Happy Birthday Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower, one of the iconic symbols of Tokyo, turned 50 years old on Tuesday December 23rd. Of course there is the obvious similarity to the Eiffel tower, but instead of being a monument to cast iron and steel, Tokyo Tower celebrates Tokyo’s post war boom. And in the process has somehow captured a special place in the hearts of the Japanese and tourists alike. Not soon after it was built in 1958, it claimed landmark status – popular for not only its great views of the city, but as a spot for couples seeking a little “romance”.

To celebrate the big day, the city threw a large event with a rock concert and a talk show at the plaza under the tower while some 20,000 visitors enjoyed the view from the observation deck above.

At night, over 100,000 bulbs made Tokyo Tower really shine. It was literally “lit up like a Christmas tree”.