Tokyo Solamachi is a large shopping, dining and entertainment complex located at the base of Japan’s capital city’s iconic landmark, the Tokyo Skytree. Housing over 300 shops and restaurants, it offers a complete experience even without ascending the famous tower.
Key Highlights
- Over 300 shops and restaurants covering a wide range of categories, from department stores to specialty goods and traditional crafts
- Large food market, food court and observatory-level dining options
- Attractions like an aquarium, planetarium and more
- Conveniently accessible from Oshiage Station and Tokyo Skytree Station
- Operating hours: Shops 10:00-21:00, Restaurants 11:00-23:00
- Admission: Aquarium ¥1,600, Postal Museum ¥300
Historical Background
The Tokyo Skytree was completed in 2012 as the world’s second tallest television tower at the time. Concurrently, the Tokyo Solamachi complex was developed and opened to complement the tower. Located at the base of the Skytree, the large-scale commercial facility was designed to provide visitors with diverse shopping, dining and entertainment experiences.
As a new iconic landmark of Tokyo, the completion of the Skytree and Solamachi injected fresh vitality into the area. Since then, it has become an important stop among the city’s renowned tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.
Key Attractions
Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium, located within the Solamachi complex, showcases a wide variety of marine life and is a must-visit attraction. The aquarium not only has impressive exhibits, but also features interactive experiences for visitors.
Planetarium
The Tenku Planetarium inside Solamachi offers Japan’s unique planetarium services. Visitors can enjoy starry sky projections as well as various astronomical exhibits and interactive displays, though all content is in Japanese only.
Postal Museum
The Postal Museum on the 9th floor of Solamachi East presents the history and development of Japan’s postal services. It houses a large collection of valuable stamps and postcards, along with interactive exhibits.
Specialty Shops and Restaurants
Tokyo Solamachi is home to many unique specialty shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore stores specializing in salt products from across Japan, traditional craft shops with a retro ambiance, and themed dining establishments. There are also numerous souvenir shops catering to tourists.
Best Time to Visit
The operating hours of Tokyo Solamachi are 10:00-21:00 for shops and 11:00-23:00 for restaurants. It is recommended to visit during the day to enjoy the shopping and dining experiences. For the aquarium and planetarium, mornings or weekends are the best time. The Postal Museum has relatively earlier opening hours, making it suitable to include in your Solamachi itinerary.
Getting There
Tokyo Solamachi can be accessed via multiple public transportation options. The most convenient way is to get off at Oshiage Station or Tokyo Skytree Station. Alternatively, it is about a 20-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
Direct bus services are also available from major stations and airports, such as 30 minutes from Ueno Station, 45-55 minutes from Tokyo Disney Resort, and 50-70 minutes from Haneda Airport.
Hours and Admission
- Tokyo Solamachi
- Shop hours: 10:00-21:00
- Restaurant hours: 11:00-23:00
- Occasional early closures for some shops
- Tenku Planetarium
- Hours: 10:30-21:00 (9:30 start on weekends/holidays)
- Open year-round
- Postal Museum
- Hours: 10:00-17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- Occasional closures for maintenance
- Admission
- Tenku Planetarium: ¥1,600
- Postal Museum: ¥300
Tips for Visitors
- Visitors can freely explore the shopping and dining areas of Solamachi, but separate tickets are required for the aquarium and planetarium.
- With a wide range of restaurants, it’s a good idea to check menus and prices beforehand to find the right dining spot.
- The complex has several small parks and terraces that offer great relaxation and viewing spots.
- While passing through Solamachi, consider visiting the Postal Museum to learn about Japan’s postal history.
Official Websites
Conclusion
Tokyo Solamachi is a comprehensive complex that combines shopping, dining and entertainment. With over 300 shops and restaurants, as well as attractions like an aquarium and planetarium, it offers a diverse experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking for unique products, delicious cuisine or natural wonders, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this sky town that blends modern and traditional Tokyo charm. Don’t miss out on this must-visit destination!