Spectacular views over the city during day, evening, and nighttime! Awe-inspiring vistas from Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower conveys the diverse charms of Tokyo throughout the day; from the magnificent panoramas of the morning and afternoon to the harmonious relationship between sky and city during the evening and the sparkling jewelry box-like beauty that characterizes the nighttime. The views of the Tokyo cityscape from the 150-meter tall main deck and the 250-meter tall top deck are sure to leave a deep and lasting impression on those who visit Tokyo Tower. In this article, we will be focusing on the views from the popular photo-spot that is Tokyo Tower. In addition to a time lapse video tracking the changing properties of Tokyo Tower across an entire day, we will also hear about some recommended views, tours, and other insider tips from Olga-san, a vocalist with the Tokyo Tower Performance Attendant group, Glow of Tokyo.
Attendant music group
――Before we delve into the views visible from Tokyo Tower, could you please tell us a little about Glow of Tokyo?
“Glow of Tokyo is a music group affiliated with Tokyo Tower that was formed by graduates from specialist music schools in 2019. Our group consists of eight members, all of whom also work as attendants at Tokyo Tower. Our duties include making elevator announcements, guiding customers, staffing the shop, and selling tickets.”
“Glow of Tokyo is a music group affiliated with Tokyo Tower that was formed by graduates from specialist music schools in 2019. Our group consists of eight members, all of whom also work as attendants at Tokyo Tower. Our duties include making elevator announcements, guiding customers, staffing the shop, and selling tickets.”
"――In addition to your job as attendants, you also give musical performances. Is that right?
Yes, that’s correct. Two or three times a month, we have live events at club333, an event space with an enormous monitor on the first floor of the main deck. We have group and individual practice after work, and on live performance days, we also rehearse in the morning before performing for real in the evening.
Yes, that’s correct. Two or three times a month, we have live events at club333, an event space with an enormous monitor on the first floor of the main deck. We have group and individual practice after work, and on live performance days, we also rehearse in the morning before performing for real in the evening.
The ever-changing face of the Tokyo cityscape
――In your job as an attendant, Olga-san, I’m sure you must have seen the views from Tokyo Tower at all the different points throughout the day. Is there a time during which you particularly enjoy the views?
Personally speaking, I love the time just before and after sunset. We call it the Magic Hour. In the winter, this is from around 4 pm to 5 pm. The gradation of the sky as it changes from blue to orange is really beautiful. And the air is completely clear too. I’m often on the main deck when providing guidance to customers and whenever I see the view at this time I just want to create a painting of it to capture the moment. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a painter (laughs).
Personally speaking, I love the time just before and after sunset. We call it the Magic Hour. In the winter, this is from around 4 pm to 5 pm. The gradation of the sky as it changes from blue to orange is really beautiful. And the air is completely clear too. I’m often on the main deck when providing guidance to customers and whenever I see the view at this time I just want to create a painting of it to capture the moment. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a painter (laughs).
――It’s amazing to see how the same view can change with the passing of the day.
Absolutely. Each time, be it evening, daytime, or nighttime, has its own unique beauty. The main deck is open from 9 am to 11 pm (last admission is 10:30 pm). We really hope that our customers are able to find the time to experience the views of the city across these different times of the day.
Absolutely. Each time, be it evening, daytime, or nighttime, has its own unique beauty. The main deck is open from 9 am to 11 pm (last admission is 10:30 pm). We really hope that our customers are able to find the time to experience the views of the city across these different times of the day.
Photographed of the southwest side of the main deck of Tokyo Tower at noon and around sunset
――Are there any days when the Tower is particularly busy? Or any special times where it is a little more calm?
Well, weekends and holidays tend to be the days when we receive the highest number of customers. It all depends on the situation really. Because, if we have visiting groups, like school tours, it can even get crowded on a weekday morning. However, it is relatively quiet during the nighttime on weekdays. And the city nightscape really is beautiful. So, that would probably be a good time to visit.
Well, weekends and holidays tend to be the days when we receive the highest number of customers. It all depends on the situation really. Because, if we have visiting groups, like school tours, it can even get crowded on a weekday morning. However, it is relatively quiet during the nighttime on weekdays. And the city nightscape really is beautiful. So, that would probably be a good time to visit.
360-degree views from Tokyo Tower
――Tokyo Tower offers 360-degree views of Tokyo. Which of the cardinal directions would you say is your favorite, Olga-san?
Well, I think the views are spectacular in all directions; however, my personal favorite would be the view out toward Odaiba. Odaiba is south-east relative to the Tower, and the windows on the main deck are large, allowing you to really see off into the distance.
Well, I think the views are spectacular in all directions; however, my personal favorite would be the view out toward Odaiba. Odaiba is south-east relative to the Tower, and the windows on the main deck are large, allowing you to really see off into the distance.
――The view out in the direction of Odaiba also offers a bird’s eye view of Zōjō-ji Temple, doesn’t it? What are your other recommendations?
