There are two towers in Tokyo. Why? Tokyo Tower had served as a radio tower, but high-rise buildings sprang up around it. So an even taller radio tower was needed, and the result was the Tokyo Sky Tree. Sky Tree is the tallest radio tower in the world.
Let me compare the two towers.
Tokyo Tower
Access
The nearest station is Akabanebashi Station, but there are many stations nearby.
It is also a 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
There are many hotels in the area, which can be accessed on foot.
Roppongi is also within a 20-minute walking distance.
3 good points about Tokyo Tower
1. Historical Value
More than 60 years after its opening, Tokyo Tower is still loved by people as a symbol representing Tokyo. Scenes featuring Tokyo Tower often appear in TV dramas and movies. Fans of monster movies such as Godzilla have probably seen Tokyo Tower being destroyed.
2. Access from central Tokyo
Tokyo Tower is easy to access anyway. There are many stations in the vicinity. Among them is Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line, which is also the connecting station for the monorail to Haneda Airport, making it a good starting or finishing point for sightseeing in Tokyo. After visiting Tokyo Tower, visitors can enjoy the nightlife in nearby Roppongi. Close by is Zojoji Temple, built around 1300, and a park perfect for a stroll.
3. You can even climb the stairs!
Tokyo Tower can be climbed by stairs! There are 600 steps to the main deck at 150 meters. I once climbed the stairs when I was a child, but it requires a certain amount of physical strength. As of 2023, you need to join a tour to climb the stairs. The experience of climbing the tower by stairs must be a rare one!
Tokyo Sky Tree
Access
Oshiage Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, etc. is the closest station.
It is a 20-minute walk to Asakusa.
3 good points about Tokyo Sky Tree
1. A well-stocked shopping mall
Tokyo Solamachi, the commercial portion of Tokyo Sky Tree, has over 300 stores. It includes an area selling Japanese souvenirs, character stores such as the Pokemon Center, and a variety of restaurants.
2. Extensive leisure facilities
Climbing the tower is not the only purpose of visiting Tokyo Sky Tree. There is also the Sumida Aquarium and a planetarium. If you are traveling with children, the facilities of the Skytree alone are enough for them to enjoy. Even if you cannot enjoy the view from the Sky Tree due to bad weather, you can still have fun inside the Sky Tree.
3. A base for sightseeing in central Tokyo
The area where Tokyo Sky Tree is located is downtown Tokyo. In this area, there are many towns where you can feel the good old Tokyo. Asakusa, one of the most popular among them, is within walking distance from the Sky Tree. On a sunny day, a walk along the Sumida River is also recommended. Akihabara is also close by crossing a bridge near the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium.