Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree opened in Tokyo today and the city’s newest landmark is set to become an everlasting symbol of Tokyo. What is the Tokyo Skytree? It is a broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Tokyo, near Asakusa, which is a major tourist area.


A few facts about Tokyo Skytree:



• Stands at 634 meters
• The tallest structure in Japan
• World’s tallest freestanding broadcast structure
• Second highest building in the world behind Burj Khalifa in Dubai

The project was led by Tobu Railway and a group of broadcasters headed by NHK. One of the main purposes of the structure is to relay television and radio broadcast signals as the current facility, Tokyo Tower at 333 meters is no longer tall enough to provide complete coverage. The aim of the project was to create a structure that “transcends time and space”, and a design that allows the tower to function as both a transmitter and observatory. The project was completed on 29 February 2012 and opened to the public today on 22 May 2012.

Tokyo Skytree features two observation decks positioned at 350 and 450 meters from the ground that offer spectacular views over Tokyo. You can find more information on the Tokyo Skytree homepage

A must see on your next visit to Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree.

Find out more about the major tourist attractions in Tokyo

Japanese Ice Bra

Japan’s hot and humid summers have led to many great ideas and inventions to try and stay cool and beat the summer heat. Last summer it was the Air Conditioned Jacket.

The latest is a bra with built in ice packs that promises to keep women cool this summer. The ice bra from underwear firm Triumph Japan dubbed the “Super Cool Bra” was unveiled on Wednesday. The bra features a pair of small fish tanks encompassing the breasts, a traditional Japanese wind chime and a mint leaf.

How does it all work?


The cups are filled with a gel that remains soft and supple even when frozen, giving the wearer a cool sensation. The mint gives a refreshing fragrance, while the sound of the wind chimes is a pleasant cooling sound during the Japanese summer.

A lot of these ideas and gadgets have come about due to the need to save energy in Japan after the recent nuclear reactor disaster and especially so during the long hot summers. The Cool Biz campaign has started again, urging people to dress down for work to stay cool and avoid the need to have the aircon on high.

Check out the video below featuring the models wearing the new ice bra