Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー, Tōkyō Sukaitsurī), [toːkʲoː sɯ̥kaitsɯriː] is a broadcasting and observation ⓘtower in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634 meters (2,080 ft) in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower, and the third tallest structure in the world after the Merdeka 118 (678.9 m or 2,227 ft) and the Burj Khalifa (829.8 m or 2,722 ft). It is also the tallest freestanding structure in the OECD, the G20 and G7 countries.
Tokyo Skytree | |
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東京スカイツリー | |
Tokyo Skytree as seen from the Sumida River in November 2023 | |
General information | |
Status | Completed |
Architectural style | Neo-futurism |
Location | Sumida, Tokyo, Japan |
Coordinates | 35.7101°N 139.8107°E |
Construction started | 14 July 2008 |
Topped-out | 18 March 2011 |
Completed | 29 February 2012 |
Opened | 22 May 2012 |
Cost | 65 billion JPY |
Owner | Tobu Railway through the Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary |
Height | |
Antenna spire | 634 m (2,080 ft) |
Roof | 495 m (1,624 ft) |
Top floor | 451.2 m (1,480 ft) |
Technical details | |
Lifts/elevators | 13 |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | Nikken Sekkei |
Developer | Tobu Railway |
Main contractor | Obayashi Corporation |
Website | |
www |
The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region; the older Tokyo Tower no longer gives complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because it is surrounded by high-rise buildings. Skytree was completed on Leap Day, 29 February 2012, with the tower opening to the public on 22 May 2012. The tower is the centrepiece of a large commercial development funded by Tobu Railway (which owns the complex) and a group of six terrestrial broadcasters headed by NHK. Trains stop at the adjacent Tokyo Skytree Station and nearby Oshiage Station. The complex is seven kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of Tokyo Station. In addition, there is the Sumida Aquarium in the "Tokyo Solamachi" complex.