Tokyo Skytree, world's tallest tower in Guinness
records, opens to thousands in Japan
May 22, 2012 8:06 AM
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57438954/tokyo-skytree-worlds-tallest-tower-in-guinness-records-opens-to-thousands-in-japan/ CBSNews
(AP) TOKYO - The world's tallest
tower and Japan's biggest new landmark, the Tokyo Skytree, opened to the public
on Tuesday.
Nearly 8,000 visitors were expected
to take high-speed elevators up to the observation decks of the 2,080-foot
tower to mark its opening. Some reportedly waited in line more than a week to
get the coveted tickets for a panoramic view, though Tuesday ended up being
cloudy in Tokyo.
Skytree is recognized by Guinness
World Records as the tallest tower, beating out the Canton Tower in China,
which is 1,968 1/2 feet.
The world's tallest structure is
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands 2,717 feet. That's in a different category
because it's a skyscraper, not a tower.
The Skytree will serve as a
broadcast tower for television and radio, along with being a tourist
attraction. It replaces the 1,092 1/2-foot-tall Tokyo Tower — a symbol of
Japan's capital since 1958 — as the broadcast hub.
The Tokyo Skytree, the world's
tallest tower and Japan's biggest new landmark, is seen in Tokyo April 17,
2012. (AFP/Getty Images)
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