The fastest route from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower is the Toei Mita Line from Otemachi Station (a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station) to Onarimon Station, then a 7-minute walk to the tower. Total: about 20 minutes and approximately 220 yen. Taxis from Tokyo Station take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Quick Answer: Toei Mita Line from Otemachi to Onarimon, then a 7-minute walk to Tokyo Tower: 20 minutes total, approximately 220 yen. Walk 5 minutes from Tokyo Station to Otemachi Station to begin. The Mita Line is underground and directly serves the Shiba area where the tower stands.
Best Route
Toei Mita Line (recommended): Walk 5 minutes underground from Tokyo Station to Otemachi Station (I09/Z08/M18/T09). Take the Toei Mita Line (I) from Otemachi toward the Mita/Meguro direction. 3 stops to Onarimon Station (I06). 7 minutes’ walk southwest to the tower entrance.
JR Yamanote + walk: JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station (3 minutes, 165 yen, JR Pass). Walk 15 minutes north to the tower. Total about 25 minutes. Slightly longer,r but JR Pass covered.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: From Tokyo Station, follow the underground signs to Otemachi Station. Underground passages connect the stations. Walk about 5 minutes to Otemachi and locate the Toei Mita Line (I line, dark blue) platforms.
Step 2: Board the Toei Mita Line toward the Mita or Meguro direction. Ride 3 stops to Onarimon Station. About 7 minutes. Exit via the Shiba Park exit.
Step 3: From Onarimon Station, walk southwest for about 7 minutes. Tokyo Tower is visible ahead. The main entrance is on the ground floor with access to both the Main Deck (150m) and Top Deck Tour (250m).
Cost
Toei Mita Line: Approximately 220 yen. Not covered by JR Pass. The Toei 24-hour pass (700 yen) covers all Toei lines.
JR alternative: 165 yen to Hamamatsucho. JR Pass is valid.
Tokyo Tower entry: Main Deck (150m): 1,200 yen for adults. Top Deck Tour (250m): 3,000 yen for adults.
Travel Time
Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower entrance: approximately 20 minutes via the Mita Line route. The JR Hamamatsucho route is about 25 minutes total.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower costs approximately 1,500 to 2,500 yen and takes 15 to 20 minutes. A practical option given the moderate distance and straightforward route. Especially useful in the evening when the illuminated tower is visible from the taxi window on approach.
Best Option with Luggage
The Toei Mita Line is accessible with elevators at both Otemachi and Onarimon. The short walk from Onarimon to the tower is flat. For large luggage, a taxi from Tokyo Station is convenient and reasonably priced.
Best Option Late at Night
Tokyo Tower Main Deck closes at 11 pm. The Toei Mita Line from Onarimon runs until after midnight. Evening visits are one of the best times to see the tower from both inside (the night city view) and outside (the illumination). Return trains are available well after closing time.
Nearby Guides
FAQ
Is the Toei Mita Line the same as the Tokyo Metro?
No. The Toei Mita Line is operated by Toei (Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation), which is a different operator from Tokyo Metro. Standard IC cards work on both systems, but Tokyo Metro passes do not cover Toei lines. A Toei 24-hour pass (700 yen) is useful if making multiple Toei journeys.
Which station is closest to Tokyo Tower?
Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) are both about a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Tower. Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) is the closest, about a 5-minute walk.
What is the difference between the Main Deck and Top Deck Tour?
The Main Deck is at 150 metres and costs 1,200 yen. The Top Deck Tour is at 250 metres, requires a guided experience, and costs 3,000 yen. Booking for the Top Deck Tour is recommended.
