Tokyo Solamachi
Tokyo Solamachi is a sprawling commercial and entertainment hub located at the heart of Tokyo Skytree Town. Spanning the base of the world’s tallest free-standing broadcast tower, it serves as a multifaceted destination that seamlessly blends high-tech modernism with the traditional merchant spirit of the surrounding Sumida district. With over 300 tenants, the complex is organized into several distinct zones, making it one of the largest and most diverse shopping centers in the Japanese capital.
Themed Shopping and the Japan Experience
On the first floor, the Solamachi Shotengai (shopping street) recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Edo-period market, featuring a 120-meter-long corridor lined with local crafts and daily essentials. As visitors move upward, the theme shifts toward the “Japan Experience” on the fourth floor, where travelers can find an array of high-quality souvenirs, from intricate woodblock prints to specialized Japanese knives. This floor is particularly popular for its flagship character stores, including the Pokémon Center Skytree Town, the Ghibli-themed Donguri Republic, and various boutiques that showcase regional Japanese craftsmanship.
Entertainment and Subterranean Wonders
Beyond retail, Tokyo Solamachi is a major entertainment center. It houses the Sumida Aquarium, a sophisticated indoor facility known for its massive open-pool penguin exhibit and mesmerizing jellyfish displays. For those seeking a more contemplative experience, the Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku” offers immersive, high-resolution celestial shows often accompanied by orchestral scores. Even history buffs are catered to via the Postal Museum Japan, which tracks the evolution of the country’s communication system through a vast collection of vintage stamps and interactive exhibits.
Dining with a View
The culinary landscape of Solamachi is equally impressive, catering to both quick bites and fine dining. The lower levels feature the “Food Marche,” a gourmet marketplace stocked with regional snacks, seasonal sweets, and artisanal bento boxes. For a more formal experience, the 30th and 31st floors—known as Solamachi Dining Skytree View—provide an array of upscale restaurants. These venues offer panoramic vistas of the Kanto Plain, allowing diners to enjoy world-class cuisine alongside the massive steel lattice of the Tokyo Skytree itself. Whether you are visiting to scale the tower or explore the depths of its retail offerings, Solamachi remains a vibrant urban microcosm that represents the relentless energy of modern Tokyo.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Shops) / 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Restaurants) Closed: Open daily (Subject to maintenance) |
| Price | Free admission (Individual attractions vary) |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Access | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Line(s) | Access Details |
| Oshiage Station | Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei, Tobu | Directly connected via the B3 Exit |
| Tokyo Skytree Station | Tobu Skytree Line | Immediate access to the West Yard |