Tokyo Walks 2011 - Tokyo Sky Tree

On August 16, 2011, a very hot and humid day, I ventured out to see the Tokyo Sky Tree site. The Tokyo Sky Tree is the "New" Tokyo Tower and the purpose for its construction is for the digital television broadcasting. It is scheduled to open next year in 2012 with a height of 634 meters. I heard that they were going to charge people 3000 yen per person to visit the tower! (That's insanely expensive)

Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asahi Beer Buildings as seen from Asakusa.





The tower is built on top of an existing railway station, in fact the development is headed by the Tobu Railway Company, the same company whose line runs beneath the tower.





The good thing about Japan is that always welcome visitors to see new developments, unlike some certain countries where anyone taking pictures of construction sites, planes or trains is considered a potential terrorist.



Maybe the construction of this tower will act as a catalyst for more development in the eastern area of Tokyo. Currently the area surrounding the tower is quite old and kind of run-down...



Information about the project. Nikken Sekkei designed the tower, and Obayashi Corporation is building it.



Even the furniture shop is excited about the Tokyo Sky Tree.



From the base of the tower.







Tokyo Sky Tree neighbourhood.











When completed, the entrance will feature a nice canal.















The area directly in front of Tokyo Sky Tree. I expect this area to be completely transformed when the tower opens. The owners of these properties are in for a generous windfall!















After seeing the Tokyo Sky Tree site, I walked to Asakusa. In terms of time sequence, the first picture of this blog is supposed to go here.



Therefore I will repeat the first picture of this post.

Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asahi Beer Buildings as seen from Asakusa.



Once I got to Asakusa, I saw some really old underground shopping street. This must be the first generation of underground shopping streets in Japan. It is not well maintained however but has an "old time" feel.