Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) has been one of the city’s most recognizable symbols since 1958. Its red-and-white structure, inspired by the Eiffel Tower yet uniquely Japanese, offers wide city views, great family photo spots, and a relaxed atmosphere that fits easily into any sightseeing day. Families enjoy the panoramic decks, the glass floor, child-friendly spaces, and unusual activities such as climbing the outdoor staircase or even playing pickleball on the rooftop of FootTown.

How to Get to Tokyo Tower – Is a Car Worth It?

Is Renting a Car in Tokyo a Good Idea?

Although Tokyo is known for its efficient train network, renting a car – especially a minivan – as making their trip more comfortable. A car helps when carrying shopping bags such as kitchen items, souvenirs, KitKat sets, or clothing, and it is convenient for families with strollers. It also makes it easier to move between attractions across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For families of 4-6 people, renting a car often provides more comfort than relying solely on public transportation.

Getting There by Public Transport

Tokyo Tower does not have a dedicated train station, which often surprises first-time visitors. The nearest stations are all within an 8-12 minute walk:

• Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) – closest
• Onarimon Station (Mita Line)
• Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line)

The walk is generally pleasant, though it may be less convenient on rainy days or when carrying heavy bags.

Parking Near Tokyo Tower

There is a large underground parking area located about three minutes from the entrance. Parking is also available around Shiba Park and near Zojo-ji Temple, both of which offer quiet and convenient options.

A helpful detail: near the entrance to the underground parking there is a “hidden” lower-angle photo spot that provides one of the best perspectives of the tower.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo Tower?

Best Season to Visit

Tokyo Tower is open daily from 09:00 to 23:00, and the experience varies with the seasons:

• Winter: the highest chance of clear skies.
• Spring & Autumn: comfortable temperatures and pleasant visibility.
• Summer: hotter days and larger crowds.

Best Time of Day

Evening visits are consistently the most rewarding. After 20:00, queues are usually short or nonexistent, and the illuminated city skyline creates especially striking views.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Arriving one hour before sunset gives you both daylight scenery and night views in a single visit.

Weather and Visibility

On rare clear days, Mount Fuji can be visible from the upper levels. Cloudy or foggy weather reduces overall visibility, particularly on the Top Deck, but the night panorama remains impressive even when the distance view is limited.

Ticket Types and How Much Time You Need at Tokyo Tower?

What Types of Tickets Does Tokyo Tower Offer?

Main Deck (150 m)
The most popular choice for families, with large windows, manageable crowds, and easy access.
Price: ¥1500 for adults.

Top Deck Tour (250 m)
A premium mirrored space offering a futuristic viewing experience. Reaching it requires several elevator transfers (around 20-25 minutes). Some visitors feel the difference from the Main Deck is not dramatic.
Price: higher, and sold exclusively online.

Stairs 600 – The Outdoor Staircase
A 600-step outdoor climb that takes about 10-15 minutes. It is suitable for children, although the wind becomes stronger near the top, making it a light but memorable challenge.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For families looking for a short, unique activity – this is one of the most enjoyable options.

Queues and Time Management

• Evenings → almost no queue
• Busy days → lines move quickly
• Top Deck → additional elevator wait time
• Ticket counter → cash only

Average visit time:

• Main Deck: 1-1.5 hours
• Top Deck: +40 minutes

What to See and Do at Tokyo Tower?

Best Observation Points and Photo Spots

Tokyo Tower offers wide views across Roppongi Hills, Rainbow Bridge, and Shiba Park. The glass floor is a favorite among kids, and the high-speed elevators – reaching up to 600 meters per minute – add a fun sense of motion.

Activities for Kids

Families can enjoy:

• VR experiences
• A small play area and occasional themed events
• Stamp collecting – a simple and enjoyable Japanese-style activity
• Pickleball games on the rooftop of FootTown

Food and Shopping

FootTown includes several convenient dining spots with snacks, desserts, and family-friendly meals. The souvenir shops offer unique items such as puzzles, figurines, and Tower Crystal ornaments.

Caught the perfect view of Tokyo Tower rising above the city – such an iconic moment.

