The spiral tower rising above the ATM Plaza was built 100m (328ft) high to commemorate Mito's 100th anniversary as an official city (1989). It thus symbolizes the movement from the past to the future and from tradition to creation.
The tower is composed of 28 contiguous regular tetrahedron sections (edges 9.6m (31.5ft) long) set on top of each other. The 57 triangular surfaces of the structure are covered with titanium panels, each of which is set at a different angle to reflect the constantly changing light and the surrounding scenery in a different way, inspiring the imagination of those viewing it.
To get to the observation deck, one takes a round, glass-enclosed elevator inside the tower, from which the interior structure of the tower can be viewed, with the round windows arranged along the ridge line of the tower letting in light.
The elevator moves at a slow pace (60m/sec), requiring 90 seconds to reach the top.
The observation deck has round windows that resemble portholes, which afford visitors a view overlooking the city of Mito.
- Opening hours
- Tue. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sat./Sun./National holidays 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(depending on weather)
- adult
- ¥200
- children
- ¥100
Structure of the Tower at Art Tower Mito
Structure／Four-story reinforced-steel (3F Observation Deck, 4F Machine Room)
Height／100 m (328ft)
Observatory Deck／86.4 m (283ft) high, capacity 19 persons
Material／Titanium-clad 1.5mm thick, 57 triangular titanium panels (each edge 9.6m (31.5 ft) long)
