Tokyo Skytree Opens Today; Four New Tourist Facilities Debut in Tokyo

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Li Xinyi

 

The trendsetting capital of Japan has seen four new tourist facilities open one after another this spring, including the Tokyo Skytree (Sky Tree) which debuted today (22nd), Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake last year, tourism in Tokyo was somewhat impacted, but with the successive opening of several new tourist facilities within the city this summer, Japan’s tourism is expected to experience another wave of enthusiasm.

In 2006, five major Japanese private television stations and NHK decided to build a new TV tower to facilitate the full transition from analog to digital broadcasting by July 2011. This led to the planning of the Tokyo Skytree project. Located in an area rich in traditional Edo culture, the base of the new tower features an arch design resembling three open gates, with two observation decks set at 350 meters and 450 meters respectively. At 350 meters, there are restaurants and shops where visitors can enjoy gourmet food while taking in the view of the Kanto region. Outside the 450-meter-high observation deck, a glass-walled skywalk has been installed, allowing tourists to stroll at the highest point in the world.

In addition, with the opening of the Tokyo Skytree, a new shopping destination called Tokyo Soramachi was also born. Stretching 400 meters from east to west, it connects Oshiage Station and Yurakucho Station. The fourth floor of the building connects directly to Oshiage Station, forming an entrance plaza that leads into the Tokyo Skytree. “Tokyo Soramachi” is based on the concept of blending the old with the new in an urban setting, featuring approximately 312 shops including fashion, sundries, desserts, and restaurants. It is expected to offer exclusive Tokyo Soramachi merchandise and brands making their first appearances, creating a comprehensive shopping mall convenient for both local residents and tourists. Moreover, the eastern wing of Tokyo Soramachi on the 30th and 31st floors houses an ultra-high restaurant zone located 150 meters above ground, offering close-up views of the Tokyo Skytree.

 

Meanwhile, “Shibuya Hikarie,” operated by Tokyu Department Store, opened on April 26, along with the shopping mall “ShinQs.” “Shibuya Hikarie” is connected to Shibuya Station and is a 34-story complex facility that includes office spaces as well as an event hall “Hikarie Hall,” the theater “Tokyu Theatre,” and “ShinQs” spanning three basement levels and five above-ground floors, combining food, beauty, and fashion in a large-scale shopping center.

Harajuku and Omotesando are centers of Japanese fashion trends, vibrant areas full of diverse personalities and stimulation. Now, combining these two elements, a new sensory space has been recreated — the new landmark that appeared on April 18th: “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku.” It incorporates elements popular among teenage girls and young women such as “The SHEL’TTER TOKYO” and anime culture, and is expected to become one of the new hotspots for fashion-loving youth and international tourists.

The Meiji-dori side of the building is home to the American brand American Eagle Outfitters, making its global debut as its largest flagship store. Meanwhile, the central section features Baroque Shanghai Limited’s first flagship store, housing brands such as Moussy and Sly. Additionally, the building design of “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku” was overseen by architect Hiroshi Nakamura, who won the Japan Institute of Architects Award Good Design Award 2008 and the Gold Prize at Design Vanguard 2010. The rooftop features an open terrace, incorporating elements of Meiji Shrine and the zelkova trees of Omotesando into the environmental design to create a harmonious streetscape and establish itself as a new landmark in the Harajuku and Omotesando area.

 

Also opening in April, “DiverCity Tokyo Plaza” is located in Tokyo’s waterfront subcenter and is designed with the concept of a “theater-type urban space.” This concept combines shopping, entertainment, and leisure elements to provide visitors with a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience, aiming to become the largest tourist facility in Tokyo’s Odaiba area. It features the world’s first digital electronic billboard powered by solar energy, and about 40% of the shopping mall’s exterior, rooftop, and walls are covered with greenery. A rooftop farm has also been set up on the top floor, encouraging consumers to participate in eco-friendly activities.