stunning view before you makes your Skytree visit even more fulfilling.

Sky Soft

Prime Spot for Tokyo’s Night Views | Breathtaking Scenery from the Observation Deck

The night view from Skytree’s observation deck and Tembo Galleria offers a completely different atmosphere from the daytime. Countless lights sparkle across Tokyo—buildings, roads, and bridges illuminating the cityscape in dazzling patterns. Only from heights like 350m or 450m can you truly grasp the scale.

Night view from Skytree

You’ll see major landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Bay. No other place offers a city nightscape at this scale quite like Tokyo Skytree.

Night view from Skytree

The quiet ambiance and sparkling night below make for an extraordinary, almost dreamlike moment. Whether with a loved one or as a solo escape, it’s a perfect way to reset.

Night view from Skytree

Light Up the Night Sky | Tokyo Skytree Illumination

Tokyo Skytree Illumination

If you’re around Skytree at night, don’t miss the illumination—it’s a must-see. The towering structure lights up gently, casting a magical glow over the Tokyo skyline. It’s truly awe-inspiring.

Three standard lighting themes rotate daily: “Iki,” “Miyabi,” and “Nobori.” Each reflects aspects of Edo culture, nature, and tradition.

Iki

“Iki” features a soft blue tone inspired by the waters of the Sumida River. It reflects the stylish spirit of the Edo people and the clarity of Tokyo’s nights. Its straight, sharp beams highlight Skytree’s architectural beauty and blend harmoniously into the cityscape.

Skytree Lighting - Iki

Miyabi

“Miyabi” showcases a regal purple palette representing the refinement of traditional Edo culture. This modern reinterpretation of Japan’s historic color sensibilities balances elegance and grace, evoking sophistication.

Skytree Lighting - Miyabi

Nobori

“Nobori” is based on festive banners used in Japanese celebrations, featuring bold white and orange tones. Its energetic colors symbolize Japan’s traditional festivals and community spirit, giving off a cheerful, nostalgic vibe.

Skytree Lighting - Nobori

Seasonal & Special Event Lighting

Don’t miss the limited-time illuminations celebrating seasons or special events. These include themes for Tanabata, Christmas, anime collaborations, and more, painting Tokyo’s night sky in creative ways year-round.

Special Illumination

Special Illumination

Special Illumination

Best Spots to Photograph the Skytree Illumination

Lights turn on from sunset until 12:00 pm. Top spots to capture the glow include Jukken Bridge along the Sumida River and Sumida Park.

Skytree Illumination from Jukken Bridge

From Jukken Bridge, you can photograph Skytree with no visual obstructions. You’ll even see its reflection shimmering in the river—a truly picture-perfect scene.

Skytree from Jukken Bridge

Skytree from Jukken Bridge

Skytree from Jukken Bridge

Skytree Illumination from Sumida Park

From Sumida Park, you can enjoy Skytree’s illumination along with cherry blossoms, the Sumida River, and the surrounding cityscape—a wonderful mix of natural and urban beauty.

Skytree from Sumida Park

Skytree from Sumida Park

Skytree from Sumida Park

Ticket Types & Prices | Best Ways to Purchase for Observation Deck & Galleria

Ticket Counter

You can choose from two ticket types: “Observation Deck only” or “Observation Deck + Tembo Galleria Set.” First-time visitors or those uncomfortable with heights can enjoy just the deck, but if you want to experience the skywalk-like Galleria, we recommend the set.

Advance Tickets
Ticket Type & CategoryWeekdaysWeekends
Tokyo Skytree
Observation Deck + Tembo Galleria Set
Adults (18+)¥3,100¥3,400
Teens (12–17)¥2,150¥2,350
Children (6–11)¥1,300¥1,400
Tokyo Skytree
Observation Deck Only
Adults (18+)¥2,100¥2,300
Teens (12–17)¥1,400¥1,500
Children (6–11)¥850¥900
Same-Day Tickets
Ticket Type & CategoryWeekdaysWeekends
Tokyo Skytree
Observation Deck + Tembo Galleria Set
Adults (18+)¥3,500¥3,800
Teens (12–17)¥2,350¥2,550
Children (6–11)¥1,450¥1,550
Tokyo Skytree
Observation Deck Only
Adults (18+)¥2,400¥2,600
Teens (12–17)¥1,550¥1,650
Children (6–11)¥950¥1,000
*Free for children under 5. Children aged 6 not yet in school also enter free. Children aged 12 still in elementary school qualify for child pricing; high school students 18 and older qualify for teen pricing.

Advance tickets are up to ¥400 cheaper than same-day tickets. Note that you must queue to buy same-day tickets, and sales may be suspended during busy times. To guarantee your visit, we recommend purchasing in advance.

Tokyo Skytree Ticket & Pricing Info

If you plan to visit Sumida Aquarium or Planetarium Tenku—both located within Tokyo Skytree Town—we recommend the “Skytree Enjoy Pack.”

This special ticket bundle includes discounted admission to the observation deck and one or more additional attractions. Other bundle options include kimono rental, sweets-making or matcha experiences, tile-breaking, sightseeing buses, and even airport bus transfers. For details, see the article below.

Read more about Skytree Enjoy Pack

*Note: Skytree Enjoy Pack tickets cannot be canceled or changed.

Easy Access | How to Get to Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is easy to reach from central Tokyo. The two nearest stations are “Tokyo Skytree Station” on the Tobu Skytree Line and “Oshiage Station,” which connects to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Keisei Lines. Both offer direct underground access to the complex.

You can also walk from Asakusa Station in about 15–20 minutes. It’s within 30 minutes of major hubs like Tokyo, Ueno, and Shinjuku, making it an easy addition to any Tokyo sightseeing itinerary.

Discover a New Side of Tokyo—From the Sky

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a one-stop destination that combines architectural beauty, scenic views, night illuminations, and sky-high cafés.

From the observation decks, you’ll witness a Tokyo you’ve never seen before—one that stretches out endlessly beneath your feet.

By day, the city unfolds like a vast tapestry. By night, a sea of lights transforms it into something magical. The views from Skytree offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience of awe and wonder.

Sip a latte, admire the glowing skyline, and take in the artistic illumination. Tokyo Skytree is packed with incredible experiences.

As a symbol of both Tokyo and Japan, it’s well worth a visit.

Tokyo Skytree Illumination

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