Tokyo Sky Tree

Many Japanese can tell you that Tokyo Tower is taller than the Eiffel Tower, but that’s soon about to change. No, Tokyo Tower isn’t being cut down to the same size by the French, nor is the Eiffel Tower being extended. The reason is simply that a new tower is under construction in Tokyo.

“Tokyo Sky Tree” is the name of the soon to be the world’s tallest tower. When complete, it will stand at a height of 634 meters. This will be 24 meters higher than the second highest tower in the world, the Guangzhou TV and sightseeing tower in China.

Located in the north-eastern ward of Sumida, close to the popular area of Asakusa, construction of the Tokyo Sky Tree began a couple of years ago and at the time of writing it stands approximately 336 meters tall. This means that it has already become Japan’s tallest structure and it’s only half complete.

When completed, the tower will be used to broadcast an array of digital signals far and wide. TV and radio stations will make up the bulk of the tower’s broadcasting capabilities. Of course the tower will be a major tourist attraction. Visitors will be able to climb to a viewing platform and view the city from a height of 350 meters. Actually, despite being under construction, Tokyo Sky Tree has already become a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people flock to the site to take pictures of the incomplete structure.

Tokyo Sky Tree will have its grand opening in 2012. It can be easily reached from Oshiage station on the Hanzomon subway line.