東京スカイツリーTokyo Sky Tree (Feb.2019-No.6)
6.東京スカイツリーTokyo Sky Treeーthe bird-eyes view of Tokyo from 450m high
Tokyo Sky Tree is the highest structure in Japan, and it boasts of the highest tower in the world with 634meters high. It is located in the eastern part of Tokyo near Oshiage Station, and it was opened in May 2012 as a radio tower and a sightseeing facility, through the ceremony of beginning of the construction in 2008 and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
I have been to this tower several times on one of the most clear days in the year, but I couldn't go to the observation platforms, because it was too crowded to wait our turn or the operations of the elevators were suddenly stopped due to very strong wind at that time.
This day was very clear, no cloud and quite cold, so I thought it was the best day to climb Sky Tree. Fortunately it took about only 30 minutes to buy tickets to the platform.
First I arrived at the platform No.1 with 350meters height. I was surprised at the speed and smoothness of the elevator. I hear the speed is 600m/min, and it takes only 50sec to rise to the platform No.1. And I went to the platform No.2 with 450meters high. It cost 2,160yen to the platform No.1 and 1,080yen to the platform No2.
From the platform No.1 we could see Mt. Fuji with snowcap, Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Disneyland, mountains of the Southern Alps, mountains of the northern part of Kanto, and many rivers through Tokyo. But I was mostly impressed of enormous buildings as far as the eye can see. There are many groups of high and low-rise buildings, and those of residential areas.
I hear the population of Tokyo wide area (greater Tokyo) is about 38million according to UN statistics. It is in the most population city among the world by a decisive lead. I felt this landscape might be the last terminal point of urbanization at that time, but I saw new buildings were under constructions everywhere. Tokyo Olympics will be held in 2020. Tokyo has been changing and developing toward the future!
Tokyo Bay-south side from Sky Tree at 350m high
Mt.Fuji - west side from Sky Tree at 350m high
mountains of nothern Kanto, Sensoji-temple in Asakusa Can you find it?
the Sumida River and the Arakawa river from 450m high. You can see the shadow of Sky Tree.
