Islander in the City

Tokyo SkyTree – Redefining Tokyo’s Skyline

“One day, Japanese authorities thought that the Tokyo skyline – while admittedly spectacular, has become too drab and unexciting. They realize it has been like that for years. While they have erected new Ferris Wheels to spice up the scene, still these structures did not command the same awe as the London Eye would. The good old Rainbow Bridge still gives picturesque background to the photographs of tourists, but they all say it reminds them of the Golden Gate Bridge. And of course, the Tokyo Tower still stands proud and sparkly in the midst of the rival skyscrapers, but the Japanese can only sheepishly grin when reminded that it is a poor copy of the Eiffel Tower.

So they decided to come up with something all their own – an icon that would remind people of nothing but Tokyo. Thus came the idea to build a tower that will touch the sky. And they called it the Sky Tree.”

That of course, was a joke (corny!)

The Sky Tree was actually built as a tower for terrestrial digital broadcasting (analog broadcasting will end in July 2011). Standing at 634 meters, it now is the tallest tower in the world, recently beating China’s Canton Tower. Located at the Narihirabashi/Oshiage area of Sumida Ward, it diverts attention from downtown Tokyo and is already attracting a daily bevy of tourists.

It is now nearing completion and has already spruced up the Tokyo skyline. It is expected to be operational by spring of 2012.

For more pics, please check the album.

Australia car hire is essential for visitors down under. It is all so big and spread out under the blue sky, you need your own wheels. You will be able to explore more.

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