Tokyo Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Japanese capital and also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Minato district. This part of Tokyo captivates with its modern architecture, elegant business districts, temples, and numerous cultural and tourist attractions.
Tokyo Tower is surrounded by museums, temples, beautiful parks, and waterfront promenades, showcasing the city’s diverse faces. Minato is a place where futuristic skyscrapers harmoniously blend with history and the calmer rhythm of everyday life in Tokyo.
In this article, I will take you on a journey through the interesting corners of the district, as well as to the famous Tokyo Tower and its immediate surroundings.
LOCATION OF THE MINATO DISTRICT
The Minato district is located in the central-southern part of Tokyo, directly along Tokyo Bay. It borders areas such as Chiyoda, Shibuya, and Shinagawa. Its proximity to the coast, the port, and Haneda Airport makes Minato a key business and international hub, while also providing easy access to many of the city’s attractions.
TOKYO TOWER – THE ICON OF THE CAPITAL
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: TOKIO TOWER
- OPENING HOURS: Main Deck (150 m): 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Top Deck Tour (150 m + 250 m): 9:00 AM – 10:45 PM
- TICKET PRICES: Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Current prices are available on the official website – TOWER
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The tower complex includes souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés.
- ACCESS: Best reached via subway at Akabanebashi or Kamiyacho.
- DETAILS: See the official website – TOKIO TOWER
HISTORY
Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 as a symbol of Japan’s postwar reconstruction and rapid development. Its design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, although the Japanese structure is taller. Initially, the tower served primarily as a television and radio broadcast facility, but over time it became an iconic symbol of Tokyo.
ARCHITECTURE
The Tokyo Tower structure stands 333 meters tall and was designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds. Its distinctive white-and-orange colors follow aviation regulations and enhance the tower’s visibility.
INTERIORS
At the base of the tower is the FootTown complex, which houses shops, restaurants, a museum, and exhibition spaces. The observation levels feature glass floors, interactive displays, and seating areas for relaxation. I have to admit, in terms of interior attractions, this was one of the most interesting towers we’ve visited.
VIEWS
From the observation decks of Tokyo Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city center, Tokyo Bay, and numerous business districts. After dark, the city illuminated by neon lights creates a truly spectacular sight.
FUN FACTS
- Tokyo Tower was partially built using steel from melted-down American tanks from the Korean War.
- Every few years, the tower undergoes a full repainting, which takes about a year and requires over 28,000 liters of paint.
- The lighting of Tokyo Tower changes seasonally: in winter, warmer orange lights dominate, while in summer, cooler tones are used to visually “cool” the city.
- Few people know that birds regularly nest in the tower’s structure, finding a safe haven high above Tokyo’s busy streets.
- According to one legend, a couple who sees Tokyo Tower’s lights go out exactly at midnight will stay together forever. Because of this, the tower is often chosen as a spot for romantic dates and proposals.
ZOJO-JI TEMPLE
Zojo-ji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Tokyo. Located at the foot of Tokyo Tower, it creates a striking and highly photogenic contrast.
BRIEF HISTORY
Zojo-ji was founded in 1393 and for centuries served as the main temple of the Jōdo school in the Kanto region. It was also the family temple of the Tokugawa clan, one of the most powerful families in Japanese history.
TEMPLE COMPLEX STRUCTURE
Within the complex is the mausoleum of six Tokugawa shoguns, giving the site exceptional historical and cultural significance. For centuries, Zojo-ji was one of the most important temples during the Edo period.
The Daidō, or main prayer hall, is the heart of the complex and remains a place for daily religious practice. The current building was rebuilt after wartime destruction but retains its traditional architectural character. Inside the temple, the main object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light, who plays a central role in Jōdo school practices.
In addition to the main hall, the Zojo-ji grounds include the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns, who ruled Japan across generations. The complex is further complemented by smaller pavilions, teaching halls, and administrative buildings where monks study Buddhism and prepare religious ceremonies.
