Tokyo Skytree elevator to resume operation after February malfunction

Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Tokyo Skytree, the iconic observation tower in Japan’s capital, is set to return its elevator, which malfunctioned in late February, to operation on April 1, the tower operator, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd., said in a press release.

The company stated that all safety measures have been implemented and that it will conduct a test run on March 31. The work included replacing the damaged moving cable.

The incident involving the elevator occurred on Feb. 22, 2026, when it was carrying 20 passengers and unexpectedly stopped while descending, trapping them for around five hours. All of the visitors were successfully evacuated, and no one was injured.