Tokyo Skytree Debuts Cutting‑Edge Smell Tech Exhibit

An exhibit showcasing cutting‑edge smell technology opened at the Tokyo Skytree on 15 April and will run through 30 June. The installation occupies the Observation Deck’s “Innovation Hall,” where visitors can walk through a series of scent‑filled chambers. Organized by a consortium of Japanese startups and research institutes, the showcase promises a hands‑on look at how odors can be digitized and projected in real time.

For foreign residents living in Osaka, the exhibit matters because scent‑based interfaces are poised to reshape everyday experiences—from immersive tourism apps that trigger local aromas to retail environments that personalize fragrance cues. Understanding these developments now gives newcomers a competitive edge in sectors such as marketing, gaming, and health tech, where Japanese firms are already filing patents. Moreover, the Skytree’s high‑visibility platform ensures the technology will quickly influence national consumer trends that eventually reach Kansai.

The exhibit offers eight interactive stations, each demonstrating a different application: a virtual‑reality garden that releases seasonal blossoms, a language‑learning pod that pairs words with corresponding smells, and a wellness zone where calming lavender is synchronized with guided meditation. Admission costs ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for students, with free entry for children under 12. Multilingual support is provided in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese, and QR‑code‑based audio guides can be downloaded on‑site. SoraNews24 highlighted the event in a feature article, noting its blend of scientific rigor and playful design. Tickets are sold both at the Skytree ticket office and online, where visitors can reserve a specific time slot to avoid peak‑hour crowds.

The timing aligns with Japan’s broader push to integrate multisensory technology into the digital economy. After the pandemic accelerated demand for remote experiences, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry earmarked ¥2 billion for olfactory research in its 2025 innovation budget. Companies such as AromaTech and SenseLab are collaborating with universities to create “digital perfume” that can be streamed over the internet, a capability that could soon power e‑commerce platforms and telehealth services. By hosting the exhibit at the nation’s tallest tower, organizers aim to attract both domestic tourists and international media, positioning Japan as a leader in the emerging scent‑tech market.

Osaka residents who wish to attend should follow these steps: 1) Book a slot on the official Skytree website (skytree.jp/en) or via the “Tokyo Skytree” app; 2) Choose a 30‑minute window between 10 am and 5 pm, noting that the exhibit closes at 6 pm; 3) Purchase a ticket using a credit card or prepaid IC card; 4) Take the JR Yamanote Line to Osaki, transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, and alight at Oshiage Station (Skytree‑Town); 5) Follow signs to the Observation Deck, where staff in English will direct you to the Innovation Hall. Arriving early ensures you can explore all stations before the next group enters, and the QR guide can be saved for offline use in case of limited connectivity.

As the scent of cherry blossoms wafts through the exhibit, visitors leave with a glimpse of a future where smells travel as easily as images. That experience may soon be part of everyday life in Osaka’s cafés, museums and smart homes—if you catch it now, you’ll be speaking the language of fragrance before it becomes mainstream.