【Detective Conan | The Raven Chaser】Tokyo Tower (Tokyo) Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide | Complete Access and Highlights Edition
The theatrical version “Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser” is the 13th theatrical film released in 2009, which recorded a box office revenue of 3.5 billion yen and is a popular work. Tokyo Tower, which appears as the stage for the climax of this work, has become an indispensable sacred site pilgrimage spot for Conan fans.
This article provides comprehensive information necessary for sacred site pilgrimage, covering everything from the appearance scenes of Tokyo Tower in “The Raven Chaser” to actual visiting methods, shooting spots, and surrounding related facilities.
The Importance of Tokyo Tower in “The Raven Chaser”
Climactic Scene at the Core of the Work
In “The Raven Chaser,” Tokyo Tower is depicted as the most important stage in the story. It becomes the place of the final battle with AIrish, a member of the Black Organization, and an intense confrontation with Conan unfolds.
Particularly impressive are the night view seen from Tokyo Tower’s observation deck and the pursuit drama inside the tower. At a height of 333 meters, Tokyo’s symbol functions as a suspenseful stage setting, leaving an unforgettable impression on the work.
Specific Appearance Scenes in the Work
Tokyo Tower appears in the following important scenes:
- Observation deck confrontation scene: The final showdown between AIrish and Conan takes place here
- Exterior shots: Beautiful images of Tokyo Tower lit up at night
- Internal staircase: Intense scenes where a pursuit drama unfolds
- Tower surroundings: Scenes where police and the Junior Detective League gather
These scenes faithfully recreate the structure and characteristics of the actual Tokyo Tower, allowing visitors to experience the vividness of the work.
Tokyo Tower Basic Information
Facility Overview
Official Name: Nippon Electric Wave Tower (Commonly known as: Tokyo Tower)
Location: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato Ward, Tokyo 105-0011
Height: 333 meters
Completion Date: December 23, 1958 (Showa 33)
Designers: Tachū Naitō, Nikken Sekkei
Tokyo Tower was beloved as Japan’s tallest building until the completion of Tokyo Skytree. It remains a major tourist attraction as a Tokyo landmark, with approximately 3 million visitors annually.
Types and Prices of Observation Decks
Tokyo Tower has two observation decks:
Main Deck (150 meters)
- Adults (high school students and above): 1,200 yen
- Children (elementary and middle school students): 700 yen
- Young children (ages 4 and up): 500 yen
Top Deck Tour (250 meters)
- Adults (high school students and above): 3,000 yen
- Children (elementary and middle school students): 2,000 yen
- Young children (ages 4 and up): 1,400 yen
※Prices are current as of 2024. Please verify the latest information on the official website.
Operating Hours
- Main Deck: 9:00 AM～10:30 PM (Last entry 10:00 PM)
- Top Deck Tour: 9:00 AM～10:15 PM (Last tour 9:30 PM～10:15 PM)
- Open Year-Round
Operating hours may change for special events, so it is recommended to check the official website before your visit.
Complete Access Guide
Access by Train
Multiple stations near Tokyo Tower provide access:
Toei Oedo Line “Akabane-bashi Station”
- About 5 minutes walk from the Akabane-bashi exit
- The closest station with convenient access
- Proceed straight from the ticket gate and cross National Route 1
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Kamiyacho Station”
- About 7 minutes walk from Exit 1
- Head south on Sakurada-dori toward Tokyo Tower
Toei Mita Line “Onarimon Station”
- About 6 minutes walk from Exit A1
- Head south on Hibiya-dori
Toei Mita Line “Shibakoen Station”
- About 10 minutes walk from Exit A4
- Route through Shibakoen Park offers good scenery
JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line “Hamamatsucho Station”
- About 15 minutes walk from the North Exit
- Some distance, but convenient for transfers at a major station
Access by Bus
Toei Bus
- Get off at “Tokyo Tower” stop
- Service from Shibuya, Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and other areas
Access by Car and Parking Information
Access from Shuto Expressway
- Approximately 5 minutes from “Shibakoen Exit” on the Metropolitan Expressway Loop Line
- Approximately 7 minutes from “Shibakoen Exit” on Shuto Expressway Line 2 (Meguro Line)
Parking Information
- Tokyo Tower Parking Center
- Capacity: Approximately 150 spaces
- Rate: 600 yen for the first hour, 300 yen for each additional 30 minutes
- Hours: 9:00 AM～11:00 PM
Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded, so public transportation is recommended.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Shooting Spot Guide
Photography Points on Main Deck (150m)
The Main Deck, which served as the stage for the climactic scene of “The Raven Chaser,” is the most important spot for sacred site pilgrimage.
