Tokyo Skytree Turns 10: Tower Revitalizes Old “Shitamachi” Neighborhood

Colorful koinobori carp streamers flutter over Skytree Town’s Sorami-zaka area.

Visitors take in the view from the Tenbō Galleria observation deck 450 meters up, which features an upward-sloping floor meant to give the impression of strolling in the clouds.

The “Wish Ribbon” at the 350-meter high Tenbō Deck was built as part of tenth-anniversary celebrations. Tokyo Skytree is also popular as a “power spot” and the tree is festooned with gold ribbons on which visitors have written wishes.

The tower’s “Skytree White” shade was inspired by the traditional Japanese hue aijiro—the palest possible color achieved through indigo dyeing.

The view up the Sumida River from the Tenbō Deck, with the Arakawa River to the right. Sumida was an ideal site for manufacturing, thanks to the many artificial waterways created there during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Tokyo Skytree viewed from Taikobashi bridge at Shintō shrine Kameido Tenjinsha.

The Kitajukken River in front of the Skytree has become an attractive riverside spot.

Buried power lines have improved the view of Tokyo Skytree from Kinshichō’s Tower View Road.

Tokyo Mizumachi, under the railway tracks along the Kitajukken River, hosts a community-run hostel and a variety of shops.

Skytree, viewed from Azuma Bridge near Asakusa Station. To the right is the Asahi Breweries headquarters building, reminiscent of a beer mug, with its gold flame-like object, an iconic sight from Asakusa.

The view from Kurihara Bridge on the Yokokawa River, with new apartment buildings nearby.

Planting flowers at the Ōyokogawa Shinsui Park near Asakusa-dōri.