:Tokyo Skytree

{{Short description|Broadcasting and observation tower in Japan}}

{{Infobox building

| name = Tokyo Skytree

| native_name = 東京スカイツリー

| native_name_lang = ja

| logo = TOKYO SKYTREE logo.svg

| logo_size = 150px

| image = Tokyo Skytree 2023.jpg

| caption = Tokyo Skytree viewed from the Sumida River, November 2023

| location = Sumida, Tokyo, Japan

| coordinates = {{coord|35.7101|139.8107|region:JP-13_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}

| status = {{Color|green|Completed}}

| architectural_style = Neo-futurism

| start_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2008|07|14}}

| topped_out_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2011|03|18}}

| completion_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2012|02|29}}

| opened = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2012|05|22}}

| antenna_spire = {{cvt|634.0|m|ft|0}}

| roof = {{cvt|495.2|m|ft|0}}

| top_floor = {{cvt|451.3|m|ft|0}}

| elevator_count = 13

| cost = 65 billion JPY{{cite web |url=http://www.mmtimes.com/2012/business/617/biz61714.html |title=Japan finishes Tokyo Sky Tree |publisher=Mmtimes.com |access-date=14 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203154812/http://www.mmtimes.com/2012/business/617/biz61714.html |archive-date=3 February 2014 }}

| floor_area =

| architect = Nikken Sekkei

| structural_engineer =

| main_contractor = Obayashi Corporation

| developer = Tobu Railway

| owner = Tobu Railway through {{ill|Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd|ja|東武タワースカイツリー|vertical-align=sup}}, a wholly owned subsidiary

| website = {{URL|https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/}}

| mapframe-marker = communications-tower

}}

{{nihongo|Tokyo Skytree|東京スカイツリー|Tōkyō Sukaitsurī|extra={{IPA|ja|toːkʲoː sɯ̥kaitsɯriː||TomJ-TokyoSkytree.ogg}}}}, also written as Tokyo Sky Tree, is a broadcasting and observation tower, located in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It has been the tallest tower in Japan since opening in 2012,[http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20100329p2g00m0dm025000c.html Tokyo Sky Tree beats Tokyo Tower, now tallest building in Japan] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121205060159/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20100329p2g00m0dm025000c.html |date=5 December 2012 }}, The Mainichi Daily News, 29 March 2010{{Dead link | date = December 2024 | fix-attempted = yes }} and reached its full height of {{convert|634|m|ft|0|sp=us}} in early 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower,{{cite web |url=http://www.ctbuh.org/News/GlobalTallNews/tabid/468/EntryId/4066/Japan-Finishes-Worlds-Tallest-Communications-Tower.aspx |title=Japan Finishes World's Tallest Communications Tower |publisher=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |date=1 March 2012 |access-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619104856/http://www.ctbuh.org/News/GlobalTallNews/tabid/468/EntryId/4066/Japan-Finishes-Worlds-Tallest-Communications-Tower.aspx |archive-date=19 June 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/building/tokyo-sky-tree-tokyo-japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603121034/http://www.emporis.com/building/tokyo-sky-tree-tokyo-japan |url-status=usurped |archive-date=3 June 2012 |title=Tokyo Sky Tree |publisher=Emporis |access-date=2 March 2012}} and the third tallest structure in the world behind Merdeka 118 ({{convert|678.9|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and Burj Khalifa (829.8 m or 2,722 ft)).{{cite web |url=http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11809861-tokyo-sky-tree-takes-root-as-worlds-second-tallest-structure?chromedomain=itineraries |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525134229/http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11809861-tokyo-sky-tree-takes-root-as-worlds-second-tallest-structure?chromedomain=itineraries |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 May 2012 |title=Tokyo Sky Tree takes root as world's second-tallest structure |author=Arata Yamamoto |date=22 May 2012 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=22 May 2012 }}{{efn|It was the second tallest structure in the world before the completion of Merdeka 118.}}

The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region; the older Tokyo Tower no longer gives complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because it is surrounded by high-rise buildings. Skytree was completed on Leap Day, 29 February 2012, with the tower opening to the public on 22 May 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/about/enterprise.html |script-title=ja:事業概要 |work=Tokyo Skytree Home |language=ja |access-date=2 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902034510/http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/about/enterprise.html |archive-date=2 September 2011 }} The tower is the centrepiece of a large commercial development funded by Tobu Railway (which owns the complex) and a group of six terrestrial broadcasters headed by NHK. Trains stop at the adjacent Tokyo Skytree Station and nearby Oshiage Station. The complex is {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=off|spell=in}} northeast of Tokyo Station. Sumida Aquarium is in the Tokyo Solamachi complex.

