By Melissa Voelker
About Tokyo Skyscrapers
Tokyo is one of the most populated areas in the world. Overpopulation has necessitated that taller buildings be designed and built. That accommodates the population that has run out of space. Skyscrapers serve to house businesses, offices, retail outlets, and apartments. Newer and taller skyscrapers are being constructed every year.
Function
Because there is little room to build in Tokyo unless you are building upwards, skyscrapers have become an important part of the modern city. Skyscrapers can reach over 40 or 50 stories tall.
History
Tokyo's first skyscraper, Kasumigaseki Building, was completed in 1968. At the time, it was the tallest building in Tokyo and Japan. It was 156 meters (over 511 feet) and held 36 floors.
Features
Because Tokyo is prone to earthquakes, it is very important to the designers and builders of skyscrapers there that they are engineered to withstand these types of natural disasters. With most Tokyo skyscrapers, their structural integrity and engineering is more important than what they look like
Geography
All areas of Tokyo sport skyscrapers--such as the Mori Tower High Rise in the Minato area and the Cerulean Tower in the Shibuya area. If you are in the Chiyoda area of Tokyo, you can see the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. If you travel to the Roppongi district, you will see the Izumi Garden Tower.
Size
Skyscrapers in Tokyo range from super tall to relatively short. Tokyo City Hall, Tower I, is 243 meters (over 797 feet) tall and holds 48 floors, while the NEC Supertower is 180 (over 590 feet) meters tall and holds 44 floors. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is only 238 meters (over 780 feet), but it holds an impressive 54 floors. One of the shortest skyscrapers is Nakagin Capsule tower, which is only 54 (over 177 feet) meters tall and holds just 13 floors.
About the Author:
Melissa Voelker has been a professional writer since 2002. She works full time at a TV station in the commercial traffic department and also writes for Paperbackreader.com and Pinkraygun.com. Her articles have appeared in "Listen," "The Spokesman Review" and "Freepress Houston."
Photo Credits:
Photopassjapan.com