What’s Around Tokyo Tower?

Zojo-ji Temple (増上寺 / Zojo-ji Temple) is one of the most photogenic locations near Tokyo Tower. The contrast between its traditional wooden halls and the modern silhouette of the tower creates one of Tokyo’s most iconic images. Many families enjoy starting their day here to capture wide, balanced shots of the tower before moving closer.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Visiting in the late afternoon provides calm surroundings and ideal lighting for photography.

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Who Is Tokyo Tower Good For?

Tokyo Tower is ideal for:

• Families with children aged 5-18
• Travelers who enjoy panoramic views and easy, light activities
• Visitors using a car and planning several stops throughout the day
• Anyone looking for a simple 1-2 hour attraction with great photo opportunities

It is less suitable for:

• Travelers with a strong fear of heights, especially when considering the Top Deck
• Visitors looking for a large multi-attraction complex (in this case, Tokyo Skytree offers a broader range)

Standing under Tokyo Tower feels surreal – the structure is massive and so much more impressive up close.

Family Itinerary Example – One Day at Tokyo Tower

10:00–12:00 – Zojo-ji Temple

Walk 8–10 minutes from Akabanebashi Station to Zojo-ji Temple. Explore the garden paths, photograph the Sangedatsumon Gate, and enjoy the open courtyard where the tower rises behind the temple’s wooden hall.
Time: 60–75 minutes

12:00–14:00 – Tokyo Tower Main Deck

Walk 3–5 minutes from Zojo-ji to Tokyo Tower. Buying tickets online avoids the cash-only queue. Enjoy the Main Deck’s wide views; the 340th floor is usually quieter.
Time: ~60 minutes
Price: ¥1500
Lunch: FootTown food court – convenient for quick meals and desserts.

14:00–15:00 – Lunch at FootTown

Choose between light meals, ice cream, and drinks. The building’s lower-level souvenir shop is usually quieter and better for selecting gifts.

15:00–16:00 – Stairs 600 Experience

Climb the 600 outdoor steps from the rooftop of FootTown. The wind grows stronger near the top, making the climb fun and memorable for kids.
Time: ~45 minutes (with photo breaks)

16:00–18:00 – Shiba Park

Walk a few minutes to Shiba Park, one of Tokyo’s oldest parks. It’s a calm place to unwind and take sunset photos. A “hidden” photo spot near the underground parking offers one of the best low-angle shots of the tower.

Traveler Reviews about Tokyo Tower

Michael Turner – April 2023
I visited Tokyo Tower with my two kids, and the Main Deck was perfect for them. The quieter 340th floor made it easy to take great photos. We also climbed the Stairs 600 – windy but fun. The only inconvenience was the cash-only ticket counter.

Sarah Mitchell – October 2021
We arrived just before sunset, and watching the city shift from light to darkness was unforgettable. The Top Deck required several elevator transfers, but the night view made the extra time worthwhile. My kids especially loved the glass floor.

Daniel Brooks – June 2019
We began our morning at Zojo-ji Temple and walked to the tower afterward. The angles from the temple courtyard were amazing. Inside, the elevator layout confused me at first, but we eventually figured it out. My youngest enjoyed collecting the stamp.

Emily Carter – December 2024
Our family tried the 600-step climb. The strong wind near the top surprised us, but the kids thought it was hilarious. Even with a bit of fog, the view felt peaceful. Mount Fuji wasn’t visible that day, but the experience was still worth it.

Jason Miller – May 2018
We arrived early to avoid crowds, and it proved to be the right choice. After visiting the Main Deck, we went to the quieter floor and had plenty of room for photos. Lunch at FootTown was easy, and the souvenir shops had great options for kids.

Olivia Adams – March 2022
Our visit with children was smooth, even on the Top Deck. The only challenge was waiting through the multiple elevator transfers. After the tower, we relaxed in Shiba Park – peaceful and perfect before continuing our day.

Sophia Bennett – November 2023
We walked from our hotel, and the route was slightly confusing the first time, especially with a stroller. Once inside the tower, everything was straightforward. The night view was stunning, and we discovered a quieter souvenir shop on the lower level.

