Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: which one should you visit?
- japansophy
- 15 hours ago
- 7 min read
Tokyo is a tale of two towers. And since going up both on a trip to the city might seem a bit like overkill, you'll be asking yourself: do I go up Tokyo Tower, Skytree, or - hello, FOMO - do I do both? With three decades of visiting Tokyo as tourists, we're pretty clued in on our viewing platforms, and our honest answer, for different reasons, is that we don't put either on our itineraries. We'll explain why, but just in case you're set on doing one or the other, let's compare the two.
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*Any prices quoted below are as of May 2026 and are subject to change
Height and views: bigger isn't always better
Tokyo Skytree stands at exactly 634 metres - the tallest freestanding tower in the world (and the second-tallest structure overall after the Burj Khalifa). Tokyo Tower, at 333 metres, looks almost stunted by comparison but at least from that height, you're in the skyline rather than looking down on it from above. And that makes the view somehow more real. The buildings around you still have texture and scale. You can see moving traffic, parks, the outline of Tokyo Bay, and - weather permitting - Skytree itself rising in the distance. The view from Skytree's 350m Tembo Deck or its 450m Tembo Galleria, is undeniably impressive, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Fuji. We have to say: it really does bring the sheer scale of this city home to you - stretching out literally as far as the eye can see. But it's much harder to pick out individual city features and everything seems kinda flat. And because you're so high up, any humidity at all and your views are pretty much scuppered anyway.
If you're keen on getting some cool shots in, Tokyo Tower is probably the better option. The moderate height gives your photos more layers: foreground buildings, mid-distance skyscrapers, and the far horizon all in play at once. From Skytree, Tokyo looks like a patterned, grey carpet. Also, Skytree's convex glass-enclosed decks can cause reflection issues, especially at night, while Tokyo Tower has sections where you can press your lens right up to the glass. On the other hand, a photo of the Tokyo skyline is barely a photo of Tokyo if it doesn't include its iconic red & white tower - which it won't if you're standing right in it!
Ticket prices: Tokyo Tower is cheaper
Tokyo Tower is the more affordable option. Entry to the Main Deck (150m) is around ¥1,200–¥1,500 for adults. If you want to add the Top Deck Tour (which takes you to 250m with a guided, intimate experience including glass-floored elevators and historical displays), expect to pay roughly ¥3,000–¥3,500 for both decks combined. At Skytree, the Tembo Deck only (350m) comes in at around ¥2,300 per adult when booked in advance online. To add the Tembo Galleria (450m), the combined ticket runs to approximately ¥3,400–¥3,900. Walk-up prices are slightly higher, and there's no getting around the fact that Skytree is simply a more expensive day out. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for both, especially Skytree - the first time we wandered over to Skytree (back in 2013), the queues were so long that we walked away again. Skytree had just opened the year before so we assumed it was the novelty factor but, no, you'll still encounter long queues today, more than 10 years later. Booking in advance will save queueing and is also cheaper. Both towers are bookable through at the links below:
Crowds
Skytree is one of the most visited attractions in Japan, and it shows. Queues for the lifts can stretch to 30 minutes or more on weekends, particularly in the early evening when everyone wants the sunset view. The observation decks feel busy even on quieter days - the sheer scale of the complex funnels large numbers of people into the same spaces.
Tokyo Tower is visited by far fewer people at any given time, which translates to a more relaxed, less regimented experience. You're not queued through the attraction at pace. You can linger at the windows, take your time, and actually feel like you're enjoying the view rather than moving through it. This matters more than you might think when you're paying to go up a tower.
General appeal & which one fits best into your itinerary?
This is where Skytree potentially scores a few points. While Tokyo Tower is in a lovely, leafy, upscale central ward (Minato) with Zozoji Temple right beside it, it's not a natural stopover in your itinerary and it feels a bit out of the way - it's not hard to get to, it's just not an area that you would otherwise spend much time in as a tourist. Tokyo Skytree, on the other hand, is just across the river from Asakusa - one of Tokyo's most rewarding traditional neighbourhoods. The combination of Skytree + Senso-ji + Nakamise Shopping Street + a walk along the riverbank is a great half-day out.
