Happy 66th birthday to Japan’s Tokyo Tower! On this day in 1958, this iconic structure officially rose into the skyline, becoming a proud symbol of Japan’s postwar recovery and modernization.
Standing 333 meters tall, the Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, yet it surpasses its European counterpart in height. Designed by architect Tachu Naito, renowned for his seismic-resistant designs, the Tokyo Tower was constructed in an impressive 18 months, requiring 4,000 tons of steel. Notably, much of this steel was sourced from U.S. tanks decommissioned during the Korean War, an example of postwar ingenuity. Despite its height, the tower weighs only 4,000 tons, about 3,300 tons less than the Eiffel Tower.
When it was completed, the Tokyo Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding steel structure. It was Japan’s tallest structure until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2010. The vibrant red and white coloring, which adheres to international aviation safety regulations, makes it instantly recognizable. Over the years, the tower’s lighting schemes have become a beloved feature, changing hues to celebrate seasons, holidays, and special events.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from two observation decks. The Main Deck, located 150 meters above ground, offers stunning perspectives of Tokyo’s bustling streets and landmarks. The tower’s elevators whisk visitors to the Main Deck at 9 km/h in under a minute! For an even more elevated experience, the Top Deck at 250 meters provides panoramic views of the city, and on clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. The Main Deck features around 600 windows for unobstructed views in every direction. For brave guests, the “look-down window” offers a thrilling perspective through reinforced glass panels. Meanwhile, “Foot Town” at the base of the tower hosts shops, restaurants, and attractions catering to all ages.
Beyond its role as a tourist destination, Tokyo Tower is a vital communications hub, hosting two major broadcasting facilities. When Japan’s national broadcaster NHK began operations in 1953, Tokyo’s rapidly growing TV networks required a tall, central tower to transmit signals. The Tokyo Tower answered this call, and its antenna still plays an essential role in broadcasting today.
In 2018, Tokyo Tower celebrated its 60th anniversary by unveiling the “Top Deck Tour,” an immersive experience blending futuristic design with top-tier hospitality. The tour includes guided visits, multilingual audio guides in 13 languages, a complimentary drink, and a keepsake photo card, making the journey to the Top Deck a must-try for visitors.
The Tokyo Tower’s unique combination of historical significance, architectural brilliance, and cultural impact makes it a standout member of the World Federation of Great Towers. Happy Birthday, Tokyo Tower!