Design

The tower's design was published on 24 November 2006,{{cite web |url=http://www.thetallesteverything.com/tallest-tower.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207075630/http://www.thetallesteverything.com/tallest-tower.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 December 2013 |title=The Tallest Tower in the World: Tokyo Skytree |publisher=TheTallestEverything.com |access-date=29 October 2014 }} based on the following three concepts:

Fusion of neofuturistic[http://megalopolisnow.com/2012/08/08/tokyo-sky-tree-the-worlds-tallest-broadcasting-tower/ Tokyo Sky Tree: the world's tallest broadcasting tower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131330/https://megalopolisnow.com/2012/08/08/tokyo-sky-tree-the-worlds-tallest-broadcasting-tower/ |date=1 December 2017 }}. megalopolisnow (8 August 2012). Retrieved on 23 June 2014.[http://www.archdaily.com/tag/japan/page/33/ Japan {{!}} ArchDaily – Part 33] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522195315/http://www.archdaily.com/tag/japan/page/33/ |date=22 May 2014 }}. ArchDaily. Retrieved on 23 June 2014. design and the traditional beauty of Japan
Catalyst for revitalization of the city
Contribution to disaster prevention – "Safety and Security"

The base of the tower has a structure similar to a tripod; from a height of about {{cvt|350|m}} and above, the tower's structure is cylindrical to offer panoramic views of the river and the city.{{cite web |title=Tokyo Sky Tree, Japan |url=http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/tokyo-sky-tree/ |publisher=designbuild-network |access-date=22 September 2012 |archive-date=29 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129061536/http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/tokyo-sky-tree |url-status=live }} There are observatories at {{cvt|350|m}}, with a capacity of up to 2,000 people, and {{cvt|450|m}}, with a capacity of 900 people.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18141311 |title=World's tallest broadcasting tower Tokyo Skytree opens |work=BBC News |date=22 May 2012 |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522193506/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18141311 |url-status=live }} The upper observatory features a spiral, glass-covered skywalk in which visitors ascend the last 5 metres to the highest point at the upper platform. A section of glass flooring gives visitors a direct downward view of the streets below.Kyodo News, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120525f2.html Skytree reaches for hearts and minds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525200929/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120525f2.html |date=25 May 2012 }}", Japan Times, 25 May 2012, p. 3

=Earthquake resistance=

The tower has seismic proofing, including a central shaft made of reinforced concrete. The main internal pillar is attached to the outer tower structure for the first 125 metres above ground. From there until 375 metres the pillar is attached to the tower frame with oil dampers, which act as cushions during an earthquake. Additional resilience is achieved through an "added mass control mechanism" (or tuned mass damper) – a damping system which, in the event of an earthquake, moves out of step with the building's structure, to keep the centre of gravity as central as possible to the tower's base.{{cite web|title=Secrets of the Sky Tree: Quake-proofing the world's second tallest structure|date=2 March 2012 |url=http://www.gizmag.com/tokyo-sky-tree/21682/|access-date=15 April 2016|archive-date=23 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423205721/http://www.gizmag.com/tokyo-sky-tree/21682/|url-status=live}} According to the designers, the dampers can absorb 50 percent of the energy from an earthquake.Nakata, Hiroko, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120221i1.html Tokyo Sky Tree opener looms large] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230093850/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120221i1.html |date=30 December 2012 }}", Japan Times, 21 February 2012, p. 3.Bull, Brett, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120520x1.html The sky's the limit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521204109/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120520x1.html |date=21 May 2012 }}", Japan Times, 20 May 2012, p. 7

