Sunday, Feb. 22, is a day 20 people will want to forget. The group, who were visiting the Tokyo Skytree, a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo, became stuck in an elevator... 100 feet from the ground floor!
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The Tokyo Skytree has since released a statement apologizing for the incident.
"Dear Valued Guests," the statement begins. "Apology for the Elevator Suspension and Guest Entrapment at TOKYO SKYTREE®. We would like to extend our deepest apologies regarding the elevator incident that occurred at TOKYO SKYTREE® on Sunday, February 22, 2026."
The statement then continues by sharing what led to the incident, citing a malfunction between two elevators at the location.
"At approximately 8:15 p.m., two elevators operating between the 4th floor and the Tembo Deck(350m) came to an unexpected stop during operation. In one of these elevators, 20 guests were trapped until approximately 2:02 a.m. the following day."
As a result of the malfunction, the Tokyo Skytree has confirmed that an investigation is underway to ensure a similar situation doesn't occur in the future.
"To prevent any recurrence of such incidents, we are conducting a comprehensive inspection of all elevators and further reinforcing our maintenance and safety management systems."
In Total Over 1,200 Visitors to the Tokyo Skytree Were Impacted
While the 20 guests stuck in the elevators should undoubtedly be the focus of everyone's concern. However, the malfunction had far-reaching implications for other guests.
According to local news outlet Kyodo News, two other elevators were out of use for approximately an hour. As such, roughly 1,200 people were on the observation deck and in other areas. Due to the malfunction, they were unable to descend, therefore leaving them stuck.
"For the rescue, an elevator adjacent to the one that was stranded was positioned at the same height," Kyodo news reported. "A stainless panel -- 120 centimeters long and 20 cm wide -- was placed in between so that customers were able to leave the stalled elevator from an emergency door on the side."
The Tokyo Skytree has now been temporarily closed, as per its website. Anyone with tickets to attend between Feb. 23 and Feb. 26 has been offered refunds.
