Visit to Skytree…check

Normally, we avoid the  “touristy” attractions in Tokyo. There are so many things to do away from the tourist areas that we find other things to do.

But with our daughter visiting this week, we decided to make a visit to Tokyo Skytree. At 634 meters high, it’s the world’s tallest tower. We’ve often viewed it from the outside, but today was our first time to go inside.

Skytree has two viewing levels, the first at 350 meters, and a Galleria level at 450 meters. Entrance fee isn’t cheap – 3,000 yen per person to the first level, and another 1,000 yen to the Galleria level. We opted to stop at the 350 meter level.

Like most tourist areas, this one was crowded.

We took advantage of the “fast lane” for international visitors, so avoided some of the line to the elevators. Once in the elevator, it was a quick trip up – the video monitor in the elevator pegged the speed going up at 600 meters per minute.

Once at the 350 meter level, we could walk around and see a full 360 degrees around the Tokyo area…once we could get through the crowd and up to the viewing window. It was a clear winter day in Tokyo, so visibility was good.

Even Mt. Fuji was clearly in view in the distance. Looking out, it seems that Tokyo goes on forever, to the horizon in all directions.

All in all, Skytree is an interesting attraction. There is a good view of the city. If you’re interested, there are several restaurants and of course the ubiquitous gift shops. It’s definitely on the “must see in Tokyo” list, and I’m glad we went…once. Skytree tower, checked off the bucket list.