Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower was proposed in the early 1960s, and it was planned to be constructed and completed in time to correspond with the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.{{cite web|url=http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=357&pID=1605 |title=Rise Above: Perrin Lindelauf climbs to the top of Kansai's towers |work=JapanVisitor.com |accessdate=2008-08-17 |author=Lindelauf, Perrin}} Construction began in 1963 on the former site of Kyoto's central post office and was completed near the end of 1964. Unlike many other towers (such as Tokyo Tower) that are constructed using metal lattice frames, Kyoto Tower's interior structure consists of many steel rings stacked on top of each other. The structure was then covered with lightweight steel sheets with a thickness of {{convert|12|-|22|mm|in|abbr=on}}. The sheets were then welded together and painted white. The intended overall effect was for the tower to resemble a Japanese candle.

Designed by modernist architect, Mamoru Yamada with the expert advice of Makoto Tanahashi,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyotostation.com/kyoto-tower/|title = Kyoto Tower – Kyoto Station}} a doctor of engineering at Kyoto University, Kyoto Tower was built to withstand the forces of both earthquakes and typhoons. The head of the tower's business division, Tsuyoshi Tamura, claims it can withstand winds of up to 201 mph (90 m/s) and survive an earthquake of far greater magnitude than that of the Kobe or Tokyo earthquakes.

The tower was first opened to the public on December 28, 1964.{{cite web|url=http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/search/view_sight.php?ManageCode=4000008&InforKindCode=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227135631/http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/search/view_sight.php?ManageCode=4000008&InforKindCode=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-27 |work=Kyoto City Tourism and Culture Information System |title=Kyoto Tower |accessdate=2008-08-17 }} Within its first year of opening, 1 million people visited the tower's observation deck. Throughout the years, the tower's draw as a tourist attraction has diminished. By 1999, observation deck ticket sales dropped to less than 400,000 a year, or about 1,100 a day.

Kyoto Tower has been the subject of controversy since it was in its planning phase. Public opposition not only stemmed from the tower's ¥380 million ($1.056 million in 1963) price tag, but also from the fact that many believed the needle-shaped spire was too modern looking for the ancient capital. The construction regulations in Kyoto that restrict a building's maximum height increase the sense of proportion between the tower and the low machiya and ferroconcrete apartment blocks below. These municipal regulations have ensured that the tower maintains its status as the tallest man-made structure in the city since its construction.

Today, reaction to Kyoto Tower remains divided. The modern, glass and steel Kyoto Station and the imposing steel tower directly across the street contrast with ideas of Kyoto as a traditional city. Japanologist Alex Kerr has called the tower "a stake through the heart" of Kyoto. While some disapprove of the tower, many locals have welcomed station and tower, believing them to help add a touch of modernity to the city to ensure that it does not become foreign to the rest of new Japan.

Kyoto Tower is split into two distinct structures. The primary structure is the steel spire that begins on the roof of the building below. Tourists may buy tickets and ascend one of the tower's nine elevators to visit the {{convert|100|m|ft|adj=on}}-high, 500-person-capacity observation deck. This area is lined with game machines and free telescopes and provides a 360-degree view of the city. From here, nearly all of Kyoto can be seen. The mountains of Higashiyama and Arashiyama are visible on the east and west sides respectively, while Kitayama can be seen to the north. On a clear day, some buildings in Osaka are visible to the south.

The second structure that completely supports the 800-ton tower and gives it its first 30.8 meters of height is a nine-story building. The first four floors of the building house several commercial areas, including a souvenir shop, a 100 yen shop, a bookstore, and a dentist's office. In the basement of the building, there is a spa. Floors 5–9 are devoted to the 160-room, three-star Kyoto Tower Hotel. Atop the building and surrounding the tower is the circular, three-floor restaurant named Sky Lounge "空" KUU.

Adaptations such as a stair lift and ramps have been added to make the observation deck wheelchair accessible.{{Cite web|url=https://www.accessible-japan.com/places/japan/kyoto/kyoto/attractions/kyoto-tower/|title = Kyoto Tower}}

File:Kyoto Tower at Night.jpg|Kyoto Tower lit up at night: taken on 28th of February 2020

File:Kyoto Tower - 2023 Aug 16.webm|thumbtime=16|Several scenes around Kyoto Tower, 2023

File:Kyoto Tower Hotel.jpg|Kyoto Tower well lit-up at night on 24 December 2016.

File:Flickr - yeowatzup - Kyoto Tower, Kyoto, Japan.jpg|Kyoto Tower reflected in the north facade of Kyoto Station

File:Observation deck at Kyoto Tower with staff cleaning the windows, Japan.jpg|Observation deck with staff cleaning the windows

File:Kyoto 16-10-2007 7-30-41 PM.JPG|Night scene from Kyoto Tower, 2007

• List of towers

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Kyoto Tower}}

• {{in lang|ja}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20051208015916/http://www.kyoto-tower.co.jp/kyototower/index.html Kyoto Tower official site]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100323160241/http://www.kyoto-tower.co.jp/kyototower/tower/english.html Kyoto Tower Hotel official site]

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Category:1964 establishments in Japan

Category:Buildings and structures in Kyoto

Category:Observation towers in Japan

Category:Tourist attractions in Kyoto

Category:Towers completed in 1964