Tokyo Skytree’s observation decks (Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria) usually operate on a simple daytime-to-night schedule, but the exact hours can change depending on the date. For example, the official open-hours page shows that on January 6, 2026, the observation decks are open 10:00–22:00, with last admission at 21:00.
Because Tokyo Skytree sometimes starts earlier or closes later during busy seasons and special periods, it’s smart to treat “10:00–22:00” as the baseline, then double-check your specific day on the official calendar before you go. The same official calendar also shows dates with extended hours such as 9:00–23:00 (last admission one hour before closing).
Closed days
Tokyo Skytree does not have set “closed days” in the way many museums do. In general, it operates year-round with no regular休館日, so you can plan on it being open even in most holiday periods.
That said, the observation decks can still be affected by safety operations. When strong winds or severe weather are forecast, the elevators may be temporarily suspended and the opening hours may be changed at short notice. The official operating calendar is the quickest way to confirm your exact date, since Skytree notes that hours can change without prior notice and updates are posted there.
Lastentry
Tokyo Skytree’s last entry (last admission) for the observation decks is usually 9:00 PM (21:00) on days when the decks are open until 10:00 PM (22:00).
One important detail is that Skytree’s rule is simple: last admission is one hour before closing, so if the tower is operating with extended hours (for example, 9:00 AM–11:00 PM), the last entry becomes 10:00 PM (22:00).
Tokyo Skytree packing
When you think about Tokyo Skytree packing, the big idea is to stay light and keep your bag simple, because you’ll pass through a security check and baggage screening before you head up to the observation decks.
A small day bag with the basics feels best here: your phone or camera for photos, a portable charger if you plan to shoot a lot, and something to wipe lenses and screens since the glass and lighting can leave fingerprints and glare. Comfort matters more than people expect, too. You’ll do a fair amount of standing and slow walking while looking for the best views, so comfortable shoes make the visit easier, especially on busy days when you may spend more time inside the deck than you planned.
Clothing is where visitors often get caught out. Even in warmer months, the indoor areas can feel cool with air-conditioning, and at night the temperature drop can be noticeable when you step in and out of different spaces, so a light jacket or thin layer is a smart “just in case” item. In colder seasons, plan for true winter layers and keep your hands warm if you’re aiming for night views, because you’ll naturally slow down and linger when the city lights come on. If you’re sensitive to glare, sunglasses can help during daytime viewing, and if you’re visiting with kids, a small snack plan before entry can help because eating and drinking are restricted to designated areas.
What you should not pack is just as important, because Tokyo Skytree is strict about safety. Sharp objects and tools such as scissors, knives, and box cutters are not permitted, and neither are items that can be used as weapons like bats or golf clubs.
Certain large or awkward items can also be refused, including luggage with a side longer than 70 cm, and staff may ask you to store anything that could block walkways.
Tripods that can’t be folded are listed among prohibited items, so if you want to film, keep your gear compact and easy to inspect.
Drones, flammable items, and even pets are also not allowed on the decks, with service dogs as the exception.
If you’re coming straight from the airport or moving hotels, don’t force yourself to carry everything upstairs. Tokyo Solamachi offers coin lockers and luggage services so you can enjoy the area hands-free.
There’s also a temporary baggage storage service center in Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, which is especially handy if you arrive with a suitcase and want to visit immediately; its published hours are 10:00–21:00.
Tokyo Skytree common mistakes
The most common Tokyo Skytree mistake is treating it like a place you can “just drop by” at any time. On busy days, same-day tickets can mean queues and less flexibility, while advance tickets can be booked up to 30 days before your visit and are designed to make entry smoother.
If you already know your travel dates, locking in a plan early usually saves stress at the tower.
Another easy slip is misreading the closing time and arriving too late. Tokyo Skytree’s own guidance is that last admission is one hour before closing, and the calendar also notes that operating hours can change without notice.
The FAQ example for the standard schedule is open until 10:00 pm with last admission at 9:00 pm, so showing up at “closing time” is basically showing up after the door has already started to close.
People also underestimate the “before you go up” steps. Admission includes inspections, and the official guidance mentions hand baggage and metal detector checks before entry.
If you arrive right on the edge of your plan, that buffer disappears fast, especially when crowds build.
Packing mistakes are surprisingly common here, because Tokyo Skytree is strict about what can go up. The prohibited-items guidance includes things like scissors and box cutters, and it also calls out unfoldable tripods and large items, including luggage with a side longer than 70 cm, which can derail your visit if you brought camera gear or a suitcase “just for a minute.”
When you see travelers turned back at the entrance, it’s usually not because they did something dramatic; it’s because they didn’t realize a normal-looking item would be treated as a safety problem.
A quieter but painful mistake is assuming you can step outside, browse Tokyo Solamachi, then come back up later on the same ticket. Tokyo Skytree’s policy is one entry only, and re-entry isn’t allowed.
If you want shopping time, it’s better to do it before you go up, or plan it after you come down and accept that the observatory part of the day is finished.
Ticket handling trips up first-time visitors, too. If you’re using an advance ticket or a bundle, you need the reservation confirmation and you typically exchange it at the ticket counter on the 4th floor on the day of your visit.
People sometimes arrive feeling “done” because they purchased online, then lose time hunting for where to convert that voucher into an admission ticket.
Another common disappointment comes from choosing the “wrong” deck for your expectations. Tokyo Skytree has the Tembo Deck and the higher Tembo Galleria, and many visitors only realize after arrival that their ticket choice changes what they can access. The official ticket page separates Tembo Deck tickets from combo tickets that include both levels.
If you’re dreaming of the highest views and the feeling of being wrapped inside the tower’s curved structure, it’s worth checking that you didn’t accidentally buy the basic option.
Even after you make it to 350 meters, people misjudge how the upgrade works. Tokyo Skytree explains that you go to the Tembo Galleria from the Tembo Deck, and during busy periods you may need to line up for admission.
Some visitors plan sunset on the higher level but arrive at the moment the line forms, then watch the best light fade while they’re still waiting.
Finally, there’s the weather reality. Tokyo Skytree itself warns that the view can be obscured in poor conditions.
That sounds obvious, but it’s a classic mistake to treat the view as guaranteed and schedule your one visit on a day when Tokyo is hazy or clouded over. If the skyline matters to you, checking the forecast and aiming for a clearer day can change the whole experience from “nice building” to “wow, I can see forever.”
