Tokyo has two famous towers, and many visitors wonder which one to pick. The modern Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage is the tallest tower in the world, with record-breaking views. The red-and-white Tokyo Tower in Minato, opened in 1958, is the city’s retro symbol.
This guide compares Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower: 2026 ticket prices, heights, opening hours, how to get there, the best time to go and which is better for you. Skytree prices come from Japan Travel Kit (checked 19 October 2026 against the official site) and Tokyo Tower prices from Japan Travel Kit (checked 20 October 2026). Prices can change, so confirm when booking.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower at a glance
| Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo Tower | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 634 m | 333 m |
| Observation decks | Tembo Deck (350 m) and Tembo Galleria (450 m) | Main Deck (150 m) and Top Deck (250 m) |
| Adult ticket | From ¥1,800 online (350 m); from ¥3,000 for both decks | ¥1,500 Main Deck; ¥3,300 online Top Deck Tour |
| Area | Oshiage, near Asakusa | Minato, near Roppongi and Shiba Park |
| Best for | Highest views, Mount Fuji on clear days, shopping mall below | Classic Tokyo icon, central location, photos of the tower |
Tokyo Skytree tickets 2026
| Ticket | Adult (15+) | Child (6–14) |
|---|---|---|
| Tembo Deck (350 m), date-specified online | from ¥1,800 | from ¥900 |
| Combo: Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria (450 m), online | from ¥3,000 | from ¥1,500 |
| Add Tembo Galleria on site | ¥1,400 | ¥700 |
| Same-day tickets | A ¥500 service fee per ticket on top of the ticket price | |
Source: Japan Travel Kit. Prices are “from” prices — specific dates can cost more. Children 5 and under are free.
- Book online with a date-specified ticket to avoid the same-day fee and the queue.
- Hours: typically 10:00–22:00 with last entry at 21:00, but Skytree uses a per-date calendar, so check your day (source).
- Compare Tokyo Skytree tickets
Tokyo Tower tickets 2026
| Ticket | Online | At the window |
|---|---|---|
| Main Deck (150 m), adult | ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 |
| Main Deck, high school | ¥1,200 | ¥1,200 |
| Main Deck, elementary/junior high | ¥900 | ¥900 |
| Main Deck, child 4+ | ¥600 | ¥600 |
| Top Deck Tour (250 m, includes Main Deck), adult | ¥3,300 | ¥3,500 |
| Top Deck Tour, high school | ¥3,100 | ¥3,300 |
| Top Deck Tour, elementary/junior high | ¥2,100 | ¥2,300 |
| Top Deck Tour, child 4+ | ¥1,500 | ¥1,700 |
Source: Japan Travel Kit, citing the official Tokyo Tower website. The Top Deck Tour is ¥200 cheaper online.
- Hours: Main Deck 9:00–23:00 (last entry 22:30); Top Deck Tour 9:00–22:45 (last admission 22:15) (source).
- Compare Tokyo Tower tickets
Which has the better view?
- Skytree is much higher, so the view is wider: on clear days, especially in winter mornings, you may see Mount Fuji. But from 350–450 m, the city can look flat and distant.
- Tokyo Tower is lower and more central, so you see the city’s skyscrapers up close — and its night-time illumination makes it the most photographed tower in Tokyo.
- The paradox: from Skytree you can’t photograph Skytree, and from Tokyo Tower you can’t see Tokyo Tower. Many photographers prefer views of Tokyo Tower — for example from Roppongi Hills or Shiba Park.
How to get there
Tokyo Skytree
Skytree sits directly above Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) and Oshiage Station (Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei lines). It’s a 20-minute walk or one stop from Asakusa, so it pairs perfectly with Sensō-ji — see Day 1 of our Tokyo itinerary. The Tokyo Solamachi mall and an aquarium are at its base.
Tokyo Tower
Nearest stations (source): Akabanebashi (Toei Oedo Line, 5 minutes’ walk), Onarimon (Toei Mita Line, 6 minutes), Kamiyacho (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, 7 minutes) and JR Hamamatsucho (15 minutes). Combine it with Zojoji Temple and Shiba Park, or Roppongi.
Which one should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the highest possible view | Tokyo Skytree |
| Are visiting Asakusa | Tokyo Skytree |
| Want the classic Tokyo icon and a central location | Tokyo Tower |
| Are on a budget | Tokyo Tower Main Deck (¥1,500) — or the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatory |
| Want an open-air rooftop | Shibuya Sky |
Free alternative: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku are free, at 202 m. Lines can be long at sunset, but it’s an excellent budget choice — see our things to do in Tokyo guide.
More Tokyo guides
- Shibuya Sky tickets
- Best things to do in Tokyo
- Tokyo itinerary
- Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo travel guide
FAQ: Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower
Which is better, Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower?
Skytree for the highest views and a chance of seeing Mount Fuji; Tokyo Tower for the classic icon, a central location and closer city views.
How much does Tokyo Skytree cost?
From ¥1,800 online for adults for the 350 m Tembo Deck, or from ¥3,000 for both decks.
How much does Tokyo Tower cost?
¥1,500 for adults for the Main Deck, or ¥3,300 online for the Top Deck Tour.
How tall are Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower?
Tokyo Skytree is 634 m tall; Tokyo Tower is 333 m.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Tokyo Skytree?
Yes, on clear days — most often on winter mornings.
Is there a free observation deck in Tokyo?
Yes — the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, at 202 m.
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