Tokyo Skytree: Is the viewing platform worth it?

634 meters. The third tallest building in the world. A technological marvel that simply dances away earthquakes and is so high that you feel like an ant in front of it. The Tokyo Skytree is an absolute statement.

But honestly? My most memorable moment wasn’t just the view, but probably the worst bike ride of my life at the base of the tower. And while almost every tourist runs blindly to the counter, I’m going to tell you how to do it smarter, save time and why my heart might beat for a tower in Osaka after all.

Grab a drink (no sour beer, please) and let’s get started.

The most important things in a nutshell

• The savings hack: Don’t book tickets on the official website, but via providers such as Klook* or GetYourGuide – ideally combined with cashback portals*(up to 10% back).
• The time trap: Your online ticket is just a voucher. You have to be there 30-45 minutes before your slot to exchange it for a paper ticket at the counter!
• Best time: During the week before 15:00 or late after 20:00. Avoid Sundays and the time between 17:00-19:00.
• Cost: Approx. 17-20 euros for the full package (350m 450m).

The Giant & The Ticket Hack: How to save money and nerves

Tokyo doesn’t make it easy for you. There are almost 10 skyscrapers with viewing platforms. Many people want to go to the classic red and white Tokyo Tower (which looks like the Eiffel Tower), but it is often fully booked. The alternative? The Skytree in the Sumida district. It’s super easy to get to, with five metro lines intersecting here.

But don’t make the mistake of being too spontaneous. On the official website, a ticket for the same day costs around 20 euros (17 euros with advance booking).

Here’s the insider way: use third-party providers such as Klook* or GetYourGuide. The price is almost identical, BUT if you combine this with a cashback portal like TopCashback*, you’ll get more money back.

Important: If you book online, you will only receive a voucher. You can ‘t use it to go straight through to the elevator! You first have to queue at the counter and do the paperwork. We had a slot for 5:30 pm – so make sure you arrive 30 to 45 minutes early, otherwise it will be stressful.

The ascent & the experience: anime, views and crowds

The ascent is the engineers’ first “flex”: you shoot upwards at 600 meters per second. A short pop in your ears and bang – you’re on the Tembo Deck (350 meters).

From there you continue to the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. What awaits you:

• The view: An endless sea of lights as far as the horizon.
• The technology: The tower starts out triangular at the bottom and becomes circular at the top in order to intercept winds. It is built to be earthquake-proof, inspired by ancient pagodas. A reassuring thought when you’re standing on glass slabs.
• Anime vibe: Our place was full of “Jujutsu Kaisen”. If you’re a fan: jackpot. If not: just ignore it.
• Equipment: In contrast to many other places, I was allowed to take my small hand tripod for the camera with me without any problems.

Real talk about the crowds: We made the mistake of going on a Sunday evening. We just missed the sunset and it was packed. Between 5 and 7 pm, it’s “cuddling with strangers” here. If you can, go during the week during the day or very late. On the plus side, no one will kick you out and you can stay as long as you like (allow about 2 hours).

The Osaka comparison: Why the Skytree is not my favorite

Let’s get straight to the point. The Skytree is impressive, no question. But it’s the typical tourist program: drive up, say “Ah” and “Oh”, take a photo, drive down.

If you are on a round trip and are also in Osaka, consider going to the Harukas 300 instead. Why? The vibe. In Harukas, the platform at the top is partially open. We sat there for almost three hours with friends, there was a bar, drinks and we really experienced the sunset instead of just checking it off. In short: the Skytree is for “looking”, the Harukas is for “feeling”.

Nerd knowledge & warning about the beer

When you’re back downstairs, there are often events taking place on the forecourt (in our case an “Oktoberfest” or a market at Christmas time). Warning: I had a Radler there that tasted as if someone had squeezed five lemons directly into the beer. An absolute disaster. Better save the money for a good meal.

Finally, here’s a fact that will help you shine at dinner: Time really does pass faster at the top of the Skytree than down below. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have proven that clocks run about 4 nanoseconds faster per day at 450 meters. So thanks to Einstein, you age (slightly) faster up there! And the name of the altitude – 634 – is a pun on “Mu-sa-shi”, the old name of the region.

Conclusion

The Tokyo Skytree is a monster and for around 20 euros you get the highest view in Japan. Is it the “smartest choice”? My recommendation: only go up if the weather is perfect and you have the chance to see Mount Fuji during the day. Otherwise, the view from below is completely sufficient and you can save yourself the budget for the Harukas Tower in Osaka, which simply offers more atmosphere.