Tokyo Tower at Night: A Quick Guide to Tokyo’s Landmark

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One of the best ways to get to know a city is to see it from above. Observation decks and iconic towers offer unbeatable views, photo-worthy skylines and a fresh perspective on the streets below. Tokyo is no different. So if you want a view from the top in Japan’s capital, then consider visiting the Tokyo Tower at night – when it’s particularly impressive.

If you’re planning your first trip, be sure to check out my Ultimate Japan Bucket List for more quintessential experiences.

Although not the world’s most famous tower, at 333m tall the Tokyo Tower was the tallest in Japan until 2012, when the Tokyo Skytree took over the crown. Its design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and although perhaps it’s not as iconic as its French cousin, Tokyoites are proud of the fact that it’s both taller and lighter than the Parisian landmark.

By daylight, it may resemble the love child of the Eiffel Tower and a candy cane, but Tokyo Tower has always been more than a tourist magnet. It plays an important role in broadcasting television and radio signals across the region. So while it entertains, it also works hard in the background.

A view from the Tokyo Tower in Japan - part 2 of my A View From The Top series.

Pros of visiting Tokyo Tower

There’s live music up there, which adds atmosphere to the view. Also, in true quirky Japanese fashion, the tower has its own mascots known as the Noppon Brothers. The Noppon Brothers look a bit like big pink tear drops and have their own interesting mottos:

“Look at things with a hot heart with the cool touch”
and
“Start with small things and keep going on steady”.

Only in Japan would a steel broadcasting tower have mascots with motivational catchphrases!

If you’re looking for quirky then check out the weird Japanese stuff I found.

Cons of visiting Tokyo Tower

Like many tourist attractions, you do have to pay to enter (from around ¥1,500 per adult at the time of writing). While Tokyo Tower is a classic, if you’re on a budget, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers a famous free observation deck. However, Tokyo Tower offers a mix of history, atmosphere and character you might not get elsewhere.

Surprises

The Noppon Brothers are definitely a surprise! Until you remember you’re in Japan, where mascots are everywhere. Characters aren’t just for children in a land where even businessmen carry kawaii phone charms. So a tower with its own pink mascot duo almost feels normal.

If you like surprises then you might enjoy my post about surprising things in Japan that made my trip unforgettable.

Tokyo skyline - the view from the Tokyo Tower

How to get to Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is centrally located in Minato district and accessible via several train lines:

Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line): The closest option. 5 minute walk from the Akabanebashi Gate.
Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line): 7 minute walk from Exit 1.
Onarimon Station (Mita Line): 6 minute walk from Exit A1.
Hamamatsucho Station (JR Line): Best for JR Pass holders. 15 minute walk from the North Exit.

Is the Tokyo Tower worth visiting?

It’s worth a look if you’re into cities, landmarks and skyline views. It makes a change from the countless photos taken of the New York skyline and a fun way to see Tokyo lit up at night. Although if I get back to Japan I will seek out new heights!

Another great place to take in a view of Tokyo is the New York Bar at the Park Hyatt. This is the one that was featured in the movie Lost in Translation, which I would also recommend, especially if you’re a fan of the film.

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