Completed in 1958 as a 332.9-meter communications spire inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower is often treated as a standard elevator trip to an observation glass box. Yet the tower complex—spanning its FootTown base, open-air platforms, and surrounding Shiba Park terraces—houses a surprisingly active lineup of attractions: hiking the red-and-white steel latticework via a 600-step exterior staircase, playing pickleball on a dedicated rooftop court beneath the spire, exploring a multi-floor VR and esports arena, and visiting the highest Shinto shrine in Tokyo's central wards.
Unique Things to Do at Tokyo Tower
1. Climb the 600-Step Open-Air Outdoor Staircase
Instead of riding the high-speed elevator, visitors can hike the exterior staircase directly through the open iron girders from the FootTown roof up to the Main Deck (150 meters).
- The Experience: The wind blows through the steel mesh as you climb, offering unobstructed panoramic views of Roppongi, Toranomon, and Tokyo Bay. The hike takes roughly 15 minutes at a steady pace.
- The Souvenir: Upon reaching the Main Deck, staff hand you an official numbered "Noppo-kun" Certificate of Ascension card as a keepsake.
- Hours: Open daily (weather permitting), usually from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (open later on weekends and holidays). You use regular Main Deck admission tickets.
2. Play Pickleball Under the Red Iron Beams
Tokyo Tower features an outdoor pickleball facility—the Tokyo Tower Pickleball Club—perched right at the base and terrace level with views looking directly up into the tower's orange superstructure.
- The Setup: Court rentals include paddles and balls, making it accessible for visiting tourists without sports gear.
- Why It's Distinctive: Playing high-energy rallies while looking up at the illuminated lattice makes for one of the most unexpected recreational sessions in central Tokyo.
3. Compete at RED° TOKYO TOWER (Esports & VR Arena)
Occupying floors 3F through 5F of the FootTown building at the tower's base, RED° TOKYO TOWER is Japan's largest indoor esports and interactive gaming theme park.
- Attractions: Features professional-grade simulator racing rigs, augmented-reality dodgeball (HADO), VR rollercoasters, retro Japanese arcade cabinets, and motion-tracking athletic challenges.
- Best For: Rainy afternoons, families with teenagers, and gamers looking for modern tech culture paired with a classic landmark.
4. Visit Tokyo Tower Daijingu Shrine (150m High)
Located on the second floor of the Main Deck, this sacred Shinto sanctuary holds the title of the highest Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s 23 wards.
- Significance: Because of its elevated vantage point, it is a favored stop for Japanese students praying for high test scores and couples praying for relationship success.
- Unique Keepsakes: The shrine counter dispenses tower-shaped wooden ema votive plaques and miniature red-and-white tower amulets (omamori).
5. Walk the Glass "Skywalk Window" & Experience the Top Deck
- The Skywalk Window: On the lower floor of the Main Deck (145m), reinforced plate-glass floor panels let visitors stand directly above open air, looking 145 meters straight down to the asphalt and bus terminal below.
- The Top Deck Tour (250m): Reaching the upper deck requires a separate reservation. Renovated with geometric mirrored prism walls designed to create a futuristic kaleidoscope effect, it reflects the daytime skyline and evening light shows across the entire circular interior.
6. Seasonal Rooftop Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) BBQ
During spring through autumn, the FootTown rooftop hosts an open-air Japanese beer garden specializing in Hokkaido-style Genghis Khan (succulent grilled lamb and vegetables cooked on domed iron skillets). Dining with an ice-cold highball directly beneath the glowing orange steel skeleton at night is a beloved local warm-weather tradition.
Real-World Gotchas & Field Tips
- Stair Climb Weather Cancellations: The 600-step outdoor staircase closes without advance notice during rain, high winds, or extreme summer heat warnings. If your goal is to hike up, check the official morning weather notice on the Tokyo Tower website before heading out.
- Elevator vs. Stair Descent: You do not have to walk back down. Your ticket covers the elevator ride back down from the Main Deck if your knees or calves are tired after the climb.
- Main Deck vs. Top Deck Ticket Separation: Basic admission only covers the Main Deck (150m). The higher Top Deck (250m) requires a dedicated timed-entry reservation (often booking out several days in advance for sunset slots).
- Pickleball Booking: The pickleball court requires advance reservation through their web portal; walk-ins are rarely accommodated on weekends when local league and expat matches dominate the schedule.
- The "Can't See the Tower" Paradox: Once you are inside Tokyo Tower, you cannot photograph the landmark itself. For the classic photo framing the red tower behind a 600-year-old wooden Buddhist temple, walk 5 minutes down the hill to the grounds of Zojoji Temple (Zōjō-ji), or sit on the lawn at Shiba Park Section 4 for clear grass-level perspectives.
- Nearest Station Elevation Trap: While Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) and Onarimon Station (Mita Line) offer flat 5- to 7-minute walks, exiting from Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) requires a steep uphill trek up the plateau.