Since we are staying near the Tokyo Skytree, we have spent a fair amount of time exploring both within and around this landmark. The Skytree was completed in February 2012 and is currently the tallest broadcast / transmission tower in the world. It is amazing that this structure has been built within one of the most seismically active regions on the planet. According to Wikipedia:
The tower has seismic proofing, including a central shaft made of reinforced concrete. The main internal pillar is attached to the outer tower structure for the first 125 metres above ground. From there until 375 metres the pillar is attached to the tower frame with oil dampers, which act as cushions during an earthquake. Additional resilience is achieved through an "added mass control mechanism" (or tuned mass damper) – a damping system which, in the event of an earthquake, moves out of step with the building's structure, to keep the centre of gravity as central as possible to the tower's base. According to the designers, the dampers can absorb 50 percent of the energy from an earthquake.
The Skytree is quite a sight to behold both during the day and after dark. At night the Skytree is lit up with numerous coloured lights. We were able to sit on the balcony on the roof of our apartment building and watch these lights. It was a relaxing experience - almost like having a ginormous Christmas tree in your backyard.
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| 1957 Tokyo Tower off in the distance |
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| I could not step out on to this! |
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