Higher And Higher: World's Tallest Tower Opens

The world's tallest tower and Japan's biggest new landmark, the Tokyo Skytree, has opened to the public.

Nearly 8,000 visitors were expected to take high-speed lifts up to the observation decks of the 634m (2,080ft) tower to mark its opening.

Some reportedly waited in line for more than a week to get coveted tickets for the panoramic view, which was unfortunately obscured by cloud.

Skytree is recognised by Guinness World Records as the tallest tower, beating the Canton Tower in China, which is 600m tall (1,968.5ft).

The world's tallest structure is Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands 828m (2,717ft).

It is a skyscraper, not a tower which puts it in a different category.

The Skytree will serve as a broadcast tower for television and radio, as well as being a tourist attraction.