Tokyo Skytree Opens Today, Adding Four New Tourist Facilities in the Capital

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

The trendsetting capital of Japan has seen the successive opening of four new tourist facilities this spring, including the Tokyo Skytree (Sky Tree), which opened today (the 22nd), as well as Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake had some impact on tourism in Tokyo, but with the upcoming openings of several new tourist facilities in the city, another wave of travel enthusiasm is expected to sweep through Japan this summer.

In 2006, five major Japanese commercial broadcasters and NHK decided to build a new TV tower to facilitate the full transition from analog to digital broadcasting, which was scheduled to be completed 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. There are two observation decks, one at 350 meters and another at 450 meters. At 350 meters, there are restaurants and shops where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in views of the Kanto region. Outside the observation hall at 450 meters, a glass-walled skywalk offers the thrill of strolling at the highest point in the world.

Additionally, with the opening of the Tokyo Skytree, the new Tokyo Soramachi district 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 a commercial shopping facility based on the concept of blending old and new urban styles, housing about 312 stores offering fashion, accessories, desserts, restaurants, and more. It is expected to sell exclusive Tokyo Soramachi merchandise and feature brands making their first appearance. This comprehensive shopping center will provide convenience for local residents and tourists alike. In addition, floors 30 and 31 on the east wing of Tokyo Soramachi house a high-rise dining area located 150 meters above ground, offering close-up views of the Tokyo Skytree.

The Tokyu Department Store-operated “Shibuya Hikarie” opened on April 26, along with the shopping mall “ShinQs.” “Shibuya Hikarie” connects to Shibuya Station and is a 34-story mixed-use facility that includes office spaces as well as the event hall “Hikarie Hall,” the theater “Tokyu Theatre,” and “ShinQs,” which spans three basement levels and five above-ground floors, combining dining, beauty, and fashion in one large-scale shopping center.

Harajuku and Omotesando are hubs of Japanese fashion, brimming with unique and stimulating elements. Now, blending these two characteristics, a new sensory space has been created — the new landmark that debuted on April 18, “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku.” It incorporates popular elements among young women aged 10 to 20 such as “The SHEL’TTER TOKYO” and anime, and is expected to become a new attraction for fashion-loving youth and international tourists.

The Meiji-dori side of the building is home to the American brand American Eagle Outfitters, which is making its global debut here as its largest flagship store. Meanwhile, the central section facing the street features the first flagship store of Baroque Shanghai Limited, which houses the Moussy and Sly brands. Moreover, the design of the “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku” building 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 in 2010. The building's roof features an open terrace, incorporating elements of Meiji Shrine and the zelkova trees of Omotesando into the environmental design to create a harmonious streetscape, with the hope of becoming a new landmark in the Harajuku-Omotesando area.

Also opened 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 offer visitors a thrilling and surprising experience, with the goal of becoming the largest tourist facility in Tokyo’s Odaiba area. It features the world’s first digital electronic billboard powered by solar energy, and approximately 40% of the shopping mall’s exterior, roof, and walls are greened. The top floor includes a community garden where visitors can participate in eco-friendly activities.