Tokyo Tower: To Go or Not To Go?

The 333m high Tokyo Tower, which is taller than its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower, was completed in 1958.

It not only acts as a radio and TV antenna but also provides sweeping views from its 150m and 250m observation decks.

When it comes to actually visiting the tower and going up to its observation decks, the value of doing so is a point of conjecture for more than one Tokyo tourist.

Everything is over priced.

Everything.

Just to get to the 1st deck costs ¥820 ($8.50) for adults and if you want to go to the second deck it is an extra ¥600.

Yet there are many free alternatives for great (albeit different) views of Tokyo such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory in Shinjuku.

Also the waiting time to buy tickets for the elevator can be quite long.

But having said that, I think it depends on what is important to you, and what your budget, itinerary and expectations are.

The Tokyo Tower is a Huge Part of Tokyo Culture.

When any movie monster, creature and/or alien is going to attack Japan`s capital, it is a safe bet that Tokyo`s beloved tower is going to be the first thing destroyed.

I mean taking out the Tokyoite`s main source of TV has to be a high priority for any mythical invader.

But seriously, no one said you even have to go to the observation decks.

My wife and I went to Paris for our honeymoon. The day we went to the Eiffel Tower, it was raining and gloomy, yet there were still heaps of people lining up for tickets to the top.

We passed.

Absolutely.

So I think if you really want to fully experience Tokyo Tower and you aren`t on a back packers budget or a tight schedule, then why not?

If not, or you are afraid of heights then the base of the Tower still has some other minor attractions such as a wax museum, trick art gallery and a Guinness World Records Museum.

Opening Hours:

9:00am - 10:00pm

Last Admission

9:45pm 150m deck

9:30pm 250m deck

Entry:

150m deck:

820 yen Adults

460 yen Junior High, Elementary School Students

310 yen Children 4 years and over

250m deck:

600 yen Adults

400 yen Junior High, Elementary School Students

350 yen Children 4 years and over

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