=Colour=

{{Multiple image

|align=left

|direction=horizontal

|width=150

|image1=Tokyo Skytree at night (Iki).jpg|caption1=Iki

|image2=Tokyo Sky Tree at night (Miyabi).JPG|caption2=Miyabi

}}

The exterior lattice is painted a colour officially called "Skytree White". This is an original colour based on a bluish-white traditional Japanese colour called {{Nihongo||藍白|aijiro}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/archive/design/ |title=Color Design |year=2008 |work=Tokyo Skytree |publisher=Tobu Railway Co. |location=Japan |access-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429034347/http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/archive/design/ |archive-date=29 April 2012 }}

=Illumination=

The illumination design was published on 16 October 2009. Two illumination patterns alternate daily. One is the sky blue Iki (chic, stylish), and the other is the purple Miyabi (elegance, refinement). The tower is illuminated using LEDs.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/archive/design/lighting.html |title=Lighting Design |publisher=Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116050604/http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/archive/design/lighting.html |archive-date=16 November 2012 }}

Naming and height

File:Tokyo Skytree Silhouette.svg of the tower forms an equilateral triangle on the ground, gradually rounding to become circular at 320 m elevation.]]

From October to November 2007, suggestions were collected from the general public for the name to be given to the tower. On 19 March 2008, a committee chose six final candidate names: {{Nihongo||東京スカイツリー|Tōkyō Sukaitsurī|extra="Tokyo sky tree"}}, {{Nihongo||東京EDOタワー|Tōkyō Edo Tawā|extra="Tokyo Edo tower"}}, {{Nihongo||ライジングタワー|Raijingu Tawā|extra="Rising tower"}}, {{Nihongo||みらいタワー|Mirai Tawā|extra="Tower of the future"}}, {{Nihongo||ゆめみやぐら|Yumemi Yagura|extra="Dream lookout"}}, {{Nihongo||ライジングイーストタワー|Raijingu Īsuto Tawā|extra="Rising east tower"}}. The official name was decided in a nationwide vote, and was announced on 10 June 2008 as "Tokyo Skytree". The name received around 33,000 votes (30%) out of 110,000 cast, with the second most popular name being "Tokyo Edo Tower".[http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/news/pdf/080610.pdf Name of New Tower Decided] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304061739/http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/news/pdf/080610.pdf |date=4 March 2009 }} {{in lang|ja}}

The height of {{cvt|634|m}} was selected to be easily remembered. The figures 6 (mu), 3 (sa), 4 (shi) stand for "Musashi", an old name for the region where the Tokyo Skytree stands.Kyodo News, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120523a7.html Tower's developers considered several figures before finally settling on 634] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523071510/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120523a7.html |date=23 May 2012 }}", Japan Times, 23 May 2012, p. 2

Broadcasting use

Tokyo Skytree is used as a radio/television broadcast and communications tower.

=Television broadcasters=

class="wikitable"
Channel ! Channel name ! Callsign ! Signal power ! ERP ! Broadcast area
{{center\|1}} \| NHK General TV \| JOAK-DTV \| rowspan=2\| 10 kW \| rowspan=2\| 68 kW \| rowspan=2\| Kantō region
{{center\|2}} \| NHK Educational TV \| JOAB-DTV
{{center\|4}} \| Nippon Television \| JOAX-DTV \| rowspan=5\| 10 kW \| rowspan=5\| 68 kW \| rowspan=5\| Kantō region
{{center\|5}} \| TV Asahi \| JOEX-DTV
{{center\|6}} \| TBS Television \| JORX-DTV
{{center\|7}} \| TV Tokyo \| JOTX-DTV
{{center\|8}} \| Fuji Television \| JOCX-DTV
{{center\|9}} \| Tokyo MX \| JOMX-DTV \| 3 kW \| 11.5 kW \| Tokyo

class="wikitable"

Channel

! Channel name

! Callsign

! Signal power

! ERP

! Broadcast area

| NHK General TV

| JOAK-DTV

| rowspan=2| 10 kW

| rowspan=2| 68 kW

| rowspan=2| Kantō region

| rowspan=5| 10 kW

| rowspan=5| 68 kW

| rowspan=5| Kantō region

| 3 kW

| 11.5 kW

| Tokyo

=Radio broadcasters=

class="wikitable"
Frequency ! Station name ! Callsign ! Power ! ERP ! Broadcast area
81.3 MHz \| J-Wave Tokyo \| JOAV-FM \| rowspan=5\| 7 kW \| rowspan=5\| 57 kW \| rowspan=2\| Tokyo
82.5 MHz \| NHK FM Broadcast Tokyo \| JOAK-FM
90.5 MHz \| TBS Radio Tokyo \| JOKR-FM \| rowspan=3\| Kantō region
91.6 MHz \| Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Sumida \|
93.0 MHz \| Nippon Broadcasting System Sumida \|

class="wikitable"

