Tokyo Tower (Originally posted Feb. 06, 2009)

Tokyo Tower is the largest free-standing steel structure in the world and it's also the tallest artificial structure in Japan. (Or at least that's what the pamphlet says.) It's painted red and white to comply with safety laws in Japan, but the red-orange color makes the tower look really pretty at night or against a deep blue sky at dusk or dawn. Stations are broadcast from the tower, which poses an interesting dilemma as to how Tokyo Tower will cope with the switch to digital media outlets.

A 'new' Tokyo Tower is set to open in 2011. There was, some years back, some discussion about knocking down Tokyo Tower and I was kind of surprised that the thought would even be around. But, after visiting Tokyo Tower, I'm not sure it would be able to compete with the new one. It's not an Eiffel Tower by any means, it really doesn't have that same awe about it. There's a mall built underneath it with a wax museum, an aquarium, and--yes--a McDonalds. I don't think too many people would miss Tokyo Tower when the new one is opened...

So, to be honest, I don't think Tokyo Tower is as much a monument as it is a... radio tower. It's still very pretty to see at night from a distance, but to be honest I was a little disappointed when I got up to the base and it was just a parking lot and the mall--called 'Foot Town'--underneath. The view from the observatories is spectacular though, I'll have to post those pictures later.





















And once inside, the magic dies.... into an arcade:




Oh well.