When you think of Tokyo’s skyline, two iconic structures usually come to mind: Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. Both promise sweeping city views, photo-worthy heights, and a chance to see Tokyo from above.
But it wasn’t the newer, taller, flashier tower that gave me the skyline experience I was hoping for—it was the older, shorter sibling in this duo that truly delivered.
Now, I’ll admit that my opinions here might be a controversial. Plenty of travel blogs and guidebooks rave about Tokyo Skytree as a must-do. I even Googled another blogger’s review the morning I decided to go, looking for reassurance that the ticket price was worth it. They said it was. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
After that experience, I decided to check out Tokyo Tower too, if only for the sake of comparison. The result? Two very different visits—and one clear favourite.
Here’s my honest take on both of the popular Tokyo observation decks, plus a few alternatives that might suit you even better.
Quick summary:
Trying to choose between Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower? I visited both. In this post, I share my honest reviews, tips on what to expect, and the best observation decks in Tokyo (including a few that are completely free!).
Recommended tickets:
🗼 Tokyo Tower Top Deck Tickets – Includes Main Deck + Top Deck access
🎟️ Tokyo Skytree Tembo & Galleria Combo – Access both observation levels
🏙️ Shibuya Sky Rooftop Tickets – For 360° outdoor views over Tokyo
🖼️ Roppongi Hills Mori Tower + Museum – Skyline views and art combo
What is Tokyo Skytree?
Tokyo Skytree is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Japan—and for good reason. Completed in 2012, it stands a jaw-dropping 634 metres (2,080 feet) tall, making it the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world (after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai).
It was originally built as a television and radio broadcasting tower to replace Tokyo Tower (as the surrounding high-rise buildings were interfering with signal transmission), but it’s also become a major tourist attraction thanks to its futuristic design, dramatic height, and panoramic views.
Tokyo Skytree tickets
There are two main Tokyo Skytree observation decks: the Tembo Deck (350 metres) and the Tembo Galleria (450 metres).
There are two general admission ticket types available–one which includes just the Tembo Deck (which I’ll refer to as the lower deck in this post), and the another more expensive ticket which includes access to the Tembo Galleria (which I’ll call the upper deck) as well as the Tembo Deck.
🎟️ In order to get a comprehensive experience for this Tokyo Skytree review, I booked the more expensive combined Skytree Ticket for the Tembo Deck and the Tembo Galleria.
Is Tokyo Skytree worth it? My honest review
It’s easy to see why Skytree is a popular item on many “things to do in Tokyo” lists. Tall tower, promising views of Mt Fuji. But for me, it just didn’t live up to the hype. Here’s why:
1. Too busy, even early
I arrived at 8:30 AM expecting a peaceful start to the day, but the place was already swarming with visitors. If you’re hoping for a calm, quiet view over Tokyo—you won’t find it here.
2. Cramped space
Despite being spread across multiple floors, the Tokyo Skytree observation decks somehow feel small and packed. I constantly felt like I was in someone’s way or weaving through crowds.
3. Elevator hassle
You have to line up for the elevator to the first observation deck… then queue again if you want to go to the higher deck. When you’re ready to head back down? You guessed it—two more lines. It’s a lot of waiting.
4. Underwhelming views
Ironically, for a tower all about the view, the actual view is kind of… meh. There are metal beams and support structures blocking key angles, and you can’t get right up close to the windows, which makes photographing the view kind of frustrating.
5. Confusing layout
I found myself walking back and forth trying to find the elevators—something that should be simple in a world-class tourist attraction. Signage wasn’t great, and the crowding and cramped layout certainly didn’t help.
6. The glass floor was a letdown
There’s a small glass floor section on the lower deck, but it was scratched, crowded, and not particularly thrilling. I had to wait my turn behind a group of people trying to take selfies, and when I finally got my moment… it wasn’t all that exciting.
7. Too tall to see the Tokyo skyline
It sounds counterintuitive, but I think Skytree is actually too tall for a good city view. When you’re that high up, Tokyo looks like a toy model—flat and distant.
8. Pricey tickets
Admission isn’t cheap—especially if you want to access both levels. When I booked in 2025, tickets for the Tembo Deck plus Tembo Galleria cost ¥3,900 for adults (about $27 USD). For the ticket price, I expected something pretty special. Instead, I left feeling like I’d overpaid for a few mediocre photos.
The best part? Seeing it from below
Oddly enough, the best part of my visit to Skytree was standing at the base, looking up. The structure is undeniably impressive from the ground—soaring into the sky like something out of science fiction. And the good news? That view is completely free.
Still want to visit Tokyo Skytree?
If, after reading all this, you still want to go up Tokyo Skytree—good for you! It’s your trip, and everyone has different travel styles.
🎟️ Make sure you get your Skytree Tickets online in advance to secure your preferred timeslot. If you show up without a reservation, you may find that the current timeslot is unavailable. I booked mine the day before, and the earliest timeslot had already sold out.
What is Tokyo Tower?
Built in 1958 as a broadcasting tower in a design clearly inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tokyo Tower stands at 333 metres (1,092 feet) tall. Located in Minato City, the upper levels feature observation decks and the lower levels accessible from the ground floor host a small museum, shops, eateries and some other attractions.
Tokyo Tower tickets
Similar to Skytree, there are two main Tokyo Tower observation decks: the Main Deck (150 metres) and the Top Deck (250 metres).
Also similar to Skytree , there are two ticket types available for general admission–one which includes just the Main Deck, and the another more expensive ticket which includes access to the Top Deck as well as the Main Deck.
🗼 Again, I booked the more expensive combined Tokyo Tower Ticket for both decks for this review.
