Tokyo Tower

Lonely Planet review

Tokyo Tower, which currently serves as the city's principal radio and TV broadcasting tower, proudly bills itself as the world's highest self-supporting steel tower, and the tallest man-made structure in Japan. Though with the planned 2011 opening of the Sumida Tower in Asakusa, it's likely that Tokyo Tower's days of fame are numbered.

Tokyo Tower was built during the post-war boom of the 1950s when Japan was struggling to create a new list of monuments symbolising its modernity. Drawing inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower was built 8.6m taller than its Paris brethren. The similarities stop there as the Tokyo Tower was painted bright orange and white in order to comply with international aviation safety regulations.

Truth be told, Tokyo Tower is something of a shameless tourist trap, though it's good fun if you go with the right attitude. Elevators whisk visitors up to the observation deck, which provides some stunning views of the sprawling megalopolis that is Tokyo. The first floor boasts an enormous aquarium (adult/child around ¥1000 /around ¥500 ), while the third floor is home to a wax museum (adult/child around ¥870 / ¥460 ) that retains some degree of retro-popularity.