A guide to Tokyo Tower area and what to do in the vicinity

A symbol of post war recovery in the center of the city

Built in 1958, and standing 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower serves as a symbol of Tokyo’s rebirth after World War II. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest tower in the world, surpassing even its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower. A total of about 220,000 craftsmen completed the construction in only a year and a half, even though much of the work was done by hand.
It remains a popular destination and photo spot for tourists. Two observation decks provide extensive views across the city and a four-story complex on the ground floor offers shopping, food, and entertainment.

The tower is surrounded by notable temples and parks, and is neighbored by Roppongi, Shiodome, Toranomon, and Shinagawa, all worthwhile destinations in their own right. Spend a morning or afternoon venturing to the tower and exploring the surrounding attractions.

How to Get There

The closest station is Akabanebashi on the Oedo Line, a five-minute walk, while Onarimon on the Toei Mita Line is a six-minute walk. From Daimon Station on the Toei Oedo Line and the Toei Asakusa Line is a 10-minute walk away. On the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line from Hamamatsucho Station, it's a 15 minute walk.

From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line approximately 30 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station.
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Keihin Tohoku Line approximately 10 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station.

An icon of modern Tokyo

Soaring above the city, Tokyo Tower is the second tallest structure in Japan after the 2012 completion of Tokyo Skytree tower. With a design based on Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower, Tokyo’s version stands 13-meters taller than its more famous rival.

The tower functions as a support structure for the massive antenna that protrudes from the top, and as an observation point for tourists. Two observation decks located at 150 meters and 250 meters welcome visitors, while a four-story complex on the ground floor is occupied by shops and restaurants. Take in the view of Tokyo’s cityscape and the surrounding neighborhood. On a clear day you can even see the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji in the distance. For those who are brave enough, the "Skywalk Windows" on the first floor of the Main Deck allow visitors to look directly down 150 meters.

Surrounded by notable attractions and pleasant greenery

In addition to the tower itself, nearby destinations such as Zojoji Temple, Atago Shrine, and Shiba Toshogu are worth a visit.

Zojoji Temple and the steps to Atago-jinja Shrine

Founded in 1393, venerable Zojoji Temple makes for an iconic photo with Tokyo Tower looming behind. Climb the steep steps of Atago-jinja Shrine, which is perched on a hill that (prior to all the skyscrapers) once offered views over the city as a lookout to spot fires. "Metropolitan Shiba Park" and "Minato Ward Shiba Park" are both known as lush green parks in central Tokyo. Shiba Park offers expansive green lawns and is home to Shiba Toshogu Shrine, which boasts an enormous, ancient ginkgo tree believed to have been planted by shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa. "Minato Ward Shiba Park" is the perfect place to take a photo for social media, or enjoy a picnic with the best view of Tokyo Tower in the background. Spend a morning or afternoon wandering these nearby sights, all of which offer gorgeous views of Tokyo Tower.

View of Tokyo Tower from Shiba Park in Minato Ward