Which Ticket Should You Buy?:
Both towers offer sweeping views over Tokyo, and first-time visitors often aren’t sure which one is actually worth the ticket price, or whether it’s worth visiting both. This guide compares them directly so you can decide.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 634m (world’s tallest tower) | 333m |
| Observation deck height | 350m and 450m decks | 150m and 250m decks |
| Opened | 2012 | 1958 |
| Atmosphere | Modern, high-tech | Retro, nostalgic |
| Surrounding area | Solitaire shopping complex (Tokyo Solamachi) | Older neighborhood, close to Zojoji Temple |
| Typical price | Higher, especially for the top deck | Generally lower |
Tokyo Skytree: The Modern, Record-Setting Option
Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2012, is the tallest tower in the world and offers two observation levels: the Tembo Deck at 350m and the higher Tembo Galleria at 450m, which requires a separate, additional ticket. The views are genuinely expansive, on a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance, and the surrounding Tokyo Solamachi complex offers extensive shopping, dining, and an aquarium, making it easy to turn a visit into a half-day outing rather than just a quick observation deck stop.
- Best for: visitors who want the highest possible view, a more modern architectural experience, and don’t mind paying a premium for the top-tier Tembo Galleria deck.
- Ticket structure: typically sold as a choice between the 350m deck alone, or a combined ticket covering both the 350m and 450m decks, with the combined ticket costing meaningfully more.
Tokyo Tower: The Retro, Iconic Original
Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958 and modeled loosely on the Eiffel Tower, offers two observation levels: the Main Deck at 150m and the Top Deck at 250m, the latter requiring a separate guided-tour-style ticket with a smaller visitor capacity. It has a distinctly retro, nostalgic character compared to Skytree’s modern design, and its red-and-white lattice structure remains one of Tokyo’s most recognizable landmarks, particularly striking when lit up at night.
- Best for: visitors who want a more classic, nostalgic Tokyo experience, a generally lower price point, and a view that includes Tokyo Skytree itself in the skyline (something you obviously can’t get from Skytree’s own deck).
- Ticket structure: similar setup to Skytree, with the Main Deck available on its own or combined with Top Deck access, which involves a small-group guided format with limited availability.
Which View Is Actually Better?
This comes down to personal preference more than an objective ranking. Skytree’s greater height offers a more expansive, further-reaching view, and on clear days, a better chance of spotting Mt. Fuji. Tokyo Tower’s lower height means you’re closer to street level detail, and importantly, its view includes the Skytree itself as a skyline landmark, along with a more central view over classic Tokyo neighborhoods like Roppongi and the Imperial Palace area.
Is It Worth Visiting Both?
For most travelers, no, not necessarily. The views, while not identical, are similar enough in concept (an elevated view over Tokyo) that visiting both towers within the same trip often feels redundant unless you have a specific interest in comparing them directly or visiting both regardless of overlap. If you can only choose one, base your decision on the factors below rather than trying to fit both into your itinerary.
How to Choose
- Want the highest, most expansive view and don’t mind paying more: Tokyo Skytree, particularly the 450m Tembo Galleria.
- Want a more affordable, nostalgic experience with Skytree itself in the view: Tokyo Tower.
- Traveling with kids or want more to do beyond the observation deck: Tokyo Skytree, given the attached Solamachi complex and aquarium.
- Want to pair the view with a nearby temple visit: Tokyo Tower, given its proximity to Zojoji Temple.
- Prioritizing budget: Tokyo Tower’s Main Deck ticket is generally the more affordable single-ticket option of the two.
Booking Tips
- Both towers sell tickets online in advance, which can help avoid queues, particularly during peak tourist seasons or weekends.
- Sunset and night tickets are popular for both towers, given how the city looks lit up after dark, and these time slots can sell out on popular dates, so booking ahead is worth doing if you have a specific time in mind.
- Combined tickets or packages bundling either tower with other attractions are sometimes available through platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide, worth comparing against buying a standalone ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tower has better views of Mt. Fuji?
Tokyo Skytree, given its greater height, generally offers a better chance of a clear Mt. Fuji sighting on a clear day, though visibility depends entirely on weather conditions regardless of which tower you choose.
Is the top deck (Skytree’s Tembo Galleria or Tokyo Tower’s Top Deck) worth the extra cost?
For most visitors, the standard lower deck at either tower already provides an excellent view, and the additional height of the top-tier deck offers a marginal improvement rather than a dramatically different experience. It’s worth it primarily if photography or the novelty of the highest possible vantage point specifically matters to you.
Which is better for sunset or night views?
Tokyo Skytree, given its greater height, generally offers a better chance of a clear Mt. Fuji sighting on a clear day, though visibility depends entirely on weather conditions regardless of which tower you choose.
Walk-up tickets are generally available for standard decks at both towers, but advance booking is recommended for peak times, weekends, and especially for the higher-tier decks, which have more limited capacity.
Next Steps
Choose based on what matters most to you, height and modern amenities point toward Skytree, while nostalgia, budget, and a Skytree-inclusive skyline point toward Tokyo Tower, and book your ticket online in advance if you have a specific date or sunset time slot in mind.
This post is part of an ongoing series on Japan travel planning. Check back for more comparison guides and Tokyo sightseeing tips.
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| Rakuten Travel is one of Japan’s largest and most popular domestic travel booking platforms. It features an extensive database of hotels, ryokan, resorts, and other accommodations across Japan, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to book stays throughout the country. Available in your language. If you’re using a computer, click “Language” in the top-right corner to change the language. If you’re using a smartphone, tap the person icon in the bottom-right corner, then tap “Language” to select your preferred language. |
