The best way to see the stunning places and views in Japan is by climbing up an observation deck. Each deck offers an unobstructed 360 degree view of the surrounding places, some even have restaurants for you to enjoy a meal as you do it.
Check out some of Japan’s best observation decks!
1. Tokyo Sky Tree
Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Considered to be Japan’s tallest building, Tokyo Sky Tree towers 634 meters above the ground. It has two observation decks, a planetarium, an aquarium, and a shopping complex. It became a famous spot for lovers to see the Kanto Skyline at night. It's only been around for four years, but it has solidified its place as one of Japan's fascinating establishments.
2. Tokyo Tower
Location: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Modelled after Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the 333 meter high Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958. After climbing 600 steps up this 150-meter-high observation tower, you can get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo; Mt. Fuji will be on sight too (if the skies are clear).
One Piece fans, you’ll definitely love this tower, as it houses the One Piece Tower, an indoor amusement park.
3. Umeda Sky Building
Location: 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
The two towers of Umeda Sky Building is connected by a floating garden observatory. It is a 173-meter-high, open-air observatory which gives you a taste of Osaka’s fresh air. A replica of a Japanese street during the Showa period can also be found at the basement of the building.
4. Kyoto Tower
Location: 〒600-8216 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721−1
Its majestic height of 131 meters atop of a nine storey-building is a famous attraction in the Kansai Region. It was completed in 1964 and stands above a 3-star hotel. Across a prefecture of temples, shrines, and religious building, a tower such as this is a rare site.
5. Nagoya Port Building Observation Deck
Location;1-3, Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
If you want a good view of the sea and Nagoya’s port, Nagoya Port Building Observation Deck is the best place for you to go to. There is also a nearby Maritime Museum which you can visit afterwards.
6. Sapporo TV Tower
Location: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture 060-0042, Japan
You can easily spot this by looking for the tallest tower in Odori Park. During the winter, the observation tower is packed with tourists who wants to see the giant snow sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival from above. It is illuminated during the evening, making it a wonderful attraction for the people in Sapporo.
7. Kobe Port Tower
Location:5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0042, Japan
With a height of 108 meters, the red steel tower, two floors of the tower has a restaurant and a rotating cafe which gives you a great view of the bay and the port. There are also several sights to see around the tower like the Kobe Maritime Museum.
8. Fukuoka Tower
Location: 〒814-0001 Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka, 早良区百道浜２丁目３−２６
The tower was built in 1989 to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Fukuoka. Towering at 234 meters, the building is made out of almost 8000 one-way mirrors. It is said to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes and strong winds up to 65m/s.
If you’re up for climbing stairs (and you’re not scared of heights), these observation decks will surely capture your hearts (and eyes)!
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