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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, observation and landmark tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, observation and landmark tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. Opened in 2012, it stands 634 metres tall and is widely described as Japan’s tallest structure and one of the tallest towers in the world.

History

Tokyo Skytree was completed and opened in 2012 after several years of construction. It was developed to provide improved broadcasting coverage for the Tokyo metropolitan area and to serve as a new urban landmark.

Design and height

The tower rises to 634 metres, a figure linked to a Japanese wordplay on "Musashi". Its height made it the tallest tower in the world at completion and remains a defining feature of Tokyo’s skyline.

Visitor attractions

The tower includes observation facilities that offer panoramic views over Tokyo and, on clear days, surrounding landmarks. It is also part of a larger commercial and entertainment area known as Tokyo Skytree Town.

Broadcasting role

Beyond tourism, Tokyo Skytree functions as a communications tower carrying television and radio signals. It was built partly to replace or supplement older broadcast infrastructure in the Tokyo area.

Key facts

  • Tokyo Skytree opened in May 2012 as a major broadcasting and tourist landmark in Tokyo.
  • Its height of 634 metres was chosen to reference "Musashi", a historical name associated with the Tokyo region.
  • It serves as a television and radio transmission tower as well as a visitor attraction.
  • Its main public viewing areas are the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.
  • At completion, it was the tallest tower in the world; later skyscrapers surpassed it in overall structure height.
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Canadian context

Tokyo Skytree is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a major international landmark and a common destination for Canadian visitors to Tokyo.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tokyo Skytree?
Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, and one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
How tall is Tokyo Skytree?
It is 634 metres tall.
When did Tokyo Skytree open?
It opened in 2012, with public opening in May of that year.
Why is the height 634 metres?
The number 634 is associated with "Musashi", a historical name linked to the Tokyo region.
What can visitors do there?
Visitors can use the observation decks, see panoramic city views, and access shops and dining in the surrounding complex.
Is Tokyo Skytree still the tallest tower in Japan?
Yes. It is widely described as the tallest structure in Japan.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Skytree
    Supports: Height, opening year, and world-ranking claims.
  2. Japan Guide — https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064.html
    Supports: Description as a Tokyo landmark, location in Sumida, and 634-metre height.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tokyo-Sky-Tree
    Supports: Description as a broadcasting and telecommunications tower, height, and opening date context.
  4. Japan National Tourism Organization — https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1680/
    Supports: Tourist-landmark role, height, and opening date.
  5. Embassy of Japan in the UK — https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/webmagazine/2012/may/skytree.html
    Supports: Broadcasting purpose, location, height, and visitor facilities.