Welcome to Tokyo, the world’s most populated metropolis. The inner city of Tokyo is home to more than 9 million people while the plainland over which the extended metropolitan area spreads has an estimated population of almost 35 million. The best way to gain a perspective on this massive expanse of humanity is to look from above and there are two amazing ways to get a bird’s eye view.
Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree are both broadcasting towers, with the added bonus of having viewing floors where the public can enjoy beautiful views of the city. Tokyo Tower, opened in 1958, reaches a height of 333 metres, with observation floors at 150 metres and 250 metres. The much taller Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2011 at a height of 634 metres, has five viewing floors, from 340 metres to the highest viewing point at 451.2 metres, in the Tembo Galleria. It’s best to visit both towers – one during the day and the other at night, to see the city from two different viewpoints.
In the daytime, the views of Tokyo seem to extend beyond the horizon. The city is a sprawling mass of structures, some tall and others surprisingly small, interspersed with gardens, parks and sports grounds, cemeteries, temples and amazing elevated roadways. From the Special Observatory of Tokyo Tower, at 250 metres, even the smallest details can be seen, including school children playing lunchtime games in the playground below.
A night-time view of the city from Tokyo Skytree adds another dimension to an understanding of the city. While Tokyo’s intimate details are hidden in the dark, the streets are brightly illuminated and thousands of lights sparkle across the metropolis, as far as the eye can see. A leisurely walk around the Tembo Galleria gives a 360° outlook on the entire city.
And for yet another perspective on this amazing city, stand on the glass floor at each of the towers…and look down!
Great sparks and twinkle in the big city, lovely post!
Best regards, Dina
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Thanks. It’s a big city, that’s for sure.
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What an experience, what a city! All the people from Sydney and Melbourne would just about equal the population of Tokyo.
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If you only count that inner city area it’s about the same. Oddly enough it didn’t seem that crowded in the streets in most areas.
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Awesome! We want to go back….. you are making us yearn for it 🙂
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I will definitely go again. We had an amazing time.
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The population of Australia doesn’t come close to that of Tokyo – great pictures.
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It’s an incredible thought isn’t it.
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What great shots! I don’t think many places com close to this kind of population, or the height of these buildings. Good thing you are not afraid of heights! 🙂
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Only the broadcasting towers were really tall. I was surprised that there were not more skyscrapers. That might be an earthquake safety thing.
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Earthquakes would not be a good thing for Tokyo! 🙂
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great shots!! Interesting city!
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Thanks. This is the first post in a series about our visit to Tokyo. Stay tuned for more!
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I have always wanted to visit Japan and Tokyo. It looks such a interesting, vibrant city as your photos show. I bet the lights at night are just breathtaking!
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There is so much to see and do and I have many stories to come about our visit here.
The lights were beautiful. It gives you an amazing sense of just how big the city is.
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Tokyo looks like a very big city with very tall buildings! You seem to make it all look really cool! x
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If you would have to chose to visit just one, which would be: Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree?
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Probably the Skytree because it’s much higher. It was great to do both though and see Tokyo by day and by night.
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Thanks for your answer! 🙂
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Are you planning to go to Tokyo soon?
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Yes, I’m travelling there in May. Can’t wait! 🙂
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How exciting! You will enjoy it. There is so much to see and do.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Damn, I’ve messed my previous reply and don’t know how to edit it. What I meant is: thank you for your tips. I will try to enjoy Japan as much as possible!
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I don’t think you can edit a reply once you’ve sent it. Never mind…
I hope you enjoy Japan as much as we did. Let me know if you go to any of the places we went to.
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Tokyo is on the itinerary. I’m sure we’ll visit at least some of the places you’ve been to. I’ll definitely blog about it. 🙂
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