I think that the view in the direction of Atago Green Hills, out toward the skyscraper district, feels really dynamic. Atago Green Hills lies north-east from the Tower, and so is also looking out in the direction of Tokyo Station. I’m always mesmerized by color of the evening sky and the view of the skyscrapers lit up in a deep crimson.
I think that the view in the direction of Atago Green Hills, out toward the skyscraper district, feels really dynamic. Atago Green Hills lies north-east from the Tower, and so is also looking out in the direction of Tokyo Station. I’m always mesmerized by color of the evening sky and the view of the skyscrapers lit up in a deep crimson.
Tours and events on the observation decks
――The main deck is a place to go and enjoy these diverse views. What are some of the best bits about the observation decks on the main deck?
The main deck is a two-tiered structure that allows you to enjoy views of Tokyo in a relaxing and easy-going setting. On the first floor of the main deck, there is a café and club333, along with the Skywalk Windows, from which you can look straight down to the streets 145 meters below. On the second floor, there is the official shop and the Tower Daijingu Shrine.
The main deck is a two-tiered structure that allows you to enjoy views of Tokyo in a relaxing and easy-going setting. On the first floor of the main deck, there is a café and club333, along with the Skywalk Windows, from which you can look straight down to the streets 145 meters below. On the second floor, there is the official shop and the Tower Daijingu Shrine.
――How about the 250-meter high top deck? What are some of the features of its observation deck?
The top deck is a place that offers 360-degree panoramas out over the city. It was renovated in 2024, with new guided tours beginning in October of the same year. In addition to the regular TOP DECK TOUR, we also offer the premium TOKYO DIAMOND TOUR. In this tour, guests are given access to a dedicated lounge and provided with a personal guided tour of the main and top decks by one of the specialist performers. And, of course, you are not limited to the set start times of the regular tour. The tour is limited to 70 customers per day, but we have received a lot of extremely positive feedback from those who have participated.
The top deck is a place that offers 360-degree panoramas out over the city. It was renovated in 2024, with new guided tours beginning in October of the same year. In addition to the regular TOP DECK TOUR, we also offer the premium TOKYO DIAMOND TOUR. In this tour, guests are given access to a dedicated lounge and provided with a personal guided tour of the main and top decks by one of the specialist performers. And, of course, you are not limited to the set start times of the regular tour. The tour is limited to 70 customers per day, but we have received a lot of extremely positive feedback from those who have participated.
――It seems as though everyone is able to have an enjoyable time. Do you get many customers from overseas?
Roughly 40 percent of visitors to Tokyo Tower are from overseas. However, I would say that it feels that it is more than that. We have people come from all over the world and of all age ranges. I am personally super happy to welcome and guide guests around the tower, which is one of the symbols of Tokyo.
Roughly 40 percent of visitors to Tokyo Tower are from overseas. However, I would say that it feels that it is more than that. We have people come from all over the world and of all age ranges. I am personally super happy to welcome and guide guests around the tower, which is one of the symbols of Tokyo.
――Tokyo Tower runs a variety of fun events for its customers. Are there any that you would particularly recommend?
I’d love it if people would come to see the projection mapping event that is currently on-going on the main deck. The current event is called TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA 2024 Winter and features a roughly three-minute story in which winter butterflies, fluttering through the nighttime sky, freeze the streets of Tokyo, one after the other, creating a glittering world of ice. However, the story changes with each season, so be sure to visit throughout the year to experience how the story unravels. There is also the Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk, a year-round event in which you climb roughly 600 steps on the outside of the tower while enjoying the views of the city all around.
I’d love it if people would come to see the projection mapping event that is currently on-going on the main deck. The current event is called TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA 2024 Winter and features a roughly three-minute story in which winter butterflies, fluttering through the nighttime sky, freeze the streets of Tokyo, one after the other, creating a glittering world of ice. However, the story changes with each season, so be sure to visit throughout the year to experience how the story unravels. There is also the Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk, a year-round event in which you climb roughly 600 steps on the outside of the tower while enjoying the views of the city all around.
――It seems like there are a number of different events to enjoy. Did Glow of Tokyo also perform as part of these events?
Yes, we did. As I mentioned earlier, we have live events around two to three times a month at club333 on the first floor of the main deck. We are currently performing twice a day: from 6 pm and 7 pm, with each performance lasting around 30 minutes. The performance is included with the entry fee to the Tower. We hope that we can complement your viewing experience from Tokyo Tower.
Yes, we did. As I mentioned earlier, we have live events around two to three times a month at club333 on the first floor of the main deck. We are currently performing twice a day: from 6 pm and 7 pm, with each performance lasting around 30 minutes. The performance is included with the entry fee to the Tower. We hope that we can complement your viewing experience from Tokyo Tower.
<Tokyo Tower>
Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
*For details on entry fees, opening hours, and other important information, please check the official website below.
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/
<Tokyo Tower Attendant Group Glow of Tokyo>
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/plan/glow_of_tokyo/
Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
*For details on entry fees, opening hours, and other important information, please check the official website below.
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/
<Tokyo Tower Attendant Group Glow of Tokyo>
https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/plan/glow_of_tokyo/