Arab News Tokyo

The iconic Tokyo Tower celebrated its birthday on December 23.

Call it a landmark, a monument, or a symbol of Japan’s post-war ascendancy, the tower has stood in the heart of the Japanese capital for all of 61 years.

It doubles as a communications and observation tower in the Shiba-Koen district of Minato and is on the to-do list of tourists from around the world.

When first built, the part that is currently Top Deck was used as a work platform for antenna maintenance. However, in July of 1967, it was opened to the public as an observatory.

Tokyo Tower is 333 meters high and was the tallest structure in the country before Tokyo Skytree surpassed it in 2010. It was also the tallest tower in the world when it was built.

Going by the design, it is easy to conclude that it is based on the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Its main observatory is located at 150 meters high from where one can peek through the “look-down” window. 

According to its official website, the lighting in the tower since January 1, 1989, is called “Landmark Light” and is made up of a total of 180 lights, costing an average of approximately 21,000 yen a day.

The Special Observatory – at 250 meters in the sky – gives a panoramic view of the city. Weather permitting, it can also provide a glimpse of Skytree and even Mt. Fuji.

Regarded among the most instagrammable spots in the city, Tokyo Tower continues to inspire generations.

There is also a legend attached to the Tokyo Tower. If you see the moment the lights turn off with your lover, you will become happy together, and many couples gather below around midnight to gaze up at Tokyo Tower.