Frequency

! Station name

! Callsign

! Power

! ERP

! Broadcast area

81.3 MHz

| J-Wave Tokyo

| JOAV-FM

| rowspan=5| 7 kW

| rowspan=5| 57 kW

| rowspan=2| Tokyo

82.5 MHz

| NHK FM Broadcast Tokyo

| JOAK-FM

90.5 MHz

| TBS Radio Tokyo

| JOKR-FM

| rowspan=3| Kantō region

91.6 MHz

| Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Sumida

93.0 MHz

| Nippon Broadcasting System Sumida

File:Tokyo Skytree (1).JPG

File:Worm's-eye view of Tokyo Skytree with vertical symmetry impression, a sunny day, in Japan.jpg

File:Mt.Fuji & Tokyo SkyTree (6906783193)b.jpg and the tower, seen from Chiba]]

File:2012年隅田川花火大会.jpg]]

File:Interior of Tokyo Skytree 1.jpg

Timeline

=2008=

File:Tokyo Sky Tree under construction (4121825262).jpg14 July 2008: A ceremony was held at the site to mark the start of construction.[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080715b2.html "Tokyo Sky Tree construction starts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015174457/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20080715b2.html |date=15 October 2012 }}. The Japan Times (15 July 2008). Retrieved 15 July 2008.

=2009=

6 April 2009: The foundations for the three main legs were completed.{{cite news |script-title=ja:高さ610メートル電波塔「スカイツリー」本体が地上に姿 |url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/region/kanto/tokyo/090406/tky0904062220006-n1.htm |work=Sankei Shimbun |location=Tokyo |access-date=28 July 2009 |language=ja |trans-title=The height of 610 meter radio wave tower, "Skytree", the main body of tower appeared on the ground |archive-date=9 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409091445/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/region/kanto/tokyo/090406/tky0904062220006-n1.htm |url-status=dead }}
7 August 2009: The tower reached a height of 100 m.{{cite web |author=Rising-east.jp |title=Tokyo Skytree is the height of the body beyond the 100m tower. Tree is growing steadily. |url=http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/20090806.pdf |access-date=13 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007110336/http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/20090806.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}
16 October 2009: The projected height was increased from 610 m to 634 m to make it the highest self-supporting{{elucidate|date=February 2012}} steel tower. Also, 6-3-4 is Mu-sa-shi in Japanese wordplay goroawase.{{cite web |title=東京スカイーツリーの最高高さを634mに決定しました。 |url=http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/2009101602.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016010101/http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/2009101602.pdf|publisher=Tobu Railway and Tobu Tower Skytree |location=Tokyo |language=ja|trans-title=Maximum height of Tokyo Skytree to be 634 m |archive-date=16 October 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=16 October 2009}}
10 November 2009: The tower reached a height of 200 m.[http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20091110-00000463-yom-soci] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113184059/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20091110-00000463-yom-soci|date=13 November 2009}}

