Japanese authorities and the operators of Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest broadcasting tower and one of Japan's most iconic tourist landmarks, have temporarily sealed the 634-meter (2,080-foot) structure following a serious elevator malfunction on Sunday night, February 22, 2026. The incident left 20 visitors, including children, trapped inside one of the tower's high-speed elevators for more than five hours, prompting an extensive rescue operation and immediate safety inspections across the facility.
The malfunction occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. local time when two elevators traveling between the fourth-floor entrance and the Tembo Deck observation level at 350 meters suddenly came to an abrupt halt. According to Tobu Tower Skytree Co., the company that manages the tower, one of the elevators was empty, while the other carried 20 passengers. Police from Tokyo's Honjo Police Station reported that the trapped elevator stopped at approximately 30 meters (about 98 feet) above street level in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. An emergency call was received around 8:20 p.m., alerting authorities to the situation.
The passengers endured the confinement for roughly five to six hours, with the rescue concluding at about 2:02 a.m. on Monday, February 23. Rescuers employed a specialized method, raising a steel platform to align with the stalled elevator car, allowing safe evacuation without injuries. No passengers reported health issues or required medical attention upon release, though the prolonged ordeal caused significant stress and discomfort, as acknowledged in the company's official apology.
The incident also temporarily stranded around 1,200 other visitors who were already at the observation decks or elsewhere in the tower. Two additional elevators were halted for about an hour as a precautionary safety check, delaying descents until services partially resumed. By 11 p.m., all visitors had been evacuated using alternative elevators.
In response, Tobu Tower Skytree Co. announced that the entire facility—including the tower, observation decks, and associated commercial areas such as the Solamachi shopping mall—would remain closed on Monday, February 23 (a national holiday marking Emperor's Birthday), and through Tuesday, February 24, for comprehensive safety inspections of all elevator systems. The company emphasized that the cause of the malfunction is under active investigation, with promises to reinforce maintenance protocols and prevent future occurrences. Holders of advance-purchased tickets for the affected days will receive full refunds.
Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2012, stands as Japan's tallest structure and the world's tallest tower dedicated primarily to broadcasting. It attracts millions of visitors annually for its panoramic views of the capital, two observation decks (at 350m and 450m), and integrated entertainment complex. The tower's elevators are among the fastest in the world, capable of reaching the main deck in under a minute, making the sudden failure particularly alarming given the height and volume of daily traffic.
The event has drawn widespread media coverage from outlets such as Kyodo News, NHK, The Japan Times, and international sources including Reuters and The Asahi Shimbun. Tobu Tower Skytree issued a formal public apology on February 23, expressing deep regret for the inconvenience and stress caused to those affected, including the trapped passengers and delayed visitors. The company reiterated its commitment to safety as a top priority.
No casualties or serious injuries were reported, a relief amid what could have been a far more dangerous scenario at such elevation. The closure coincides with a peak holiday period, likely resulting in significant revenue loss and visitor disruptions, but underscores the operator's cautious approach following the incident.
This is not the first time Tokyo Skytree has faced operational hiccups, though previous issues have been minor compared to this prolonged entrapment. The tower's engineering includes multiple redundant systems, and the successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of emergency protocols in high-rise structures. Authorities and the operator are expected to release preliminary findings from the investigation in the coming days, which could influence when the attraction reopens.
For now, the iconic silhouette of Tokyo Skytree stands silent against the city skyline, a reminder of the vulnerabilities even in modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure. Visitors planning trips to the landmark are advised to check the official Tokyo Skytree website or contact the operator for updates on reopening and ticket adjustments.