Recommended Photography Points:
- North Observation Area
- Views of Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa direction
- Can recreate scenes where Conan overlooks Tokyo
- South Observation Area
- Night views of Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba
- Romantic atmosphere ideal for photography
- Glass Floor “Look Down Window”
- Special area where you can look down at ground level from below your feet
- Experience the tension of high altitude
Photography Tips:
- Tripod is effective for night photography (usage restrictions may apply during crowded times)
- Press lens against glass to avoid reflections
- Golden hour (dusk) is most beautiful
Views from Top Deck (250m)
The higher Top Deck, which offers a panoramic view of Tokyo, is also ideal for experiencing the atmosphere of the work.
Features:
- 360-degree panoramic view
- More sophisticated space design
- Possible to enjoy leisurely viewing due to reservation-based system
Perfect Spots for Exterior Photography
Tokyo Tower’s exterior appears multiple times throughout the work.
From Shibakoen Park
- Looking up angle of Tokyo Tower
- Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April)
- Can capture photos like the scene where police gather in the work
From Zojoji Temple
- Contrast between historic building and Tokyo Tower
- Allows for photography with Japanese atmosphere
Around Akabane-bashi Intersection
- Can capture tower straight-on
- Nighttime illumination is beautiful
Stairwell Area (Normally Not Open to Public)
The stairwell area where the pursuit drama unfolds in the work is normally not open to the general public. However, the special event “Tokyo Tower Staircase Walk” (held several times per year) allows visitors to actually climb the exterior stairs.
Staircase Walk Event Information:
- Frequency: Irregular (announced on official website)
- Admission: Free to paid (varies by event)
- Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes
- For those with physical confidence (approximately 600 steps)
Best Times to Visit
Dusk (4:00 PM～6:00 PM)
The most recommended time. You can enjoy the transition from bright daytime scenery to night view.
- Beautiful gradient of sky colors during magic hour
- Gradual illumination of city lights
- Optimal lighting conditions for photography
Night (7:00 PM～10:00 PM)
Since the climactic scene of “The Raven Chaser” is at night, you can best feel the atmosphere of the work.
- East Tokyo’s night view shines most beautifully
- Can also enjoy the illumination of Tokyo Tower itself
- Romantic atmosphere
Notes:
- Crowded on weekends and holidays at night
- Pay attention to last entry time (10:00 PM)
Weekday Morning (9:00 AM～11:00 AM)
Recommended for those wanting to view leisurely with fewer crowds.
- Can avoid crowds
- Easier for photography
- Mount Fuji visible on clear days
Highlights Inside Tokyo Tower
Foot Town (Floors 1-3)
Floor 1: Entrance
- Ticket counters
- Tokyo Tower Official Shop
- Conan merchandise may be sold
Floor 2: Former Tokyo Tower Aquarium Area
- Currently used as a period-limited event space
Floor 3: Tokyo Tower Official Shop Main Store
- Tokyo Tower exclusive merchandise
- Perfect for souvenir shopping
Tokyo One Piece Tower (Former Facility)
The “Tokyo One Piece Tower,” which operated from 2016 to 2020, is now closed, but is currently being used as an event space. There is a possibility that Conan-related limited-time events may be held, so check the official website.
Restaurants and Cafes
Towers Diner (Floor 1)
- Casual restaurant
- Hamburgers, pasta, and more
Cafe La Tour (Main Deck Floor 2)
- Cafe inside the observation deck
- Perfect for taking a break while enjoying the view
Club 333 (Special Operating Days Only)
- Special restaurant on the top floor
- Reservation-required upscale dining
Surrounding Related Spots
Shibakoen Park
Metropolitan park adjacent to Tokyo Tower
- Ideal as a Tokyo Tower photography spot
- Beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall
- Available for picnics and breaks
- Free admission
Zojoji Temple
Bodhi temple of the Tokugawa shogunate family
- About 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Tower
- Appeal lies in contrast between historic building and Tokyo Tower
- Grounds can be explored free of charge
- Goshuin (temple seals) are also popular
Tokyo Prince Hotel
- Hotel in close proximity to Tokyo Tower
- Some rooms with views of Tokyo Tower
- Ideal accommodation for sacred site pilgrimage
Roppongi Hills
- About 20 minutes walk, or about 10 minutes by car from Tokyo Tower
- Can view Tokyo Tower from the observation deck
- Full of shopping and dining
Hamarikyu Onshi Garden
- Daimyo garden from the Edo period
- About 20 minutes walk from Tokyo Tower
- Fusion of Japanese garden and urban scenery
About “The Raven Chaser”
Work Overview
Release Date: April 18, 2009
Box Office Revenue: 3.5 billion yen
Runtime: 111 minutes
Director: Yasuo Yamamoto
Screenplay: Issei Furuuchi
Story
Serial murders occur in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, and Nagano. Mysterious mahjong tiles are left at the crime scenes. The Metropolitan Police Department holds an investigation conference, and Conan and others participate, but AIrish, a member of the Black Organization, has disguised himself as a police officer and infiltrated the meeting.
