A Journey Up a Staircase of Memories

“Look!! It’s Tokyo Tower!”

There are more than a few people who say this when they behold the famous icon of Tokyo. For some the sight is proof that they have made it to Tokyo, while for others, it means they have arrived home.

Built in 1958, Tokyo tower is a radio tower that stands at a height of 333 meters. When it was first built, Japan was proud to have the world’s largest lattice tower. Today, it is now Japan’s second tallest building. The main deck is 150 meters tall and the top deck comes in at 250 meters.

Did you know that you can climb the stairs of Tokyo Tower? There are approximately 600 stairs from Foot Town Roof, which marks the base of the tower, to the main deck observatory. The walk should only take you around 15 minutes. We’d like you to listen to this guide while climbing up the staircase. In the case of poor weather conditions, the stairs will be closed. If that happens, we suggest sitting in Shiba Park and climbing with your eyes as you listen. Of course if you are already in at the observatory, we still invite you to listen as you walk around the top.

Featured in this guide is the tale of how Tokyo Tower came to be. Back in the day, this radio tower was both popular and active. While recovering from the ashes of World War II, a very flat city aimed to build the world’s largest tower at 333 meters. “Clank clank clank”. At the time, of construction, you could hear the sound of ringing steel in the sky, as the workers put up the tower one meter at a time day by day. As the tower grew, the men, women, and children of that time, also put their hearts and minds into rebuilding Tokyo and completing the tower.

Unfortunately, we cannot see the tower being built in front of our eyes. So while climbing the staircase, please listen to the story of how this structure was created and see if we cannot replicate such a vicarious experience. Even if you were not born at that time, we hope you can have a sensation as if you were present during the time of construction.

Staircase Hours:
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 11:00-16:00
*Closed when raining or strong winds
*There is a fee to enter the main deck’s observatory.
*The stairs may be open at times other than those listed above in the case of an event.
*The entrance to the stairs is at Foot Town Roof.
*Once you leave the observatory you may not reenter.