Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Which is the Better Choice

Last updated: Feb 02nd, 2026

From the red-and-white Tokyo Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the futuristic Skytree, both are the top attractions offering stunning views of bustling Tokyo. But where to go to fulfill the Japan tour better? Following this comparison guide between Skytree and Tokyo Tower to find out which one suits you the best.

Table of Content

Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: At a Glance
Views from the Deck
For Best Photography
Best Time to Visit
Crowd Factor
More to Do Nearby
Observation Deck Ticket Booking
How to Get There
Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Which One Suits You Best
Optional Choice: Shibuya Sky

Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: At a Glance

Pick Tokyo Tower if you prefer an easy-going central location landmark that offers a better city view and a classic photo spot at a more affordable price and a less stressful visit.
Head to Skytree when you are looking for the highest point of Tokyo, direct transport, a wide, panoramic view to see Mount Fuji, and more modern, indoor, kid-friendly activities to spend the rest of your day.
Of course, if time allows, you can always include both landmarks in your Tokyo itinerary to experience each of their own appeal.

	Tokyo Tower	Tokyo Skytree
Location	Minato (Roppongi, Zojo-ji)	Sumida (Asakusa nearby)
Year Opened	1958	2012
Height	333 m (1,093 ft)	634 m (2,080 ft)
Operating Hours	9:00 AM to 11:00 PM	8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Observation Decks	Main Deck, 150 m / 492 ft Top Deck, 249 m / 820 ft	Tembo Deck, 350 m / 1,148 ft Tembo Galleria, 450 m / 1,476 ft
Visit Duration	1.5 to 2 hrs	2 to 3 hrs
Main Deck Ticket	About 10 USD	About 14 USD
Vista Type	Iconic Tokyo skyline	Panoramic elevated views far beyond Tokyo
Crowd Factor	Can be busy, yet with smaller crowds than the Skytree	Very popular, usually with long lines at peak times
Best For	First-time Tokyo visitors, nostalgic skyline photography, and romantic night views	Newer architecture lovers, the highest observation point in Japan, long-distance Mt. Fuji views on clear days
Nearby Attractions	Zojo-ji Temple, Shiba Park, Roppongi Hills	Senso-ji, Sumida Park, Sumida Aquarium

Other Facts About Tokyo Tower & Skytree

Both Tokyo Tower and Skytree were built as TV and radio broadcasting towers, and the Skytree, as a replacement for Tokyo Tower, was designed higher for signal transmission.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan (nearly twice the height of Tokyo Tower), and the second tallest after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Tokyo Skytree vs. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower vs Skytree: Views from the Deck

Simply speaking, both Tokyo Tower and Skytree offer excellent night and sunset views. However, if you are looking for a better city skyline with lively street views and detailed architectural design, Tokyo Tower will be the best.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower's moderate height provides an ideal angle and distance to capture the bustling city from above: you can still see the clearer building outlines, moving street passengers, and the flashing lights of vehicles. Imagine those blooming cherry blossoms below in spring! It makes you float between the metropolis, but never far away from the beats of the city.

Tokyo Skytree

The towering Tokyo Skytree offers 360-degree panoramic views far beyond Tokyo, where you can even catch the distant Mt.fuji on clear days. While the drawback is, from the top of the world's second-tallest tower, the city shrinks and flattens beneath you, with fewer visible layers or shifts - perhaps not quite what you expect. However, there is no doubt that the panoramic sunset view from the Skytree is more impressive.

View of Mt.fuji From Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Photography

Though the higher Skytree does offer an excellent view of the Kanto region, surprisingly, it is much easier to take some high-quality photos at Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower

Just like we mentioned before, the moderate height of Tokyo Tower can make your picture layers and detail: from the nearby skyscrapers to the lush gardens beneath, from the neon light streets to the eye-catching Rainbow Bridge. And, there is no worry about light reflection - you will find the points to put your lens right against the glass for the best shot.

Night View from Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Skytree

Things get a little bit complicated when photographing in the Skytree. The good news is, there is a higher chance of capturing the distant Mt. Fuji than in Tokyo Tower, while sadly, it does require more patience and technique to make your picture "that" perfect.

The scenery can be cut by the metal beam structures inside, and it is quite a pity to avoid most of the light reflections (especially the night visit on the top deck) since you can not get too close to the glass.

Tokyo Tower vs Skytree: Best Time to Visit

The late afternoon before sunset (around 4 to 6:30 pm) and night (from 7 to 9:30 pm) are always the best times to enjoy the towers and views; however, also the peak period of increasing crowds.

For a better experience, it is recommended to plan your Tokyo Tower or Skytree sunset view between Monday and Thursday to avoid the weekend "chaos". Additionally, book your ticket and arrive as early as possible, or contact us and let Odynovo handle all your trip reservations.

Other recommended periods include the morning visit from 10 to 11 am, and night sightseeing between 8 to 9 pm, when you can take advantage of the quiet environment, and the package ticket with soft drinks and dessert.

Skytree Morning Visit With Fewer Crowds

Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Crowd Factor

Skytree is much more crowded than Tokyo Tower - no one would refuse to take in the view from the world's second-tallest tower after all, and the higher, wider open views of the top deck make the Skytree more popular during the sunset.

Decks in Skytree are usually far from empty, and the elevator line-up is quite common to see: the waiting time during the peak sunset period can reach about 30 minutes. Things go better in Tokyo Tower, with an average waiting around 10 to 15 minutes, while the gathering crowds will reliably show up at sunset.

Capture Sunset at Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: More to Do Nearby

The newly built modern Skytree enjoys more amenities in and around. Though you can also enjoy your leisurely cafe at Tokyo Tower, for convenience, the larger complex beneath the Skytree would be more handy, especially for family visitors with kids.

