Tokyo Tower rises 333 meters above the Minato district, making it Japan’s second-tallest structure and, when completed in 1958, the tallest freestanding tower in the world at the time. Painted white and international orange for aviation safety, the lattice tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and built in just a year and a half by roughly 220,000 workers.
Two observation decks welcome visitors: the two-story Main Deck at 150 meters and the smaller Top Deck at nearly 250 meters, both offering sweeping views over Tokyo Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The five-story FootTown base houses restaurants, shops, and an aquarium.
Tokyo Tower is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and welcomed its 190-millionth visitor in 2024. Beyond its broadcasting duties, it remains a beloved symbol of Japan’s postwar rebuilding and a favorite backdrop for photos once it’s illuminated at night.