So many wonderful structures are being constructed in the world and we hardly take notice as we are running errands and are busy constantly. I did not come accross Tokyo Skytree until I saw it from Yokohama.
Checking my photos from Yokohama Landmark Tower I see that it was not clearly visible that time. But the day I enjoyed the view from Marine Tower was the day when I have first noticed this majestic tower. Oh dear, it towered above skyscrapers literally into the sky… Its elder sister Tokyo Tower, that I was subconsciously looking for, was not even to be seen. This is how I met this new one, erected between 2008 and 2012. 110 thousand people decided about its name and they chose the name Skytree, sukai tsurí how the Japanese pronounce it.
It actually rose to the sky as with its height of 634 m it is the second tallest structure in the world. There is also symbolism in the numbers 634. The former name of this area is Musashi and musashi is also the Japanese pronounciation of the numbers 634.
It was certified by Guiness World Records as “the tallest tower in the world” in 2011.
Finally I am on my way to visit Tokyo Skytree and it is exciting to observe it from a street in Tokyo. It is 634 m tall and it is the 2nd tallest structure in the world 🙂 after Burj Khalífa in Dubai. Trotting closer to it I observe the inner reinforced concrete pillar rising up to the height of 375 m. It houses the elevators and the staircases. Around it – as a net – there is an ingenious intricate steel exoskeleton Notice the two wider parts – the lower, which is bigger, has cafe at the height of 340 m, restaurant above it at 345 m and viewing deck at 350 m topping them. Upper part, which is a bit smaller, has Tembo Galleria – sloping viewing skywalk in the height of 445 to 450 m. Your horizon is about 70 km away from here and this is how far you can see when the visibility is good Here it can be noticed that the steel exoskeleton of the tower is triangular at the bottom and that it morphs into a circular cross-section as it progresses upwards! This is very special and depending on the angle we view it we see different shapes! The circle upper structure has been chosen to fend forces of winds from any direction offThe view from 450 m 🙂 from Tembo Galleria sky walk which is a glass-paneled sloping passageway connecting 445m and 450 m floors already mentioned above. We can see the Sumida River, Sakura Bridge to the left and Shirahige Bridge. And I will stay close behind the Shirahige Bridge on the other bank of the Sumida River towards the end of my stay in Tokyo 🙂
Looking down to the lower level deck Straight in the line of the multilane road seen on the right is Akihabara electric town and straight in the line behind it the sacred mountain Fujisan would be seen in good weather. No luck today 🙁 It is easy to check what you see Close up of Edo Museum = big rectangular interesting building and of the green roof of Ryógoku Kokugikan = indoor sumo hall The bridge with an arch is Ryógoku-bashi about which I write in my previous article SUMO where there is also a photo of Tokyo Skytree from it In this direction Yokohama is located and when visibility is good Yokohama Landmark Tower from which we have already had a bird view can be clearly seen behind the skyscrapers rising above the river. The distance between these two wonderful landmarks is 33 km. It is beginning to get dark…Looks a bit like a water treatment plant to me There are whole huge quarters – more like towns – with such little houses in Tokyo and they have unique atmosphere Old traditional rubs shoulders with new modern Shirahige Bridge and the express highway next to the Sumida RiverClose up: That yellow thing on the black building is “beer head” and it is a brewery beer shop and a restaurant of Asahi Brewery and the black tall building belongs to Asahi Brewery Headquarters, too
Sakura Bridge Look at those trains 🙂 Poster showing Tembo Galleria from the outside – it is that protruding sloped “air walk” winding from 445 to 450 m and it is 110 m longTembo Galleria inside – offers divine views from the height of 445 to 450 m Gorgeous! Orange lit Tokyo Tower can be seen in the distance – it is 8 km away from this viewing point and only its top part can be seen, it looks as an obelisk Tokyo Tower close up. The “old lady” 333 m tall was built in 1958 and became not high enough for broadcasting following the construction of many high rise buidings. There are two observation decks open for visitors, at 150 m and at 250 m. Years ago I was pretty much impressed by the view from there as more than 150 million visitors in the history of it were surely, too. And now I am looking at it from above 🙂 Splendid! Night view of Sumida river and partly the Sakura Bridge can be seen and Shirahige Bridge can be seen Karé raisu – Japanese Curry Rice, yummy, at 345 meters above the night Tokyo Standing on a glass floor 340 meters above ground level. This reinforced glass is able to support 800 kg per square meter. This is already on my way down and I have just had karé raisu – Japanese Curry, I am not worried about my weight though, there is still allowance 🙂 At the base of the tower we can decipher the reinforced concrete pillar which is in the center of Tokyo Skytree, rising 375 m tall and here it is lit violet. There is a separate intricate steel exoskeleton structure surrounding it which moves separately to absorb about 50% of seismic vibrations. This was inspired by traditional Japanese five-story pagoda which has endured many earthquakes as pagoda has a central pillar, called shinbashira, at the core and this is considered to be the key to its earthquake resistance. Ancient Japanese skills are thus combined with cutting-edge technology Tonight the traditional Edo-murasaki = bluish violet – color is used to light the tower. Mixed with a hint of golden light for elegance. This is Miyabi style – old traditional Japanese aesthetics. This lighting pattern alternates with Iki style the next evening, when the color is light blue on the central pillar to express a water theme as a tribute to the Sumida River. Iki style is a demonstration of the manly spirit of urban mercantile class of Edo (1603-1868). Seasonal special lightings are used as well After visiting the Skytree it is always nice to see it again and to wave at it. This time I can do it from Asakusa 🙂A scene from Tokyo with the Skytree Still life with Skytree and Tokyo street