=2010=

16 February 2010: The tower reached a height of {{cvt|300|m}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/100216.pdf |publisher=Rising East project |language=ja |title=Tokyo Skytree's height of the tower body exceeds 300m |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331085140/http://www.rising-east.jp/dl/pdf/100216.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2010}}
29 March 2010: The tower reached a height of {{cvt|338|m}}, becoming the tallest structure in Japan.
24 April 2010: A 1:25 scale model of the Tokyo Skytree was unveiled at the Tobu World Square theme park in Nikkō, Tochigi.{{cite web |url=http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201003240432.html |work=Asahi Shimbun |location=Japan |title=Nothing very little about this miniature |access-date=25 March 2010 |archive-date=29 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329011238/http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201003240432.html |url-status=live }}
30 July 2010: The tower topped 400 m, reaching a height of {{cvt|413|m}}.[http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=514891 Tokyo Skytree, already tallest building in Japan, tops 400 meters], Kyodo News, 30 July 2010
11 September 2010: The tower reached 461 m, becoming the tallest structure ever built in Japan, surpassing the dismantled Tsushima Omega tower of 455 m.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
23 October 2010: The tower reached a height of {{cvt|497|m}}, and assembly of the main tower section was completed.
20 November 2010: Two tuned mass dampers with a total weight of 100 tons were temporarily placed on the tower tip at 497 m.{{cite web |url=http://www.obayashi.co.jp/news/skytreedetail10_20101125_1 |script-title=ja:東京スカイツリーのつくり方「制振装置のあるゲイン塔頂部をつくる」 |date=25 November 2010 |publisher=Obayashi Corporation |language=ja |trans-title="To make the tower tip with TMD installed", how to make Tokyo Skytree |access-date=20 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208043654/http://www.obayashi.co.jp/news/skytreedetail10_20101125_1 |archive-date=8 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.skytree-obayashi.com/?eid=110989 |script-title=ja:総重量は約100トン。制振装置が塔体の最頂部へ |date=25 November 2010 |publisher=Blog from construction site, Obayashi Corporation |language=ja |trans-title=Total weight 100 ton, TMD placed on tower tip. |access-date=25 November 2010 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716082814/http://blog.skytree-obayashi.com/?eid=110989 |url-status=live }}
1 December 2010: The tower topped the {{cvt|500|m}} mark and reached a height of {{cvt|511|m}}, beating Taipei 101 ({{cvt|509|m}}). A lightning conductor and two tuned mass dampers were docked to the gain tower, which was gradually lifted within the central shaft.{{cite news |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tokyo-sky-tree-tops-500-meters-during-construction |title=Tokyo Sky Tree tops 500 meters during construction |newspaper=Japan Today |date=1 December 2010}}{{Dead link|date=October 2015}}
16 December 2010: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications approved NHK and five TV key stations in Tokyo's plans to install their broadcasting facilities on the tower.{{cite web|url=http://www.soumu.go.jp/soutsu/kanto/if/press/p22/p2212/p221217o.html|script-title=ja:東京スカイツリーへの放送局の無線設備の設置に向けた変更許可について|date=16 December 2010|publisher=Kanto Bureau of Telecommunications of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications|language=ja|trans-title=Approval of alteration to install the radio wave facility of broadcasting stations to Tokyo Skytree|access-date=19 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912002511/http://www.soumu.go.jp/soutsu/kanto/if/press/p22/p2212/p221217o.html|archive-date=12 September 2012}}
18 December 2010: The transmitting antenna for digital terrestrial television began to be installed.

