Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in Tokyo, Japan. Here some interesting facts about Tokyo Tower and its history.
Tokyo Tower Interesting Facts & History
1. It is still an active broadcasting facility but better known as a tourism icon.
2. It stands 333 meters or 1,092 feet tall. It is the second-tallest structure in Japan.
3. Tokyo Tower is located in Shibakoen, at the center of Tokyo. The central Tokyo location was chosen so that the tower’s TV and radio antennas could broadcast as far as possible.
4. Tokyo Tower was designed by Tachū Naitō. He is well known for designing tall buildings in Japan.
5. Tachū Naitō took inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, for the design of Tokyo Tower. There is a strong resemblance between the Tokyo structure and the Paris tower.
6. Tokyo Tower took over the title of tallest freestanding tower in the world from the Eiffel Tower when a 90-meter (295-foot) antenna was fitted to it on 14 October 1958.
Tokyo Tower History & Significance
7. The structure is a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power.
8. Tokyo Tower was Japan’s tallest structure until 2010 when it was surpassed by Tokyo Skytree.
9. Tokyo Tower opened to the public on 23 December 1958 at a final cost of ¥2.8 billion.
10. Its bright white-and-orange paint scheme was chosen in order to comply with air safety regulations.
Visiting Tokyo Tower
11. There is a Main Deck that is located 150 meters up and which has great views of the city. For even more spectacular views, head up to the Top Deck, located at 250 meters, where you may even see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
12. Visitors who feel like expending some energy can bypass the elevator and take the 600-step stairway up to the Main Deck of Tokyo Tower.
13. At the base of Tokyo Tower, there is a four-storey building known as Foot Town that contains an aquarium, dining and shops.
14. The Guinness World Records Museum Tokyo is also located on the third floor of the Foot Town building. It is a kid-friendly place to visit. You’ll find many of the records focused on those which have been set in Japan.
15. The Tokyo Tower Main Deck is open from 9 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. daily. The Top Deck Tour runs from 9 am to 10:15 pm. The stairs are open from 9 am to 8 pm. Admission to the main deck costs 1,200 yen. A ticket for the Top Deck Tour, which gives access to the Top Deck, is 3,000 yen.
Visit the Tokyo Tower website.