Tokyo Tower's Foot Town is a 4–5 floor complex at the base of the tower containing souvenir shops, a café, a small aquarium, and the entrance to Red° Tokyo Tower (a multi-floor entertainment complex). It's not a destination in itself but is a good place to while away an hour or two on a wet day. Tokyo Skytree's equivalent, Solamachi, is a genuinely impressive commercial development: over 300 shops and restaurants spread across a sprawling mall that includes the Sumida Aquarium, the Konica Minolta Planetarium, a vast food hall, and a Pokémon Centre. If you're travelling with children, the Skytree complex alone can fill most of a day. For a quick, atmospheric visit without the mall experience, Tower is more satisfying.
So, which should you visit?
Visit Tokyo Skytree if:
- It's your first time in Tokyo and you want to say you've been up the tallest tower in the world
- You want any chance of seeing Mount Fuji (is only going to happen on a very clear day in winter anyway)
- You're travelling with children and want a full-day experience
- You're already planning a visit to Asakusa
Visit Tokyo Tower if:
- You want better-value tickets and fewer crowds
- You're interested in atmosphere, history, and that classic retro Tokyo feeling
- You want the best skyline photos (including a view of Skytree)
- You prefer to avoid crowds (which is not to say that you'll have Tokyo Tower to yourself)
Why we think there are better alternatives to both Skytree and Tokyo Tower
Assuming we're talking views - since there is little reason in either case to actually go up either Tokyo Tower or Skytree - there are plenty of other options in Tokyo. Here are some of our favourites and why we like them:
Shibuya Sky: Because this platform is open air, it never feels über-crowded, even when it is full to capacity. It's also possible to get photos of the view without any glass in the way, at least in the direction of the sunset. It's also cheaper than going all the way up Tokyo Tower or Skytree.
Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observation Deck: This observation deck is relatively new and not so well-known by tourists, so it's not too crowded and it's relatively easy to get tickets for sunset slots, even just a day or two in advance. What we love about this place is that it has great views of the city including Tokyo Tower - it's hard to get a more iconic Tokyo pic.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: The observation decks of the twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building used to be a real insider tip but they have been doing the social media rounds now for the last year or so they're not much of a secret anymore and they can get crowded, especially around sunset. There's an observation deck at the top of each tower (so you can see the city from different angles) and, best of all, admission is free.
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center: This isn't your typical observation deck because it's only 8 floors up but it's free and you get fantastic views of Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori, SkyTree and the Asahi Flame. It's just across the street from Kaminarimon, so you don't even have to go out of your way.
Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: FAQ
Is the Skytree Tower the same as Tokyo Tower?
No, they are two different towers in two different areas of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is the orangey-red and white one shaped like the Eiffel Tower and Skytree is the long, pointy one with the two blobby bits near the top.
Is Tokyo Tower or Skytree better for kids?
Skytree, without question - the Sumida Aquarium, planetarium, and Solamachi shopping complex make it a much richer family experience.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower?
Rarely, and visibility depends on weather and season. Skytree gives you a significantly better chance but even here you'll have to be here on a clear winter's morning when the humidity is at its lowest.
Do I need to book Skytree in advance? How about Tokyo Tower?
For Skytree, yes - booking in advance secures your entry time and gives a small discount. It's essential you book in advance if you want a certain time slot, such as sunset. For Tokyo Tower it's less critical, but still recommended on weekends and holidays. Klook often has deals on Skytree tickets in particular. Click here to check availability.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: which has better night views?
Both are excellent at night but you're likely to get better photos from Tokyo Tower, since you can't get up close to the glass at Skytree and there will be reflections.
Can I do Skytree and Tokyo Tower in one day?
Technically, yes. They are only about 40 minutes apart by subway and you really don't need more than 90 minutes in each one, so it's definitely possible to do them both in one day.
Is there a combined ticket for Tokyo Tower and Skytree?
They're operated by different companies, so you would generally book your tickets separately. But Klook has a combi-ticket that allows you to pick 2-7 attractions in Tokyo and combine them in one ticket purchase at a discount. Just be aware that there are some restrictions - for example, the Tokyo Tower ticket only allows you to go up to the lower deck. Click here to have a look at the possible combinations.
Planning your trip to Tokyo? Check out our 3 & 4-day Tokyo itineraries here. You might find the following blog posts useful too:
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