Tokyo Tower Accessibility Guide

Overview

Tokyo Tower is a 333-meter communications and observation tower built in 1958. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it remains one of Tokyo's most recognizable landmarks. The tower has two observation decks: the Main Deck at 150 meters and the Top Deck at 250 meters. The Main Deck is accessible by elevator with a barrier-free route from the entrance. The Top Deck has limited wheelchair access due to narrow passages and small elevators. The biggest challenge for wheelchair users is not the tower itself but the steep hill leading up to it from the nearest train stations.

Getting There

• Oedo Line - Akabanebashi Station: The closest station, about a 7-minute walk, but the route is uphill and steep. The station has elevator access, but the hill after exiting is the main barrier.
• Hibiya Line - Kamiyacho Station: About a 10-minute walk. The uphill section is slightly more gradual than from Akabanebashi but still significant.
• Mita Line - Onarimon Station: About a 10-minute walk through Shiba Park. The route is more gradual but longer.
• By taxi: The most practical option for wheelchair users. Taxis can drop you off directly at the tower entrance (Foot Town building), avoiding the hill entirely. The taxi stand is at ground level.
• By car: Inform parking staff at the entrance, and they will direct you to a space near the accessible entrance.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Foot Town (Base Building)

The Foot Town building at the base of Tokyo Tower houses shops, restaurants, and the ticket counter. It is spread across multiple floors with elevator access. The shops and restaurants have wide aisles and are described as easy to navigate in a wheelchair. The ticket counter and information desk are on the ground floor.

Main Deck (150m)

A barrier-free route leads from the Foot Town entrance to the Main Deck elevator. The elevator takes you to the 2nd floor of the Main Deck. If you want to visit the 1st floor of the Main Deck, staff can assist you with transfer between floors. The Main Deck underwent renovations in 2019 that improved accessibility, including the removal of old railing posts that previously blocked lower window views for seated visitors. The space is not overly crowded compared to Tokyo Skytree, as the Skytree now attracts more visitors.

Top Deck (250m)

The Top Deck has limited wheelchair access with several restrictions:

• Maximum wheelchair size allowed: 700mm wide x 1,200mm long
• Only one wheelchair user is permitted on the Top Deck at a time
• A companion (caregiver) must accompany the wheelchair user
• The elevator is small due to the tower's 1958 structure
• Passages on the Top Deck are narrow
• No accessible toilet on the Top Deck

Accessible Toilets

• Foot Town 1st floor: Accessible toilet with grab rails and emergency call button.
• Foot Town 2nd floor: Accessible toilet available.
• Main Deck 2nd floor: Accessible toilet. Use this before visiting the Top Deck, as there are no accessible facilities on the upper deck.
• Medical office: Located on the basement 1st floor with nurses on duty from 9:00am to 5:00pm. AED equipment is installed throughout the facility.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Disability discount: Present your disability certificate (physical, mental, or medical rehabilitation handbook) at the ticket counter. The visitor and one companion each receive half-price admission. Original documents only; copies are not accepted.
• Wheelchair rental: Tokyo Tower has 5 rental wheelchairs. Due to the limited number, call ahead to reserve: 03-3433-5111 (Tokyo Tower Office Department).
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are the quietest. The Main Deck is spacious enough to move around comfortably during off-peak times.
• Service animals: Guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing assistance dogs are welcome throughout the facility.
• Top Deck booking: If you want to visit the Top Deck in a wheelchair, book in advance and contact the tower to confirm your wheelchair dimensions meet the size limit (700mm x 1,200mm).
• Night views: Tokyo Tower is open until 10:00pm. Evening visits offer city views with less crowding than daytime, and the tower itself is illuminated from the outside.
• Taxi return: When leaving, staff can help you arrange a taxi from the Foot Town entrance to avoid the downhill journey to the station.