Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Ticket Prices, Hours and Which to Choose
Tokyo's two tallest landmarks both have observation decks. Ticket prices for Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, the service fee for buying at the counter, opening hours, and which view suits you.
Tokyo has two big towers with observation decks: the modern Tokyo Skytree and the classic red-and-white Tokyo Tower. Here is how they compare on price, hours and what you get, so you can pick one (or do both).
The short answer
- Want the highest view and a big-city skyline? Tokyo Skytree (Tembo Deck at 350 m, Tembo Galleria at 450 m).
- Want a cheaper ticket and a classic Tokyo landmark? Tokyo Tower (Main Deck at 150 m, ¥1,500).
- Buy online ahead of time whenever you can: Skytree charges a ¥500 service fee on each ticket bought at the counter or a vending machine.
Tokyo Skytree
| Ticket | Adult (15+) | Child (6–14) |
|---|---|---|
| Tembo Deck (Floor 350) | From ¥1,800 | From ¥900 |
| Tembo Galleria (Floor 450) | ¥1,400 | ¥700 |
| Combo (Floor 350 + Floor 450) | From ¥3,000 | From ¥1,500 |
Children under 6 are free. "From" prices mean the price shown on the day of your visit may be higher, so check Skytree's ticket page for the exact price on your date.
- Tembo Galleria (the upper deck) is sold only to Tembo Deck ticket holders, and sales can be suspended when it is crowded.
- Counter and vending machine tickets carry a ¥500 service fee per ticket. Buying online avoids it.
- Hours: on the day we checked (November 9, 2026), the deck was open 10:00 to 22:00, with the last entry at 21:00. Hours can change, so check the day's hours before you go.
Skytree also has a page showing expected crowd levels, which helps you pick a quieter time.
Tokyo Skytree: tickets (official)
Tokyo Tower
Prices from Tokyo Tower's official Japanese fee page:
| Ticket | Adult | High school | Child (elementary/junior high) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Deck (150 m) | ¥1,500 | ¥1,200 | ¥900 |
| Top Deck Tour (Main Deck + Top Deck at 250 m), buy online | ¥3,300 | ¥3,100 | ¥2,100 |
| Top Deck Tour, buy at the counter | ¥3,500 | ¥3,300 | ¥2,300 |
Pre-school children (age 4 and up) pay ¥600 for the Main Deck.
- Hours (as shown on the official site on November 9, 2026): Main Deck 9:00–23:00 (last entry 22:30). Top Deck Tour 9:00–22:45 (last entry 22:15).
- The Top Deck Tour is cheaper online than at the counter, so book ahead.
Which should you choose?
| Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo Tower | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level deck | From ¥1,800 (350 m) | ¥1,500 (150 m) |
| Highest deck | 450 m (extra ¥1,400) | 250 m (Top Deck Tour, ¥3,300) |
| Opening hours | 10:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00) | Main Deck 9:00–23:00 (last entry 22:30) |
Our rule of thumb:
- One deck only, best view: Skytree's Tembo Deck.
- Tight budget, or want the classic Tokyo icon: Tokyo Tower's Main Deck at ¥1,500.
- Doing both in one trip: the two towers have different heights and opening hours, so plan each visit for clear weather and pick the time of day you prefer.
Tips
- Clear weather matters more than the tower. On a cloudy or hazy day, you may see little. Check the forecast and choose a clear day.
- Check for events. Skytree has a Hokusai exhibition from December 1, 2026, and a special opening on January 1, 2027 for the sunrise.
- Buy online to skip the Skytree service fee and the Tokyo Tower counter surcharge.
Sources
Prices change
Prices, exchange rates and rules in this article were checked on the date shown above. They can change at any time, so please confirm on the official website before you book or buy.