Anthony Clarke – August 2025
My kids wanted a dramatic photo of the tower, so we searched for the hidden spot near the underground parking. The angle was fantastic. Inside, it was warm because of the summer heat, but the upper deck felt breezier and more comfortable.

The city looks endless from up here – Tokyo glowing in every direction. Easily one of my favorite night views.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• I always start at Zojo-ji Temple before heading to Tokyo Tower – it provides the best family photo angle with the tower perfectly framed behind the temple.
• I buy tickets online, especially for the Top Deck Tour, because the on-site counter still accepts cash only. This saves time, especially when visiting with children.
• On the Main Deck (150 m), I go straight to the quieter 340th floor. Each time I’ve been there, it was easier to take photos without waiting for space near the windows.
• When climbing Stairs 600, I bring water and make sure phones are secured. The wind near the top is strong, but my kids always find it entertaining.
• The hidden photo spot near the underground parking entrance is one of my favorites. It offers a dramatic low-angle shot without the usual crowds.
• I usually arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset. This timing gives both daylight scenery and night views without rushing through the observation areas.
• Inside the tower, I follow the color-coded signs rather than written directions. From experience, they make switching elevators much easier.
• At FootTown, I prefer the lower-level souvenir shop. It’s quieter, and I’ve found better-priced gifts for children there.
• If the weather is cloudy, I adjust expectations – Mount Fuji won’t be visible, but the night view remains impressive and often feels even more atmospheric.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I visited Tokyo Tower in October 2023, and each time I return, I’m reminded why this landmark works so well for families. I like starting the morning at Zojo-ji Temple, where the peaceful atmosphere and balanced viewpoints help set the tone for the day. The contrast between the temple’s wooden halls and the tower rising behind them always makes for one of the most striking photos in Tokyo.

Inside the tower, the elevator layout can feel confusing on a first visit, especially when moving between levels for the Top Deck Tour, but reaching the Main Deck quickly makes up for it with wide, open views. Arriving before sunset has consistently helped me manage timing with kids, giving us both daylight and evening scenery without rushing.

The climb up Stairs 600 is one of the activities my family enjoys most. The wind near the top makes it a light challenge, and the view feels rewarding every time.

Tokyo Tower offers a balanced mix of views, simple adventure, and memorable photo opportunities – ideal for families wanting an easy and enjoyable stop in the city. I invite you to create a personalized itinerary with me, designed to help you explore Tokyo and the best of Japan in the way that suits your family best.

Price Table – Tokyo Tower

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Tower

What’s the best time to visit Tokyo Tower with kids?
Late afternoon before sunset. You get daylight views, golden hour, and then the night lights – all in one visit.

How long does a typical visit take?
The Main Deck usually takes about 40 minutes, while the Top Deck Tour takes around 1.5 hours, including elevator transfers.

Are there family-friendly food options?
Yes. FootTown has a food court with several restaurants, including kid-friendly meals, snacks, desserts, and soft-serve ice cream.

Is the Top Deck worth it?
Many families enjoy it. The higher viewpoint provides striking 360° views, especially after dark.

Can children climb Stairs 600?
Yes. On weekends and holidays, families can climb the 600 steps outdoors to the Main Deck. It takes about 15 minutes.

Is the area around the tower suitable for walking?
Absolutely. The base of the tower offers great photo spots, and Shiba Park nearby provides greenery and open spaces.

First-person: How crowded is it?
When I visited, the Main Deck was busy but manageable. The only real wait was for the elevators to the Top Deck, so I always plan extra time for that.

First-person: Is Tokyo Tower fun for teens?
Yes. When I went with teens, they loved the glass-floor panels and the energetic night atmosphere. It felt exciting without being overwhelming.

Are tickets difficult to get?
Usually not. Same-day tickets are common, but evening Top Deck slots may fill up, so pre-booking is helpful.

Are there nearby attractions suitable for kids?
Yes. Zojo-ji Temple offers great photo angles with the tower, and Shiba Park is ideal for a short, relaxed walk.

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