Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree stands in the Sumida ward of Tokyo, completed in 2012 as a broadcasting and observation tower built to replace Tokyo Tower as the region's primary digital television transmitter once surrounding high-rises began to block its signal. At 634 meters it is the tallest tower in the world and today ranks as the third-tallest structure of any kind, after the Burj Khalifa and Merdeka 118. Its tapering, three-sided lattice form draws on the design of traditional Japanese pagodas and was engineered with a central shock-absorbing column intended to reduce sway during earthquakes and typhoons. Two observation decks, at roughly 350 and 450 meters, give visitors panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.