Tokyo Skytree Marks 10th Anniversary of Opening

Above, the Tokyo Skytree as seen from Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe, but today marks ten years since the opening of the Tokyo Skytree on May 22, 2012.

The first time I saw it was during my December 2010 trip to Japan. It was not completed at the time. I visited the Tower in 2014 but didn't go up to the observation deck until the following year.

Above, the Tokyo Skytree under construction in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The anniversary is being commemorated in Tokyo.

According to nippon.com:

Tokyo, May 22 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward in the Japanese capital, known as the world’s tallest self-sustaining tower, marked the 10th anniversary of its opening on Sunday.

The Tobu Railway Co. group, which operates the 634-meter tower and an adjacent commercial complex, is organizing commemorative events, including the live broadcasting of a show performed by Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI at a top section of the tower.

As Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward, which used to be the primary television broadcast tower in the region, faced difficulty in ensuring complete broadcasting coverage after high-rise buildings were built around it, TV broadcasters in Tokyo started considering developing a replacement facility.

Above, a nighttime view from the Sumida River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tokyo Skytree is so tall that there's hardly a place in Tokyo where it can't be seen. It dominates the skyline of the city.

Above, a view from Kappabashi "Kitchen Town". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Above, the Skytree from its base. Photo by Armand Vaquer.