
Tokyo Tower (東京タワー, Tōkyō tawā) is the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world, this orange-red radio tower (modelled on Paris’ Eiffel) defined the skyline of Tokyo for many years, and even though its broadcasting duties have been supplanted by the Tokyo Skytree, it will likely continue to be dear to residents and visitors for years to come.
Shortened hours until further notice. Open from 9 am to 9 pm.
Recently, a Showa-era nostalgia boom has come about in Japan, primarily for the 1950s, 60s and 70s eras, and the Tower was built during those post-wartime years, in Showa 33 (1958). You may have seen it under construction in the popular 2005 film Always Sanchoume no Yuuhi or giving a sense of place to dozens of other films set in the capital. You can also view a history in photos of the Tower on your way down from its observation decks.
The Main Observatory at the 145 metre mark is Tokyo Tower’s biggest draw. Offering a 360-degree view of the city, the Observatory features large glass windows and a few small glass panels in the floor, a cafe, gift shop, the Club33 stage for live shows, computer stations to take you through time-lapses and city maps, and markings on the walls to help direct you to major sights. On a very clear day, it’s even possible to see Mount Fuji from here.
The Special Observatory is a step up in quality, reflected by the extra admission price. Located at 250 metres above ground, it is a circular deck with a much smaller amount of foot traffic and breathtaking views.
Unfortunately, there aren’t as many features on the upper part of the tower as one might hope for the ticket price – especially given that there is often a long lineup for admission. In the building below the tower, however, known as FootTown, there is plenty more to do. On the first floor, where the Observatory elevators are located, you can also find an enormous aquarium, official "Tower Restaurant," a FamilyMart convenience store and souvenir shop. The second floor is a bazaar-like shopping area with plenty of tourist merchandise and gift stands, five restaurants and a food court with fast food. The third floor’s main attractions are the Guinness World Records Museum Tokyo and the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, both popular among visitors. The Wax Museum has been severely showing its age in recent years, but is still a delight to see. A hologram gallery, cafe and a few other shops can also be found on the third floor. The top floor is mostly occupied by Nippon Square, and also features a small game arcade. The attractions change occasionally, as Tokyo Tower is constantly seeking ways to bring in more visitors.
There’s something irreplaceably iconic about visiting Tokyo Tower itself – if you take a visit to Japan and skip the Tower in favour of the view from the Mori Building or one of the other skyscrapers, you may later regret it!
The closest station is Onarimon Station on the Mita Subway Line.
With over ten attractions and shops, this indoor theme park is sure to make fans of the popular Shonen Jump series smile along with Captain Luffy D. Monkey. Opened in 2015, Tokyo One Piece Tower of...
Just minutes from Shinagawa Station, the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa is surrounded by lush greenery in the Takanawa area, with rooms offering balcony views of the nearby gardens and surrounding Tokyo cityscape. This urban resort features convention facilities like the Hiten banquet hall, international Convention Center Pamir, as well as a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese and Western restaurants.
Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo Seafort is part of the Hankyu-Hanshin luxury hotels group. Since 1938, this luxury hotel has been opening its doors to guests who seek a comfortable stay with convenient access to central Tokyo.
NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO is conveniently located in the midst of electric town Akihabara, also known as the capital of manga and anime. In addition, this neighborhood has an abundance of tech shops, maid cafes and a variety of restaurants. With just a 6 minute walk away from Akihabara station, it provides easy access to explore other areas nearby such as Ueno and Asakusa. This hotel embodies the rich cultures of music, art and food. Nohga’s concept of music is derived from Akihabara’s local history, starting as a district of radio and wireless component merchants in the late 1920s. The artistic and luxurious space throughout the hotel is achieved by featuring art and amenities designed in collaboration with craftsmen from around Japan. As for the food menu, it’s seasonal fresh ingredients are sourced domestically. The glasses and dinnerware served are collaborations with stores in the surrounding area. All 120 non-smoking guest rooms feature an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, in-room safety box, mini fridge, USB plugs, free Wi-Fi, a high-quality bluetooth speaker and flatscreen TV with original music and film. The lounge area and a compact 24-hour gym can be found near the reception on the second floor. Services include laundry (from 2,750JPY) and a 24-hour front desk with a check in time of 3PM and check-out time at 11AM For sightseeing you can rent a Tokyobike for the day (2,000 JPY/day) to explore the vicinity.
Motsu (offal) is their signature item, and they offer not the common motsu-yaki, but stir-fried motsu with different flavors depending on the type of offal meat. The stir-fried beef Abomasum eaten with a traditional sauce passed down over many years is popular.
One of the long-established restaurants in the area, it is always packed. But since there are also seats on the second floor, customer turnover is quick. The Spicy Beef Tendon Stew made by stewing high-quality meat from the neighborhood butcher with Korean spices is popular.
This restaurant offers a selection of foods that will keep you drinking, such as stew made with fresh meat and stir-fried offal, etc. You'll want to enjoy them with makgeolli, or Junnama Makko-bee that combines makgeolli and beer.
San'en-zan Zōjō-ji is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan. It is the main temple of the Jōdo-shū Chinzei sect of Buddhism in the Kantō region. [Wikipedia]
The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi has set itself the goal of being a place of fun, stimulation and discussion - a place where what is important in culture and society is openly discussed. Not only through the exhibitions that are shown there, but also through a wide range of educational programs. It appeals to an audience that ranges from young schoolchildren to college students and seniors, from people who live in regional society to all over the world. The operators of the museum also consider it their task to create a platform for the artists from the region. Since opening, the museum has received high critical acclaim for its wide variety of unique exhibitions, many of which are centered on cosmopolitan themes.
Roppongi Hills is one of the largest real estate complexes in Japan, based in Roppongi, Minato-ku. The building complex designed by Minoru Mori and opened in 2003 consists of offices, stylish apartments, shops, restaurants, cinemas, a museum, an art gallery, a hotel, a TV studio, an outdoor amphitheater and a few parks, the office floors house leading companies in the IT and financial sectors, making Roppongi Hills a symbol of the Japanese IT industry. In the center of Roppongi Hills is the 238-meter-high Mori Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the city. On the top floors there is an observation deck that offers a beautiful view of Tokyo and a modern art museum focusing on new artistic ideas from around the world. There are numerous shopping opportunities throughout the complex and there is also a large Toho Cinemas cinema showing both Japanese and international films.