Tokyo is home to many of Japans landmark structures, some new, some
old, and some ancient. Some of these Landmarks are free to visit, and some cost money. Be sure to check
the list of landmarks below for visiting hours and price of entry.
Tokyo Tower
Category: Observation Tower
Location: Shibuya
Admission: 1200 yen (main deck only)
3000 yen (both decks, 2800 yen if purchased in advance through the official website)
Opening Times: 9:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:30)
Standing 333 meters high in the center of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower
(東京タワー) is the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 13 meters taller than
its model, the Eiffel Tower. A symbol of Japan's post-war rebirth as a major
economic power, Tokyo Tower was the country's tallest structure from its completion
in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. In addition to being
a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna.
Admission: Fast Skytree Single Ticket (first observatory):
3200 yen
Skytree Combo Ticket (both observatories): 4200 yen
Opening Times: 8:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:00)
The Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) is a television broadcasting
tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Skytree Town in the
Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (634 can be
read as "Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest structure
in Japan and the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. A large
shopping complex with aquarium is located at its base.The highlight of the Tokyo
Skytree is its two observation decks which offer spectacular views out over Tokyo.
The two enclosed decks are located at heights of 350 and 450 meters respectively,
making them the highest observation decks in Japan and some of the highest in the
world.
Opening Times: Main hall: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from
October to March)
Temple grounds: Always open
Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple)
is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and
popular temples.
The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the
goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back
into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby
for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest
temple.
The current Imperial Palace (皇居, Kōkyo) is located on the
former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone
walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence
of Japan's Imperial Family.
Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603
until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and
Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new
Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two,
and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to
the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just
beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent
Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The
spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll.
The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken
in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the
passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was
rebuilt shortly thereafter.