An elevator at Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, suddenly stopped on the evening of February 22, 2026, trapping 20 people for about five and a half hours. The operating company announced a temporary closure on Monday for safety inspections in response. All those trapped were rescued unharmed.
According to the operating company, on the evening of Sunday, February 22, 2026, two of the four elevators connecting the fourth floor to the Tembo Deck observation area at 350 meters above ground suddenly stopped at Tokyo Skytree. One elevator was unmanned, while the other, which was descending, carried passengers and halted about 30 meters above ground. It trapped 20 people, including men, women, and two children, for five and a half hours, but police reported that all were rescued without injuries or illnesses.
The incident left approximately 1,200 people temporarily stranded on the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. In response, the operating company announced a temporary closure on Monday, the Emperor’s Birthday and the final day of a three-day weekend starting Saturday, to conduct safety checks. Advance ticket holders will receive refunds.
The malfunction occurred at night, with rescue operations completing early on February 23. Police and the operating company are investigating the exact cause.
