Tokyo Skytree
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Best view in Tokyo | Expensive and touristy |
| Free alternative |
Tokyo Skytree was completed in 2012 and is a great example of commercialization planned right from the start. The homepage is aimed at tourists, there are fast passes to avoid the lines, there is the “standard” platform and the “upgraded” higher platform for an extra ¥1000. The local train station was renamed to include Sky Tree in the name. As the 2nd tallest structure in the world there is a clear draw for foreign and domestic tourists, especially with the Tokyo Tower surrounded by tall buildings and best seen from outside.
However, if you want basically the same view but for free, then the Shinjuku Metropolitan Towers is a better choice.
There is an expensive, high-class restaurant at the top which actually has pretty good reviews. Perhaps book a dinner date there rather than just a ticket to look out from the top. It seems the dinner Teppanyaki course (meal cooked in front of you on a hot plate by a top chef) is booked out a month in advance, so better plan ahead (it also tops out at ¥25,000 for the full course).
There are some great views of the Tokyo Skytree from the ground, but the area around the tower is just a tidy shopping mall. Walk along the river by Asakusa is a much better experience.
