Tokyo Tower Gallery

Tokyo Tower is an iconic broadcasting tower in Shiba Park in Tokyo's Minato ward, built in 1958 and modeled on the Eiffel Tower. One of the tallest self-supporting steel towers in the world at 332.6 meters (1,091 feet), it was the tallest structure of its kind on Earth when it was completed. Its steel lattice construction, chosen deliberately against the then-prevailing trend toward reinforced concrete, emphasizes earthquake resistance and takes its stylistic cue from the Parisian original. At roughly 4,000 metric tons, the tower is considerably lighter than its French model.

You can explore the tower from two glass-enclosed observation decks. The lower level, at 150 meters (492 feet), offers observation terraces as well as restaurants and shops, while the upper deck, at 250 meters (820 feet), provides an unobstructed view over the city. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Fuji. The building at the base of the tower houses an aquarium, a wax museum, an arcade, and souvenir shops and restaurants across several floors. There is also a small amusement park on the roof.

Besides its role as a radio and television transmission tower, Tokyo Tower is an important cultural symbol of Japan's postwar reconstruction after World War II. It frequently appears in films, anime, and monster movies, where it often serves as the backdrop for dramatic scenes. At night, the landmark is lit by numerous floodlights that glow orange or white depending on the season. Despite the opening of the taller Tokyo Skytree in 2012, Tokyo Tower remains one of the capital's most visited attractions, drawing about three million visitors a year.