JIZŌ GARDEN – SENTAI KOSODATE JIZŌSON
One of the most moving spots at Zojo-ji is the area dedicated to the bodhisattva Jizō, the protector of children and the souls of the deceased. Hundreds of small statues, dressed in hats and bibs, commemorate unborn, miscarried, or young children who have passed away. Each figure represents a personal prayer and the story of a family, giving this place a deeply emotional and reflective atmosphere.
IMMEDIATE AREA AROUND TOKYO TOWER AND THE SHRINE
IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS – AN INTERESTING MIX
The area around Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple is one of the most contrasting spots in the Japanese capital, attracting both tourists and locals. Traditional sacred buildings stand alongside modern office towers, hotels, and embassies, creating a seamless blend of history and modernity. On one hand, the area exudes calm and quiet, while on the other, the energy of the big city is palpable. Moreover, the peaceful lanes around the temple naturally lead toward the bustling streets of the Minato district, where elegant and orderly architecture emphasizes the prestigious character of this part of Tokyo. As a result, this area offers a perfect combination of spirituality, history, and modern urban lifestyle.
NISHIKUBO HACHIMAN SHRINE AND REIYUKAI SHAKADEN TEMPLE
Within a short distance of Tokyo Tower, there are lesser-known yet fascinating spiritual sites that stand out against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers. This contrast creates a space where tradition and modernity meet. Nishikubo Hachiman Shrine is a small Shintō shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman, considered the protector of warriors and a symbol of protection and good fortune. Despite its intimate scale, the shrine maintains a strong local character. Meanwhile, Reiyukai Shakaden Temple showcases the modern face of Buddhism in Japan, integrated into the realities of a big city. The monumental, light-colored building stands out with its contemporary architecture and simple, ascetic form. At the same time, the temple serves as the headquarters of the Reiyukai organization, which focuses on the teachings of Buddha and meditation practices adapted to the daily lives of modern Tokyo residents.
AZABUDAI HILLS GARDEN PLAZA B
Located just next to the temple complexes mentioned earlier, this is another site worth noting. Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B is part of the modern Azabudai Hills complex, which has completely transformed the landscape of this part of the Minato district. The facility combines commercial, cultural, and recreational functions, standing out with its open courtyards, green terraces, and gardens. The building is brand new, and on Google Maps it may still appear as under construction.
AREA AROUND SHINBASHI STATION
The area around Shinbashi Station is one of the most authentic and lively spots in Tokyo, often referred to as the “salaryman” district. During the day, it is dominated by a calm, office-like atmosphere, but as evening falls, the space transforms. The streets come alive, and numerous establishments open under the railway viaducts, where Tokyo residents gather after work. Moreover, Shinbashi Station holds significant historical importance, as the first railway station in Japan was located in this area, opened back in the 19th century. Today, the district serves as an important transport hub, connecting different parts of the city. We also passed through here while transferring from the subway to a bus that later took us to islands south of Tokyo.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE MINATO DISTRICT
It’s impossible to see and explore everything in just a few days. Below is a list of other noteworthy places in the Minato district :
- Atago Jinja Temple
- Minato Science Museum
- Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum Tokyo
- 2121 Design Sight
- National Art Center, Tokyo
- Roppongi Museum
- Hamarikyū Gardens
ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO
Choosing accommodation in Tokyo mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything, in every district. Public transport in the city is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter where you book your accommodation. If you decide to book accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend using the portal Booking.com , which we have used and tested dozens of times, or Agoda, which works great in Asia (it’s worth checking both platforms).
Through any link on this page you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter the dates you’re interested in and book safely:
JAPAN – COUNTRY GUIDE > (in preparation)
TOKIO – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION > (in preparation)
- ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – TEMPLES AND SURROUNDINGS >
- UENO PARK, OKACHIMACHI AND AKIHABARA – DISTRICTS OF NORTHERN TOKYO
- SHINJUKU IN TOKYO – THE DISTRICT THAT NEVER SLEEPS >
- SHIBUYA AND YOYOGI PARK – A GUIDE TO THE HEART OF TOKYO >
- TOKYO TOWER AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE MINATO DISTRICT >