=2011=

1 March 2011: The tower topped the {{cvt|600|m|sigfig=4}} mark and reached a height of {{cvt|602|m}}, surpassing Canton Tower and becoming the world's tallest tower.{{cite news |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tokyo-sky-tree-tops-600-meters-becoming-worlds-tallest-tower |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629170014/http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/tokyo-sky-tree-tops-600-meters-becoming-worlds-tallest-tower |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2011 |date=1 March 2011 |newspaper=Japan Today |title=Tokyo Sky Tree tops 600 meters, becoming world's tallest tower }}{{cite web |url=http://www.nikkei.com/life/news/article/g=96958A9C889DE0E6E0EAEBEBE7E2E2E0E2E1E0E2E3E39191E3E2E2E2;da=96958A88889DE2E0E3EAEAE7E6E2E0E3E3E0E0E2E2EBE2E2E2E2E2E2 |script-title=ja:世界一ツリー604メートル到達東京スカイツリー |trans-title=Tokyo Skytree reaches 604 m |date=2 March 2011 |publisher=Nikkei Inc. |access-date=3 March 2011 |language=ja |archive-date=6 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306024754/http://www.nikkei.com/life/news/article/g=96958A9C889DE0E6E0EAEBEBE7E2E2E0E2E1E0E2E3E39191E3E2E2E2;da=96958A88889DE2E0E3EAEAE7E6E2E0E3E3E0E0E2E2EBE2E2E2E2E2E2 |url-status=live }}
12 March 2011: The tower reached a height of {{cvt|625|m}}. A full inspection was made, looking for possible damage by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and its aftershocks.
18 March 2011: The tower reached its final height of {{cvt|634|m}} at 1:34 pm JST.{{cite news |script-title=ja:スカイツリー、634メートルに到達完成時の高さに |url=http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0318/TKY201103180299.html |newspaper=Asahi Shimbun |location=Tokyo |access-date=18 March 2011 |language=ja |trans-title=Skytree reaches final height of 634 m |archive-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321101026/http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0318/TKY201103180299.html |url-status=live }}
23 May 2011: Dismantling four tower cranes continues until mid-July.Yomiuri-online movie: [http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/stream/m_news/vn110523_6.htm Dismantling cranes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526222853/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/stream/m_news/vn110523_6.htm |date=26 May 2011 }} on 23 May 2011 (Japanese)
7 June 2011: Announced public opening date of Tokyo Skytree Town and entrance fee (Adults: 2,000 yen to {{cvt|350|m}} level; extra 1,000 yen to {{cvt|450|m}} level) to observation floors.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-skytreetown.jp/dl/pdf/2011060701.pdf |script-title=ja:東京スカイツリータウンの事業概要が決定しました |date=7 June 2011 |publisher=Tokyo Skytree Town |language=ja |trans-title=Decided the business outline of Tokyo Sky Tree Town |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-date=26 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626121340/http://www.tokyo-skytreetown.jp/dl/pdf/2011060701.pdf |url-status=live }}
17 November 2011: Guinness World Records certified the Tokyo Skytree as the tallest free-standing tower.{{cite web |author=Mirai |url=http://japanverse.com/2012/10/tokyo-sky-tree-now-officially-the-tallest-free-standing-tower-in-the-world/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127013441/http://japanverse.com/2012/10/tokyo-sky-tree-now-officially-the-tallest-free-standing-tower-in-the-world/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2013 |title=Tokyo Sky Tree officially tallest free-standing tower in the world |publisher=Japanverse.com |date=19 November 2011 |access-date=2 March 2012 }}

=2012=

16 February 2012: The roofs of warehouses close to the tower were damaged by falling snow and ice from the tower.[http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/company-warehouses-damaged-by-ice-falling-from-tokyo-sky-tree Company warehouses damaged by ice falling from Tokyo Sky Tree 17 February 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005193428/http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/company-warehouses-damaged-by-ice-falling-from-tokyo-sky-tree |date=5 October 2015 }} Japan Today Retrieved 5 October 2015Koh, Yoree [https://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/01/15/look-up-at-your-peril-tokyo-skytrees-falling-ice/ Look Up at Your Peril: Tokyo Skytree's Falling Ice 15 January 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112210138/http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/01/15/look-up-at-your-peril-tokyo-skytrees-falling-ice/ |date=12 January 2016 }} Wall Street Journal Retrieved 5 October 2015
29 February 2012: Tower construction was finished. Completion was delayed two months from the original schedule because of a shortage of supplies due to the effects of the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.[http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/13051217/japan-finishes-tokyo-sky-tree/ Japan finishes Tokyo Sky Tree] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319013022/http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/13051217/japan-finishes-tokyo-sky-tree/ |date=19 March 2013 }}, YAHOO!7 NEWS, AFP 29 February 2012, 4:07 pm{{failed verification|date=December 2020}}
2 March 2012: A ceremony was held to celebrate the completion with a kannushi priest and 70 people from Tobu Group, construction, broadcasting and other companies.[http://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2012/03/144831.html Tokyo Sky Tree completion ceremony, 2 March 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317152422/https://english.kyodonews.jp/login |date=17 March 2023 }}, Kyodo News{{cite news |script-title=ja:東京スカイツリーで竣工式 |trans-title=Completion ceremony for Tokyo Skytree |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20120302/t10013432221000.html |agency=NHK TV |location=Tokyo |access-date=2 March 2012 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302121950/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20120302/t10013432221000.html |archive-date=2 March 2012 }}
6 March 2012: First Light-up during the Tokyo Hotaru Festival
26 April 2012: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan inspected the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria.{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gonittei/photo/5213|script-title=ja:ご視察（東京スカイツリー）（墨田区） – 宮内庁|publisher=Imperial Household Agency|date=26 April 2012|access-date=12 April 2016|language=ja|archive-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425082822/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gonittei/photo/5213|url-status=live}}
22 May 2012: Public opening
1 October 2012: Channel 9 Tokyo MX start transmission from Tokyo Skytree with continuing transmission from Tokyo Tower in simulcast manner.{{cite web |url=http://www.mxtv.co.jp/company/press/20120927_skytree_housou.pdf |script-title=ja:10月1日、東京スカイツリーから放送開始 |date=27 September 2012 |publisher=Tokyo MX |language=ja |trans-title=Start broadcasting from Tokyo Skytree on 1 October 2012 |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052148/http://www.mxtv.co.jp/company/press/20120927_skytree_housou.pdf |url-status=dead }}

