I’m sharing one of the must-sees of any Tokyo trip: Tokyo Skytree.
I debated a lot between it and Tokyo Tower, but to cut to the chase, I was thrilled with Skytree.
The night view of Tokyo from 634 meters up is truly beyond words.
Based on my own visit, here’s how to get the most out of Tokyo Skytree.
1. Why Visit Tokyo Skytree?
Tokyo has several observation decks, including Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills and Shibuya Sky,
but Skytree is on a different scale.
Skytree is the best observation deck for taking in all of Tokyo at once.
On clear days, the panoramic view stretching to Mount Fuji is spectacular.
At 634 meters tall, it shows the whole city at a glance.
They say you can see Mount Fuji on a nice day, but unfortunately it was a bit cloudy and I couldn’t.
Around sunset is the most popular time, since you get the daytime view, the sunset and the night view all at once.
Location: inside the Tokyo Solamachi complex
Observation decks
- Tembo Deck (350 m):
the main deck, with a café, souvenir shop and glass floor
- Tembo Galleria (450 m): a spiral walkway that feels like walking in the sky (separate ticket required)
2. Key Tips for Enjoying Tokyo Skytree
Tip 1: Always book tickets in advance
Lines at the on-site ticket counter are very long, especially on weekends and holidays.
Even with a reservation, it was really crowded.
- As of 2025, booking online saves up to 400 yen and reduces waiting time
- Essential on weekends and holidays
- Enter about an hour before sunset to see golden Tokyo and the night view in one visit
- A combined 350 m and 450 m ticket lets you visit both decks at once
Tip: if you’re going to both anyway, the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria combo ticket is the better deal.
Tip 2: Check the weather
I haven’t been many times, but I highly recommend sunset.
- Cloudy or foggy days block the view.
- For daytime visits, clear afternoons give you the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji.
Tip 3: Try the glass floor
- The 350 m deck has a glass floor section.
- Feel the thrill of looking down on Tokyo from a dizzying height.
Honestly, I’m a bit afraid of heights, so at first I was too scared to step on it.
But when I finally got up the courage, it was dizzying and fun at the same time.
Seeing the city right beneath your feet is amazing.
It’s perfect for photos, so give it a try.
3. Restaurants Near Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo Solamachi 6F)
Below Skytree is Tokyo
Solamachi,
a shopping complex with about 300 shops and restaurants, perfect for a meal before or after the observation deck.
Kaiten Sushi Toriton
- Fresh Hokkaido-style sushi at reasonable prices
- Register for the wait list, shop, then come back
Rokurinsha
- A legend of Japanese tsukemen (dipping ramen)
- Rich broth and springy noodles, hugely popular with locals
Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho
- Enjoy eel rice in three steps: first as is, then with wasabi and seaweed, and finally with broth poured over as ochazuke
4. Solamachi Cafés and Snacks
Here are cafés that are great for a break while sightseeing around Skytree.
Skytree Café (deck floors at 340 and 350 m)
- Inside the observation deck, serving signature drinks with a Tokyo view
- The cute Skytree character menu is popular
It’s a bit pricey, but think of it as paying for the view.
The Matcha Tokyo (1F)
- Specializes in 100% organic matcha lattes with a rich
yet clean flavor
Tsuzumi Dango (2F)
- A sweet bite of traditional Japanese mitarashi dango
Freshly fried croquette shops (1F to 2F shopping streets)
- Wander around Solamachi and the smell of croquettes will lure you in
I was drawn in by the smell while passing by, and it was crispy and delicious.
Highly recommended as a snack.
5. Sightseeing around Tokyo Skytree
The Skytree area lets you feel both Tokyo’s past and present.
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple and a stroll down Nakamise Street
- Sumida Aquarium: a city aquarium that’s great with kids
- Sumida River Walk: a photo spot with Skytree in the background
Tokyo Skytree is one of the top three highlights of my Tokyo trip.
At first I thought it was just an observation deck, but once there I was genuinely moved.
Eat well and shop at Solamachi, then enjoy the night view from the deck:
it’s a perfect course for a full day.
If you’re heading to Tokyo, be sure to add Tokyo Skytree to your itinerary.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in October 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.