The world's tallest tower and Japan's new biggest landmark, the Tokyo Skytree, opened to the public on Tuesday afternoon. Nearly 8,000 visitors were expected to take high-speed elevators up to the decks of the 2,080-foot tower to mark its opening. Reporters stated that many people waited in line more than a week to get tickets for a panoramic view, though Tuesday ended up being very cloudy in Tokyo. Skytree is recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest tower. Beating out the Canton Tower in China, which is 1,968 1/2 feet.

The world's tallest structure is Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet). This is in a different category because it's a skyscraper and not a tower. The Skytree will serve as a broadcast tower for television and radio, along with being a tourist attraction. It replaces the 333 meter tall Tokyo Tower – which is a symbol of Japan's capital, since 1958.