=2013=

16 January 2013: Snow falling from the tower knocked a hole in the roof of a nearby house. No one was reported injured.[http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Snow_from_worlds_tallest_tower_pierces_Tokyo_roof_999.html Snow from world's tallest tower pierces Tokyo roof 16 January 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033356/http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Snow_from_worlds_tallest_tower_pierces_Tokyo_roof_999.html |date=17 November 2015 }} Terra Daily Retrieved 5 October 2015
13 May 2013: Tokyo MX continued transmission from Tokyo Skytree and stopped transmission from Tokyo Tower with a gradual decrease in power since 12 November 2012.{{cite web |url=http://s.mxtv.jp/skytree_iten/jyushin_kakunin.html |title=2013年5月13日18:00東京タワーの電波を中止 |date=13 May 2013 |publisher=Tokyo MX |trans-title=Radio wave stopped from Tokyo Tower on 13 May 2–13 18:00 |access-date=2 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611082728/http://s.mxtv.jp/skytree_iten/jyushin_kakunin.html |archive-date=11 June 2013 }}
31 May 2013: On 9:00 a.m., formal transmission of broadcast in channel 1 to 8, except 3, start from Tokyo Skytree after number of test transmission with off for minutes to hours from Tokyo Tower since 22 December 2012.

=2022=

22 May 2022: the 10th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Skytree was celebrated with Kabuki by Ichikawa Ebizo XI who performed a signature technique called the "nirami" glare on a special stage atop of the tower.{{cite web |title=Kabuki actor's glare marks 10th anniversary of Tokyo Skytree |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14627960 |website=Asahi |date=23 May 2022 |author=Noriyasu Nukui |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524055055/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14627960 |archive-date=24 May 2022}}

Opening

As the Skytree's opening approached, people reportedly waited in line for a week to get tickets. By the opening, trips up the tower were fully booked for the first two months of operation.{{cite magazine |url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2012/05/22/tokyo-skytree-the-worlds-tallest-tower-by-the-numbers/ |title=Tokyo Skytree: The World's Tallest Tower, By the Numbers |author=Tim Newcomb |date=22 May 2012 |magazine=Time |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-date=24 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524050220/http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/05/22/tokyo-skytree-the-worlds-tallest-tower-by-the-numbers/ |url-status=live }} The opening day drew a crowd of tens of thousands, despite rainy conditions which blocked the view from the tower's observation deck. Strong winds also forced two elevators to be shut down, leaving some visitors briefly stranded on the observation deck.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18141311 |title=High winds mar opening of Tokyo's Skytree tower |date=22 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522193506/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18141311 |url-status=live }}

According to Tobu, 1.6 million people visited Skytree in its first week. Local residents reported that the influx of visitors disturbed the peace of their community and had, so far, generated little economic benefit for the local area.Aoki, Mizuho, "[http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120622f1.html Skytree a mixed blessing for locals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705191010/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120622f1.html |date=5 July 2012 }}", Japan Times, 22 June 2012, p. 3

Gallery

{{wide image|Tokyo from the top of the SkyTree (cropped).JPG|1500px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree}}

File:Aerial view of tokyo skytree.jpg

Notes

References

Sources

[http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=602 Skyscrapernews article on New Tokyo Tower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110111303/http://skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=602 |date=10 November 2013 }}
[http://en.phorio.com/tokyo_sky_tree,_tokyo,_japan Profile on Phorio]
{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060707234842/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=232094 Project profile at Emporis]}}