Why is Tokyo Tower orange? To comply with air safety laws. It is officially known as International Orange. We are standing before an iconic symbol. It is a testament to Tokyo’s post-war resurgence. The Tokyo Tower stands 333 meters tall in Shiba Park. This park is in Minato Ward.
The tower was completed in 1958. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction. People love its nighttime illumination. They also visit its observation decks. The Tokyo Tower even received the Good Design Award in 2018. By 2024, it had welcomed 190 million visitors.
Maeda Hisakichi spearheaded the tower’s construction. He was a businessman and founder of the Sankei Shimbun. Tanaka Naitō created the structural design. He drew inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Naitō also designed the Nagoya TV Tower and Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka. He became known as the “Tower Doctor”.
Until 2012, Tokyo Tower was Japan’s tallest freestanding steel tower. That year, the Tokyo Skytree was completed. Visitors can access two observation decks in the Tokyo Tower. The Main Deck is at 150 meters. The Top Deck is at 250 meters. From these decks, you can see amazing views. Look for Mount Fuji, Mount Tsukuba, and the Boso Peninsula. You might also spot the Miura Peninsula, Tokyo Skytree, and Tokyo Gate Bridge.
Tokyo Tower broadcasts TV and radio signals. Many stations use its antennas for analog and digital services. The tower gets a fresh coat of paint every five years. This process takes a full year.
At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated. These lights celebrate its 30th anniversary. The lights turn off at midnight. Some say seeing the lights turn off with a loved one guarantees a long and happy relationship. In summer, the lights are a cooling white. In winter, they are a deep orange. Every Monday, there is a special light display. It is called the Infinity Diamond Veil. The colors change monthly. Special illuminations mark events like New Year’s and Valentine’s Day. Once a month, the top lights dim completely for the full moon.
You can climb the Tokyo Tower’s external staircase to the Main Deck. It has 600 steps.
At the base is FootTown. This five-story building offers shops and restaurants. You can buy souvenirs and enjoy Japanese food. The Tower Gallery documents the tower’s history. The base is decorated for holidays.
Nearby is Zojoji Temple. It dates back to the 16th century. The temple’s architecture contrasts beautifully with the tower. This makes for great photos. Surrounding the tower is Shibakoen. This park has green spaces and views of the tower. It is beautiful during cherry blossom season. In autumn, the Maple Leaves Valley turns red and gold.
Compared to Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower offers a more intimate view of the city. It is located in the heart of everything. Many landmarks are easier to see from here. The Tokyo Tower’s iconic design remains a much-loved part of Tokyo’s skyline.