Airiish’s objective is to expose Conan’s true identity and report it to the organization. As the danger of Conan’s identity as Kudo Shinichi being known to the organization approaches, the final battle at Tokyo Tower begins.
Highlights
- Direct confrontation with the Black Organization: A full-scale battle with organization members is depicted
- Airiish’s tragedy: A conflicted enemy character torn between loyalty to the organization and humanity
- Action scenes at Tokyo Tower: Tense pursuit drama at high altitude
- Junior Detective League’s activities: Children play important roles
How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Advance Preparation
Reviewing the Work
- Watch “The Raven Chaser” again before visiting
- Check scenes where Tokyo Tower appears in particular
- Taking screenshots allows for comparison on-site
Packing Checklist
- Camera/smartphone (bring charger as well)
- Device to confirm work scenes
- Comfortable shoes (if using stairs)
- Seasonal clothing (observation deck is windy)
Photography Etiquette
- Be considerate so as not to bother other visitors
- Avoid tripod use during crowded times
- Be careful with flash photography
- Photography in private areas or prohibited zones is strictly forbidden
SNS Posting Tips
Example Hashtags:
- #DetectiveConan
- #TheRavenChaser
- #TokyoTower
- #SacredSitePilgrimage
- #ConanSacredSite
- #AnimeSacredSitePilgrimage
Ways to Enhance Posts:
- Comparison photos from the same angle as scenes in the work
- Impressions and discoveries from your visit
- Advice for other fans
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March～May)
- Cherry blossom season: Cherry blossoms in Shibakoen Park and Tokyo Tower together
- Mild climate ideal for sightseeing
- Golden Week is crowded
Summer (June～August)
- Stays bright late, extending night view viewing time
- Crowded during summer vacation
- Observation deck comfortably air-conditioned
Autumn (September～November)
- Clear air allows views of distant areas
- High probability of seeing Mount Fuji
- Autumn foliage season makes surrounding walks enjoyable
Winter (December～February)
- Christmas season features special illumination
- Clear air makes night views beautiful
- Cold weather precautions are essential (observation deck is windy)
Special Event Information
Illumination
Tokyo Tower carries out different illuminations on different days:
Landmark Light
- Standard illumination
- Colors change with seasons
Diamond Veil
- Special illumination implemented on special days
- Seven-color LEDs shine brightly
Conan-Related Events
Previous Conan-related events included:
- Special exhibitions commemorating theatrical release
- Limited sale of Conan merchandise
- Stamp rallies
The latest event information can be confirmed on Tokyo Tower’s official website and Conan’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much time should be spent at Tokyo Tower?
A: If viewing only the Main Deck, approximately 1 hour; if including the Top Deck as well, 1.5～2 hours is a good estimate. If you want to enjoy photography in detail or take a break at a cafe, allow additional time.
Q: Can it be enjoyed on rainy days?
A: The observation deck is indoors, so rain is not a problem. However, visibility may be reduced. Some people find the rainy night view to be fantastically beautiful.
Q: Can it be used by wheelchair users?
A: Yes, Tokyo Tower is wheelchair-accessible. You can take the elevator to the observation deck. Wheelchair rentals are also available (limited in number).
Q: Is re-entry possible on the same day?
A: Yes, by having your hand stamped on the day of your visit, re-entry is possible. Please inform staff at the reception desk.
Q: Can Conan merchandise be purchased?
A: Conan merchandise is not constantly sold at the official shops inside Tokyo Tower. However, it may be sold for a limited time during theatrical release periods. If you want to purchase for certain, it is recommended to visit anime shops in Akihabara or Ikebukuro.
Summary
Tokyo Tower, a sacred site in “Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser,” is a wonderful spot where you can re-experience the emotion of the work. The view from a height of 333 meters, the observation deck where the climactic scene took place, and its presence as a symbol of Tokyo make it a place that Conan fans—and anyone—should visit at least once.
Key Points for Successful Sacred Site Pilgrimage:
- Watch the work again before visiting and confirm scenes
- Visiting from dusk into the night is recommended
- Weekdays help avoid crowds
- Also visit nearby Shibakoen Park and Zojoji Temple
- Check for seasonal illuminations and event information
Tokyo Tower is a special place where Conan’s world and reality intersect. Using this article as a reference, enjoy a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage. It should be an unforgettable experience that deepens your love of the work.
