Tembo Deck

Ascend to the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck at 350m for breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, Japan. Discover a world above the city, from Mount Fuji to the bustling urban landscape.

Overview

Perched 350 meters above the sprawling metropolis, the Tembo Deck within Tokyo Skytree offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Tokyo, Japan. As one of the world's tallest structures, Tokyo Skytree, crowned by its primary observation deck, provides visitors with a truly breathtaking perspective. The Tembo Deck, also known as Floor 350, is a spacious, circular observation level designed to give a 360-degree vista of the city's dynamic landscape. From this vantage point, the urban tapestry of Tokyo unfolds in all directions, stretching to the horizon where on clear days, the iconic Mount Fuji can be seen silently presiding over the Kanto Plain.

Visitors ascend to the Tembo Deck in high-speed, custom-designed elevators, which are an experience in themselves, decorated with seasonal Japanese motifs. Upon arrival, the sensation of floating above the city is immediate and profound. The deck is more than just a viewing platform; it's an immersive space where visitors can take in the sheer scale of one of the world's largest cities, identifying key landmarks, understanding the city's geography, and marveling at the intricate dance of urban life from a serene distance.

History & Cultural Background

Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2012, was primarily built to serve as a digital terrestrial television broadcasting tower, replacing the Tokyo Tower which could no longer provide complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage due to the proliferation of high-rise buildings in central Tokyo. Standing at a majestic 634 meters, it quickly became a new symbol for the city, blending cutting-edge engineering with traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. The height, 634 meters, is a playful nod to the old name for the region where Tokyo is located: “Musashi,” which can be pronounced “mu-sa-shi” (6-3-4 in Japanese wordplay).

The tower's design incorporates architectural elements inspired by traditional Japanese beauty. Its base features a triangular shape that gradually morphs into a circle as it ascends, a design known as 'sori' (concave curve) and 'mukuri' (convex curve), reminiscent of the curves found in ancient Japanese temples and swords. This fusion of futuristic technology with a respect for heritage is deeply embedded in its cultural significance. The Tembo Deck, as an integral part of this modern marvel, embodies Tokyo’s aspirations for the future while remaining grounded in its rich past, offering a physical and metaphorical connection between the old Edo and the new Tokyo.

What Makes It Special

The Tembo Deck distinguishes itself through several unique features. Foremost is its unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view, which truly encompasses the vastness of Tokyo. Unlike some observation decks that offer limited perspectives, Tembo Deck's circular design ensures that every angle provides a different and equally compelling vista. From the glittering lights of Shinjuku's skyscrapers to the tranquil flow of the Sumida River and the green expanse of Ueno Park, the city's diversity is on full display.

A unique thrill for many visitors is the glass floor section, located near the Skytree Cafe, which provides a dizzying, transparent view directly down to the ground 350 meters below. This feature offers an exhilarating experience, allowing one to literally stand on air. The deck also hosts the Skytree Cafe, where visitors can enjoy refreshments while soaking in the views, adding a moment of relaxation to the awe-inspiring journey. The sense of scale, the distant landmarks appearing like miniatures, and the dynamic weather changes make each visit a unique experience, whether bathed in sunlight or illuminated by city lights.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One fascinating aspect of Tokyo Skytree, and by extension its Tembo Deck, is its incredible earthquake-resistant design. Japan is prone to seismic activity, and the engineers behind the Skytree incorporated a central core column structure, similar to the ancient five-storied pagodas, that works as a flexible damping system. This means the central column and the outer steel structure can sway independently, absorbing seismic energy and making the tower remarkably stable even during strong tremors. This blend of ancient wisdom and modern engineering is a testament to Japanese innovation.

The tower's lighting, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, also tells a story. On alternate evenings, the tower is illuminated with either “Iki” (a pale blue, representing the spirit of Edo's sophisticated aesthetic) or “Miyabi” (a soft purple, symbolizing elegance). From the Tembo Deck, one can often see other significant landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Dome, giving a sense of the city's complex layout. The feeling of being above the clouds, a common occurrence on certain misty days, adds a magical, almost spiritual dimension to the visit, connecting visitors to the vastness beyond the urban sprawl.

Visitor Perspective

Stepping out onto the Tembo Deck is often met with gasps of awe. The sheer scale of Tokyo, which from ground level feels like an endless labyrinth, transforms into an intricate, comprehensible masterpiece from 350 meters up. Many travelers find themselves gravitating towards the panoramic windows, pointing out famous sites or simply letting their gaze wander across the horizon. The atmosphere on the deck is one of shared wonder, with visitors from all corners of the globe marveling at the same incredible vista. Photography is, of course, a popular activity, but the memory of seeing Tokyo unfold beneath you, with its tiny cars and miniature buildings, remains long after the photos are taken.

Whether you visit during the day to witness the city bathed in sunlight, allowing clear views of Mount Fuji and the vast Kanto plain, or in the evening when the city transforms into a glittering carpet of lights, the experience is unforgettable. The Tembo Deck offers not just a view, but a moment of reflection on the grandeur of human endeavor and the beauty of a city that constantly reinvents itself. It is a place where you truly feel at the heart of Tokyo, yet simultaneously detached, observing its magnificent pulse from a serene distance.