Getting up there (and what to expect)
I visited around 5:30 PM to catch the Tokyo Tower sunset around 6:30 PM. It took around 20 minutes to reach the Top Deck via the various elevators, so be sure to factor that into your ticket time. You only get a 15-minute window to line up on the Main Deck for elevator onwards to the top level—so don’t be late!
There are three elevators involved. At Skytree I was confused about transferring between levels, but at Tokyo Tower the flow to get up higher was clear. Between the second and third elevators, I even got a little drink refresh. It was a small token, but I thought it was a nice touch.
The last elevator is a glass-walled lift, and it’s honestly one of the coolest (and slightly freakiest) parts of the visit. Watching the red-and-white steel frame pass by as you ascend kind of feels like you’re floating upwards into the sky.
The view from the Top Deck
The Tokyo Tower Top Deck isn’t huge, but it wasn’t too crowded either. Most people opt for the cheaper ticket and just stop at the Main Deck. That meant I could take my time, pick a spot by the window, and just enjoy the view as the city transitioned from daylight to twinkling night lights.
The view felt far more intimate and immersive than Skytree. You’re still high enough to see far into the distance, but also close enough to pick out neighbourhoods, cars, trains, and rooftops.
Sadly, I didn’t spot Mt Fuji (again!), but on a clear day, you might. I did enjoy taking plenty of photos of the skyline though, and playing with the mirrored panels inside which were super fun for selfies.
Checking out the Main Deck
On the way back down, I stopped in at the Main Deck. It’s much bigger than the Top Deck and more people hang out there, but it still didn’t feel overly crowded, even at sunset. I didn’t have too much trouble finding a spot by the window to admire the view.
The Main Deck feels more embedded in the city. You’re not towering above everything—you’re right in it, among the other skyscrapers. This means you get a better connection with what’s happening in the buildings around you and on the ground below.
And if you go around sunset like I did, don’t forget to look up when you leave—the tower lights up beautifully at night. Seeing the coloured lights glow in the darkening sky was the perfect finish to my Tokyo Tower experience.
Final verdict: Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree—who wins?
Honestly? Tokyo Tower was a clear winner for me.
Tokyo Tower was built in the 1950s, and yeah, in some places it shows. Things are a little retro, a little creaky, and when I was up at the top, I could literally feel the structure swaying slightly in the wind (eek!). But honestly? That just gave it character. It was kind of a thrill knowing I was standing on a piece of Tokyo’s history.
Despite its age, Tokyo Tower really surprised me—in a good way. The experience felt smoother, calmer, and way more enjoyable. I didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed, and I walked away feeling like I’d actually enjoyed myself. In a comparison of Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower—I’d pick Tokyo Tower for the view every time.
If you only have time (or budget) for one, I’d say skip Skytree and go with Tokyo Tower instead.
🗼 You can get Tokyo Tower tickets when you arrive at the tower, but it’s a sensible idea to get your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred timeslot.
This is especially important if you want to head up to the top deck which has limited space, and also if you’ll be heading up for sunset as that’s when everyone else will want to go! I booked mine that day before and had no trouble securing the sunset slot for the following evening.
The best alternatives for Tokyo views
If you’re chasing the best views in Tokyo, here are a few spots that I’d recommend (including a few options that are 100% free!):
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
I stopped in here on my first day in Tokyo, and was seriously impressed! This free observation deck in Shinjuku has great views over the city, and even to Mount Fuji on clear days. I was most impressed by the wide range of viewing angles as the building has lots of pointy nooks to explore.
There are actually two observation decks in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one in the North tower and one in the South tower. I went to the North tower, but it doesn’t really matter which one you choose as the best views are to the East and West, which both towers can easily see.
Shibuya Sky or Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby
From the pictures, Shibuya Sky looks pretty cool. As far as I’m aware, it’s the only one of the observation decks in Tokyo that you can actually go outside onto the roof for 360 degree views of the skyline. You do have to book a few days out, and unfortunately I waited too long to book my tickets and missed out on this one.
If you’re planning on visiting Shibuya Sky, don’t make the same mistake I did–make sure you reserve your tickets in advance!
Alternatively, there is a free observation deck in Shibuya. I checked out the Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby on one of my afternoons in Tokyo, and really enjoyed the free views of Shibuya scramble crossing from above. Plus, the Sky Lobby was almost completely empty, which was such a welcome relief after the craziness of Skytree. To get there, head to the base of the Hikarie building and just take the glass elevators up to level 11.
A few things to note: Shibuya Sky is much taller than the Hikarie building, and it’s also located closer to the Shibuya scramble crossing, so you will get a better vista from up there. It’s up to you whether to pay for the more premium views over the free option.
Ebisu Sky Lounge
I visited this observation deck in Ebisu the last time I was in Tokyo in 2019. While it’s not marketed as a tourist attraction, visitors are welcome to enjoy the panoramic city views from the the 39th and 40th floors of the Yebisu Garden Place Tower.
Ebisu Sky Lounge is a quiet and free alternative to Tokyo’s more crowded observation decks, and it’s a great spot to order a drink while admiring the views of Tokyo Tower (and yes, even Mount Fuji on clear days!). It’s particularly lovely at sunset or in the evening when the city lights begin to sparkle.
A few more options that I didn’t have time to visit:
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower – Offers sweeping views and a fantastic perspective of Tokyo Tower glowing at night. Get your tickets here.
Bunkyo Civic Center – A hidden gem with a panoramic view of Tokyo—including Skytree itself. It’s free, relaxed, and not on most tourist radars.
I-Link Town Observation Deck in Ichikawa offers free, peaceful views of Tokyo including the Skytree tower, the Edogawa River. At 150m high, it’s rarely crowded and a great spot for sunset photography.
Let me know which Tokyo observation deck is your favourite—or if you’ve found a secret one I should check out next!
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