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Here are some facts about Tokyo Tower :
1.) It is a bright beacon in a sprawling metropolis
The Tokyo tower is hard to miss while in the Shiba-Koen district. Its bold red and white stripes is an indication that you are in Metropolitan Tokyo.
The Tower acts as an active broadcasting facility and a viewing tower for both local and foreign tourists.
This modern and futuristic structure is both beautiful from the inside as it is on the outside.
During the night, the tower lights up and you can climb up for a thrilling view of the Tokyo skyline at night.
2.) The Tower is the tallest man-made structure in Japan
This Tower is one of the tallest man-made structure in the country. It stands at 333 meters, the winner being the Tokyo Skytree which is almost twice as tall.
It was built in 1953 after Japanβs national broadcaster needed a larger broadcasting tower.
At the same time, the Japanese government wanted to build a structure that would be a significant landmark.
The structure was to show a new Japan post-war. Soon enough the design, planning and construction work began. It was completed in 1958.
Since its completion to 2010, the Tokyo Tower was the tallest structure in the country. It was surpassed by the Sky Tree.
3.) The Tower is divided into three tiers
Tokyo Tower is divided into three separate sections. At the base of the Tower is the Foot Town which houses cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
There is also One-Piece Tower, which is a theme park based on the famous manga and anime.
The other section of the Tower is the main Observatory that is located 150 meters up. This observation area offers memorable views of the city.
There is a look-down window that may be too much for those that are afraid of heights.
For the best views of the city, climb to the Special Observatory area that is 250 metres high.
You will get a panoramic view of the metropolis and on a clear day, you may see the sky tree and Mt. Fuji.
4.) The Tower gets painted every five years
The Tokyo Tower gets a fresh coat of paint every five years. It takes a whole year to paint the entire tower.
28,000 litres of paint are used to in the paint job every year. Two colours are used here, white and international orange.
These two colours are the recommended ones that comply with air safety regulations.
In 1987, the Tower had light bulbs on the corner contours that extended from the base of the antenna.
Later that year, during its 30th anniversary a lighting designer was commissioned to revamp the Tokyo Tower. This was done to establish the tower as a tourist attraction.
He installed 176 floodlights in and around the Towerβs Frame. This illuminates the entire tower from dusk to around midnight.
5.) The Tokyo Tower is a Status Symbol
The Japanese government built the Tokyo Tower as a status symbol.
It represented a new Japan post-war and serves as an entertainment hub for locals and foreign tourists.
6.) Lighting on the Tower changes with the season or event
The lighting on the Tower changes depending on the season and the national event in Japan.
During Winter, the tower lights up in hot and bright colours such as orange. This creates an illusion of warmth during winter.
In summer, the lighting changes to a more pristine white colour that intends to reduce the sense of hot temperature.
The lighting designer used Sodium vapour lamps during winter, they illuminate orange light.
During summertime, he installed metal halide lamps to illuminate white light on the Tower.
On special events, the Tower gets lit up according to the theme. In October 2000, it was all pink to mark the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
7.) There are other attractions at the Tokyo Tower
Other than being the main attraction in the city, the Tower has side attractions.
At the base of the Tower is The Foot Town, it has an aquarium, galleries, museums and souvenir shops.
One of the Museums is the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum. It was opened in 1970 and displays wax figures imported from London.
The wax figures on display range from pop culture icons such as The Beatles to religious figures such as Jesus Christ.
Another attraction at the Tower is the Trick Art Gallery found fourth and top floors on the building.
This gallery displays optical illusions, paintings and other interactive features.
There is also an amusement park that will keep the young ones entertained with live performances. You will also find restaurants and cafΓ©s.