Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
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Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure at 634 meters, and the area at its foot is much more than a viewing deck: an aquarium, a planetarium, more than 300 shops and restaurants in Tokyo Solamachi, and old shopping streets just a short walk away. It sits across the Sumida River from Asakusa, so the two make an easy day together.
Quick answer
Getting there: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei and Tobu lines)
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Best time: Clear days for the view; evening to see the tower lit up
Good for: Views, families, shopping, rainy days
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Overview
| Getting there | Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei and Tobu lines) |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day |
| Best time | Clear days for the view; evening to see the tower lit up |
| Good for | Views, families, shopping, rainy days |
Best Things to Do
Tokyo Skytree observation decks
Skytree has two observation decks: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, both with glass floor sections. On poor-weather days, virtual reality headsets show the view. It is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 on weekends and holidays (last entry 60 minutes before closing). Buying tickets online in advance is recommended. See our Tokyo Skytree tickets guide.
Sumida Aquarium
On the 5th and 6th floors of the West Yard of Tokyo Skytree Town, the aquarium has penguins and fur seals in an indoor pool of about 350 tons, a jellyfish tunnel, one of Japan’s largest goldfish displays, and a large tank showing sea life from the Ogasawara Islands. Combo tickets with Skytree are available.
Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku
Also in Tokyo Skytree Town, the planetarium is a calm, indoor option and can be combined with a Skytree ticket.
Tokyo Mizumachi and Sumida Park
Tokyo Mizumachi is a set of shops and cafés under the elevated railway between Asakusa and Skytree. Next to it, Sumida Park is a favorite spot for photos of Skytree and for cherry blossoms in spring. Walk across the Sumida River on the Sumida River Walk to reach Asakusa.
Kirakira Tachibana Shopping Street
A retro shopping street with about 90 shops, many selling food. It is busiest on the fourth Sunday of the month, when a popular morning market is held.
Museums
- Tobu Museum of Transport and Culture has train and bus simulators.
- Tobacco and Salt Museum covers the history of both, with an audio guide.
Food & Drink
Tokyo Solamachi has many restaurants, from traditional Japanese sweets to eel, tempura and monjayaki, Tokyo’s savory griddle pancake with meat and vegetables. See Japanese food to try in Tokyo and our restaurant finder.
Shopping
- Tokyo Solamachi: more than 300 shops and restaurants, with Japanese brands and original souvenirs.
- Character stores: Studio Ghibli, Pokemon, Hello Kitty and Ultraman, with limited-edition items.
- Kirakira Tachibana for everyday local shopping and snacks.
More ideas in our Tokyo souvenirs and shopping guide.
Where to Stay
Asakusa, across the river, is the easiest base, with many hotels from budget to upscale. See Best hotels in Asakusa.
Search hotels in Tokyo Skytree & Oshiage
Getting There
- Train: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei and Tobu lines), each about a minute’s walk.
- From Tokyo Station: about 35 minutes. From Shinjuku: about 45 minutes.
- From the airports: about 1 hour from Haneda by the Skytree Shuttle bus or train, or about 90 minutes from Narita by train.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningSenso-ji in Asakusa
- Walk
- Sumida River Walk and Tokyo Mizumachi
- Walk
- MiddayLunch at Tokyo Solamachi
- AfternoonSumida Aquarium or the planetarium
- EveningTokyo Skytree at sunset
Travel Tips
- Buy Skytree tickets online in advance on busy days.
- Combo tickets cover Skytree with the aquarium or the planetarium.
- At night the tower is lit in one of three colors: Edo purple, gold or pale blue.
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FAQ
How tall is Tokyo Skytree?
634 meters, with observation decks at 350 and 450 meters.
Can I walk from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree?
Yes. Cross the Sumida River on the Sumida River Walk and continue through Tokyo Mizumachi.
What else is there besides the tower?
Tokyo Solamachi with over 300 shops and restaurants, Sumida Aquarium, a planetarium and museums.
Travel Essentials
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Train Tickets
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
