Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Tokyo, Japan. It was opened in 1958 and quickly became a symbol of Japan’s modernity and prosperity after World War II. In this article, we will explore the history, design and features of Tokyo Tower.
History of Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was built in 1958 by Japanese architect Tachū Naitō. It was built to replace the original Tokyo Tower, which was built in 1935 and had become obsolete due to the expansion of broadcasting technology. Construction of the new tower began in 1957 and was completed in one year. It was officially opened on December 23, 1958.
Initially, the Tokyo Tower was designed to be a broadcasting tower. However, over time, it became a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Tokyo and became a symbol of the city.
Design of the Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall, making it the second tallest free-standing structure in Japan, after the Tokyo Skytree Tower. The tower is made of a steel structure, painted in white and orange to make it more visible. It is divided into two main parts: the main tower and the observatory.
The main tower is 90 meters high and is located on a 100 meter high platform. This platform houses stores, restaurants, a museum and a projection room.
The observatory is 150 meters high and offers a panoramic view of Tokyo and its surroundings. The observatory is accessible by an elevator that ascends at a speed of 600 meters per minute.
Features of Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is equipped with a sophisticated lighting system that allows it to change color. It is illuminated at night by 176 spotlights located on the tower. The lights can be adjusted to produce different colors and patterns depending on special events or seasons.
Tokyo Tower is also equipped with a broadcasting system for radio and television signals. It is one of the main broadcasting towers in Tokyo and covers a large part of the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Tokyo Tower is a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. It attracts about 3 million visitors every year. Visitors can climb up to the observatory to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, or visit the stores, restaurants and museum located on the platform.
Access, times and prices to visit Tokyo Tower:
- Access: Tokyo Tower is located in the Minato district of Tokyo, Japan. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several options such as the Oedo line of the Tokyo subway or the JR Yamanote line to Hamamatsucho station. It is also possible to take a cab or bus to the tower.
- Hours: Tokyo Tower is open every day of the year, including public holidays. The opening hours vary according to the season. The observatory is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.) in summer (from mid-March to mid-November) and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last admission at 8:30 p.m.) in winter (from mid-November to mid-March).
- Price: The entrance fee to the Tokyo Tower Observatory is ¥1,200 for adults (about €10) and ¥700 for children aged 4 to 12 (about €6). Reduced rates are available for the elderly and disabled. Access to the “Top Deck” observation platform located at 250 meters high costs 3,000 yen for adults (about 25 euros) and 2,000 yen for children (about 17 euros). It is also possible to buy combined tickets for the observatory and the tower museum, or for special events such as fireworks or tower illuminations.