Tokyo Skytree

Apart from the 2 Skytree Cafes, if you want, a booking meal with stunning city views at the Sky Restaurant 634 is also possible. Stores on floor 345 are another drop-by option for souvenir food and mascot goods, or go down to the Tokyo Skytree Town below directly.

This ideal shopping and entertainment complex offers an authentic Japanese food experience. While for family visitors with kids and teens, don't miss the chance to discover those goods from Studio Ghibli, Shonen Jump, and Pokémon.

The popular Sumida Aquarium is within walking distance and well worth a visit. If you're looking for other Tokyo attractions to spend the rest of your day at, Sensoji Temple is about a 15-minute subway ride away. Alternatively, you can continue expanding your anime collection in Akihabara with another 15-minute train ride.

Sensoji With Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Tower

Food options in Tokyo Tower are a little bit limited. A cafe and a gift shop can be found on the Main Deck, yet more shops and restaurants are gathering at Foot Town. Though the numbers are not as large as those in Tokyo Skytree Town, don't miss dropping by the Red Tokyo Tower, Japan's largest eSports theme park, to experience popular VR games!

For more places to explore nearby, take your stroll around Shiba Park next to the tower and visit the Zojo-ji Temple inside the park, known as an ideal sakura viewing spot in Tokyo in spring. After a 15-minute train ride is Roppongi Hills, whose bustling nightlife here best for your night visit after catching the sunset. Or keep your way westward, go through the art museum area, and reach the popular Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Tokyo Tower vs Skytree: Ticket Booking

Both of the towers prepare their advance (more affordable) and same-day tickets. While Tokyo Tower releases its booking about 60 days prior, Skytree is about 30 days in advance.

Keep in mind that tickets are time-specific. You can't enter earlier than the time printed on your ticket. Still, don't rush to book an early slot just for sunset. Once it gets too crowded, staff will step in and clear the space. Make sure your sunset ticket is the true key.

Whether the combo or the main deck ticket, the entrance fee for Tokyo Tower is cheaper than Skytree. Below is the advance ticket fee for your reference:

Tokyo Skytree

Combo Ticket (Tembo Galleria + Tembo Deck): 3100 JPY, about 20 USD
Temdo Deck: 2100 JPY, about 13.5 USD

Tokyo Tower

Top Deck Tour (Main Deck + Top Deck): 3300 JPY, about 21 USD
Main Deck: 1500 JPY, about 10 USD

Tokyo Tower vs Skytree: How to Get There

If you're already exploring central Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is usually quicker to reach, while the further Skytree offers a direct connection. However, with Tokyo's busy transport network you can benefit with, it is never too difficult to get to these two iconic landmarks.

Getting to Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower sits closer to central Tokyo, surrounded by business districts like Roppongi and Shimbashi. There are several stations nearby, but they require a short walk regardless of the route.

Onarimon Station on the Mita Line with the closest walk (about 5 to 7 minutes), and the longer walk from Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) and Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) takes around 10 minutes.

Getting to Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is in eastern Tokyo, with better connections from Asakusa, Ueno, and Sumida. The Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) is directly connected to the Skytree Town below, very convenient for families and first-time visitors with strollers or luggage.

Things should be noted that travel time can be longer from Shibuya, Shinjuku, and other places in western Tokyo, and stations can feel busy during peak hours.

Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Which One Suits You the Best

For Better Views

Choose Tokyo Tower if you want a more intimate view of recognizable landmarks and a classic city skyline.
Choose Tokyo Skytree if you want extreme heights, wide-open views, and a sense of Mt. Fuji.

For Photography

Choose Tokyo Tower for easy iconic red-and-white shots, especially with temples or modern buildings in the foreground.
Choose Tokyo Skytree if you want clean, modern compositions and sweeping horizon shots, especially at sunset.

For Crowds & Booking

You can enjoy a relatively empty and easier booking at Tokyo Tower.

Choose Tokyo Tower if you prefer slightly lighter crowds and easier same-day ticket options.
Choose Tokyo Skytree if crowds don't bother you and you're comfortable with timed entry and busy observation decks.

For Ticket Price & Value

Tokyo Tower offers more affordable choices.

Choose Tokyo Tower if you're looking for a more affordable viewpoint with classic appeal.
Choose Tokyo Skytree if you're willing to pay more for height, modern facilities, and an all-in-one complex.

For Easier Arrival

Both are easy to reach, but Skytree offers more convenience, while Tokyo Tower blends more naturally into a classic Tokyo sightseeing day.

Choose Tokyo Tower if you're staying in central Tokyo and want a simple, short trip.
Choose Tokyo Skytree if you prefer direct station access, clearer navigation, and fewer walking steps.

Optional Choice: Shibuya Sky

Choose Shibuya Sky if you want a stylish, open-air Tokyo moment, great photos, and an easy add-on to a Shibuya sightseeing day.

Unlike traditional towers, the 230 m / 755 ft Shibuya Sky is designed as an open-air rooftop for your cinematic city views: no glass panels at the top level to feel the breeze and sky, and you can look straight down at the world's busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, giving a true feeling of "standing above Tokyo" with the most atmosphere.

However, the open-air rooftop design also brings observatory closures in the rain or strong winds. If so, head back to the Sky Gallery on the 46th floor to enjoy the skyline indoors.

Operating Hours: 10 am to 10:30 pm
Fee: 2700 JPY (about 17 USD) before 2:59 pm, 3400 JPY (about 24 USD) after 3:00 pm
Crowds: Skytree ＞ Shibuya Sky ＞ Tokyo Tower
Best for: Couples, younger travelers looking for a stylish