Tokyo Tower welcomed its 190 millionth visitor with the arrival of a surprised couple on their honeymoon from Seattle at the facility’s observation deck on Sept. 4.
Tobin Tong, 34, and Lauren Tong, 33, who had arrived in Japan several days prior, said they planned on staying in the country for about 10 days. While Tobin had visited Japan once in the past, it was the first time for both of them to visit Tokyo Tower. He commented, “We were very surprised. We had no idea. We were just coming here to try to see the top view. Very, very surprised.”
The couple received commemorative gifts, including a plaque and a Tokyo Tower plush toy.
Facility operator Tokyo Tower Co. President Shin Maeda said, “This year, we have the highest number of visitors from the U.S. among foreign tourists. I’m delighted that a couple representing that became the 190 millionth visitor.”
Tokyo Tower in the capital’s Minato Ward will celebrate its 66th anniversary on Dec. 23. Standing at 333 meters tall, the facility opened as a broadcast tower in 1958. The number of visitors surpassed 100 million in 1989, and 150 million in 2006. It is expected to reach 200 million in about four years. Maeda stated, “We want to enhance both the tangible and intangible aspects so that Tokyo Tower becomes a destination chosen by international visitors.”
(Japanese original by Haruka Kobayashi, Tokyo Bureau)
American couple feted as Tokyo Tower marks 190 millionth visitor to observation deck
