Tokyo Tower (東京タワー, Tōkyō-tawā)

Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark and communications tower located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It was completed in 1958 and stands at a height of 333 meters (1,092 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Japan. The design of the tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Initially constructed to serve as a broadcasting antenna for radio and television signals, Tokyo Tower has since become a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Visitors can take elevators to the main observation deck, located at 150 meters (490 feet), or to the special observatory at 250 meters (820 feet) for an even higher vantage point.Tokyo Tower is illuminated at night with different colors and patterns, making it a striking feature of Tokyo's skyline. It has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and other media, further solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of Tokyo and Japan as a whole.

Historical Highlights

Tokyo Tower's construction began in 1957 and was completed in 1958. It was designed by architect Tachū Naitō and built by the Takenaka Corporation.Upon its completion, Tokyo Tower stood as the tallest structure in Japan, surpassing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It reached a height of 333 meters (1,092 feet). At the time, it was the second tallest man-made structure in the world, after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which served as its inspiration. Tokyo Tower was built to serve as a broadcasting tower for radio and television signals. Its height was necessary to overcome the challenges posed by Tokyo's dense urban landscape, ensuring widespread broadcast coverage.

Visitor Information

Tokyo Tower is located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Japan. The address is 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan. The main observatory is usually open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:30 PM), while the special observatory has slightly shorter hours, closing at 10:45 PM (last entry at 10:30 PM). However, these hours might vary, so it's always good to double-check before planning your visit. Tokyo Tower has two observation decks - the Main Observatory and the Special Observatory. The Main Observatory provides panoramic views of Tokyo and is located at 150 meters above ground. The Special Observatory offers even higher views at 250 meters above ground and provides an even more spectacular perspective of the city.

Story and Legends

Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower was constructed to serve as a communications and observation tower, as well as a symbol of Japan's post-war resurgence. Its design is inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but with additional height and a unique orange and white color scheme. The tower stands at 333 meters (1,092 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Japan. Tokyo Tower has come to symbolize the resilience of the Japanese people. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters and technological advancements, the tower has stood the test of time and remains a beloved symbol of Japan's spirit.