Tokyo Skytree: world’s tallest tower opens in Japan

By Fareeha Khalid May 23rd, 2012 ( No Comment )

Tokyo: Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower with 634 meters (2,080 feet) height, is inaugurated today.

It became Japan’s tallest structure in March 2010 when it passed 338 meters.

The 828-metre Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is listed in the Guinness as the world’s tallest building.

The difference between both the buildings is that Burj Khalifa is an occupied building while “Skytree is a broadcast structure, with digital transmissions for Tokyo media beamed from it,” CNN reported.

Skytree’s observation decks are located at heights of 350 and 450 meters. The higher deck is above the total height of the Empire State Building.

The firm has described the tower as “a pinnacle of safety in earthquake-prone Japan owing to Nikken’s rigorously developed wind—and seismic-resistant elements. The tower’s vibration control system employs a central column—a design used to stabilize the pagodas of traditional Japanese architecture. This system counters swaying set in motion by earthquake tremors and strong winds, ensuring a safe and reliable structure.”

Around 25 million people are expected to visit the site every year.