Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree: Which One is Better to Visit?

Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree are two of the most famous spots in Tokyo for panoramic views of the city.  Both offers a panoramic view of Tokyo and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji.

However, the view from Tokyo Skytree is more impressive due to its greater height compared to Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is famous for the architecture itself, especially when the tower is illuminated at night. Find below more features of each places to help you make a decision.

1. Tokyo Skytree Has Better Panoramic Views

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan, offering unobstructed views of the skyline and vast sky above. On sunny days, you would see the city and sky change as the day goes on. At night, the city's lights spread out in every direction, creating a stunning and futuristic atmosphere.

Tokyo Tower is a classic landmark with a shining diamond-like light. You could enjoy sweeping views of the city from Tokyo Tower and get clearer views of individual buildings and streets below. However, the view isn't as broad as Tokyo Skytree's and there may be some areas with obstructed views.

2. Tokyo Skytree Offers More Fun Things to Do for Families

There are plenty of things to explore around Tokyo Skytree for a full day family trip. Nearby, you will find Sumida Aquarium and the Konica Minolta Planetarium, and a large shopping mall. 

Sumida Aquarium, located on the fifth and sixth floors of Tokyo Skytree Town's west building, is an indoor aquarium where you could observe marine life up close, showcasing a beautifully artistic representation of the ocean world.

In addition, the Konica Minolta Planetarium, situated on the seventh floor of the east building, provides a relaxing experience where visitors could recline and enjoy soothing star projections, offering a peaceful and therapeutic stargazing experience.

A large shopping and entertainment complex next to the tower offers a variety of restaurants and stores featuring character-themed souvenirs like Pokémon and Hello Kitty, making it a great spot for shopping and relaxation.

3. Tokyo Skytree's Observation Decks Offer a More Thrilling Experience

Tokyo Skytree offers a thrilling experience with its glass corridor, "Walk in the Sky," high above the city. In contrast, Tokyo Tower provides stunning views of the dazzling buildings and streets below.

Observation Decks in Tokyo Skytree

There are two main observation decks in Tokyo Skytree, each equipped with digital telescopes for a closer view of the city.

The highest deck in Tokyo Skytree is about 450 meters (1,476 feet) high, called Tembo Galleria, which is located on the 450th floor of the building. This deck has floor-to-ceiling glass, providing a "walk in the sky" experience. The deck also offers you a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, which is perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Tembo Deck on the 345th and 350th floors features cafés where you could relax. On the 345th floor, Sky Restaurant 634 offers a dining experience with romantic skyline views or stunning nighttime scenery.

Observation Decks in Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower has two decks, one at 250 meters (820 feet) and the other at 150 meters (492 feet) high.

Top deck (250m / 820ft): The top deck is designed with mirrors, creating a striking reflective space. From this level, you could get up close to the windows and capture more intimate views of individual buildings and streets below. At night, the city's vibrant energy becomes even clearer, offering a more detailed look at Tokyo's urban life.

Main deck (150m / 492ft), for an outdoor stair experience: You could experience the outdoor stair challenge starting from the shopping plaza. This involves climbing about 600 outdoor steps up to the main deck, offering an up-close view of Tokyo Tower's steel structure along the way. The climb takes roughly 15 minutes.

4. Tokyo Skytree Has Sky Restaurants; Tokyo Tower Does Not

 Although both towers offer dining options, if you want to enjoy a meal while overlooking the skyline, this is only possible at Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Tower does not have any cafés or restaurants on its upper observation decks.

In Skytree, there are coffee bars and restaurants high up in the building.  Lunch usually starts at 11:30 am and continues through the afternoon. The dinner service typically starts in the evening, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. It's recommended to make a reservation in advance due to its popularity.

While in Tokyo Tower, drinks and various snacks are available at the tower's base in Foot Town on the first and third floors. Here you could find coffee drinks and the third floor even offers alcoholic beverages. The second floor has a food court with options like Western dishes, Japanese ramen, and rice bowls.

5. Tokyo Tower is Quieter Than Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Skytree tends to be busier and more crowded compared to Tokyo Tower. Both places are wheelchair-accessible. Discounted tickets for visitors with disabilities could be purchased online or at the entrance.

At Tokyo Skytree, you may experience longer wait times, especially on holidays and weekends. These wait times typically range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. During peak seasons, such as the cherry blossom season or New Year's holiday, the wait time could exceed 1½ hours.

On the other hand, Tokyo Tower usually has shorter wait times, typically around 15–30 minutes. Even during holidays and peak seasons, the wait time rarely exceeds 45 minutes and usually remains under 1 hour.

6. Tokyo Tower Offers More Beautiful Night Scenery than Tokyo Skytree

 

From Tokyo Tower, you can enjoy the dazzling cityscape of Tokyo.  It is an ideal spot for capturing stunning night photos

Tokyo Tower is the tower itself is brilliantly illuminated at night. The scenery is best appreciated from nearby spots where you could take in the full view of the iconic structure. It looks especially stunning at night when fully lit up. The light show is one of Tokyo Tower's most iconic nighttime features. The light changes color slightly based on the season — from cool silver in the summer to warm orange in the winter.

7. Tokyo Tower Offers More Historical Senses 

The tower and its surrounding areas give an old sense. The tower was built in 1958, which symbolizes Japan’s recovery after the war. Its design, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, captures the style of that era. Over time, it has become a cultural icon in Japan.

Nearby, you'll find Shiba Park, one of Tokyo's oldest parks, and historic sites like Zojoji Temple. These places together create a unique blend of history and culture, allowing visitors to experience the fusion of Tokyo's past and present.

A Quick Summary between Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower

If you're looking for a more spectacular city view, then Tokyo Skytree is the obvious choice.

For families with children, Tokyo Skytree is highly recommended. There is an aquarium, a planetarium, and a shopping center at the base of the tower. Therefore, after visiting the tower, you could also take your kids to explore or have some relaxation for a fun day out.

If you prefer to see the most classic landmarks of Tokyo and get more attractive pictures, Tokyo Tower would be a better fit.

And if you are short on time, choose Tokyo Tower as Tokyo Skytree is often crowded and usually takes about an hour's wait in line.

This table shows the differences between Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree:

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Japan?

If you want to visit Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree and connect the experience with other attractions or areas more efficiently, feel free to contact us. Our travel advisor will help you find the perfect itinerary and design your Japan tour.