5 Buildings You Must See in Tokyo
- heliya erfani
- 5 months ago
This large complex, covering an area of 14,000 square meters, was designed by the famous architect Kisho Kurokawa and is one of the largest museums in Japan. Opened in 2007, the museum is well-known for its 22-meter-tall steel and glass façade that resembles a moving wave. Its interior is spacious and column-free, featuring twelve exhibition rooms used for temporary exhibitions, as the museum does not have a permanent collection. This building also includes three cafes, an art library, a conference hall, lecture rooms, and a museum shop.
One of the appealing suggestions when visiting this stunning architecture is the restaurant “Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée.” With its open and attractive design, this restaurant allows guests to enjoy delicious French cuisine while taking in the unique and beautiful atmosphere of the building.
This institution is located on the edge of Midtown Garden within the Tokyo Midtown complex. Its design was originally crafted by the renowned architect Tadao Ando and was ultimately established in 2007 by the legendary designer Issey Miyake to present modern design concepts in a unique way to the public. Due to construction limitations, this gallery has been creatively built underground. Its ceiling, made from a large triangular steel panel, seems to float above a natural landscape, evoking the beautiful essence of origami in everyone’s mind. Upon entering the gallery, the sloping ceiling gently guides you toward stairs leading to a deeper underground space. The hallway appears like a narrow valley, and as soon as you enter the underground section, you are suddenly met with a spacious and expansive area that awakens a sense of wonder within you.
Exploring “21_21 Design Sight” is a unique experience that enhances the impact of the current exhibitions. Tadao Ando states, “Our goal was not just to create a museum to display artworks, but to create a space that allows for exploration of the potential of design as a means to enrich daily life. This place should stimulate emotions through design and increase public interest in this field. It is a space to present different perspectives on how to see the world and the objects around us.”
This modern complex, designed by Minoru Mori, a prominent figure in the construction industry, has gained a reputation as a “city within the city” The primary goal of this project was to create a space where residents could experience living, working, and leisure together, making everything easily accessible. Roppongi Hills forms a cohesive small city in the heart of Tokyo, featuring shops, restaurants, luxury apartments, hotels, and offices of reputable technology and financial companies.
The Mori Tower, with 54 floors and a height of 238 meters, is the centerpiece of this complex and is considered one of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings. Inside this tower, the Mori Art Museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary global art, while “Tokyo City View” offers a breathtaking observation deck with stunning views of the city for visitors.
As you know, the International House of Japan (commonly known as I-House) is one of the unique architectural landmarks in the Roppongi area of Tokyo, dating back to 1955. The concept for this exciting building was developed by three Japanese architects: Junzō Yoshimura, Kunio Maekawa, and Junzō Sakakura. With great perseverance and countless efforts, these three architects finally achieved a unique design. Their work was recognized in 1956 when the building received the Japan Institute of Architects Award.
The main building, with its expansive glass facade, overlooks ponds and lush gardens, creating an atmosphere where the walls seem to dissolve, and the people inside feel as if they are seamlessly connected with the surrounding nature. One of the most extraordinary aspects of this complex is its restaurant. The design of the restaurant was inspired by the scroll paintings from the Heian period, reflecting the essence of Japanese art and history, and it is considered one of the prominent and beautiful attractions of the International House of Japan.
The Roppongi area is known for its modernity and bustling lifestyle. However, Nogi Shrine offers visitors a chance to escape the city’s noise. It provides a peaceful place to pay homage to Japan’s traditional roots. This temple, established in 1923, is dedicated to General Maresuke Nogi and his wife, Shizuko Nogi, a couple who committed suicide after Emperor Meiji’s death. Despite this sorrowful history, Nogi-jinja is a beautiful and peaceful place.
The entrance, marked by a carefully designed traditional net gate, evokes a special feeling in visitors. Inside, the main building, with its sloped roof and intricate details, draws all attention. Additionally, the General’s residence, which opens to the public on only a few days each year, provides a rare opportunity to glimpse the historical life of this prominent Japanese figure. Every corner of the temple has a story to tell, and visiting it offers a profound and peaceful experience.
After visiting these amazing places in the Roppongi area, you can explore other parts of Tokyo and enjoy more exceptional architecture. One such place is the Azabudai Hills complex, completed in 2023, featuring three skyscrapers inspired by the “integrated urban community concept.”
In the Ginza financial district, you can witness unique architectural designs. One example is the three-dimensional and transparent Tokyu Plaza. Another is the Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center, featuring interconnected cylinders and a Metabolist movement style. Finally, there is the De Beers building, known for its intricate, curved design that evokes the whimsical atmosphere of Alice in Wonderland stories.
The Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed for the 1964 Olympics by architect Kenzo Tange, is a globally renowned structure that combines modernism with traditional Japanese design, resembling images from science fiction stories. If you are interested in history, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum offers a unique experience with its collection of reconstructed buildings from the Meiji era.
Finally, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of the most beautiful centers of Shinto tradition, is nestled within a lush evergreen forest near Harajuku Station, completing your visit to Tokyo.
In this text, we explored a list of five must-see buildings in Tokyo, showcasing its amazing architecture. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is known as one of the most advanced cities in the world due to its unique and stunning buildings. This city, a blend of tradition and modernity, attracts millions of tourists from around the globe each year. One prominent feature of Tokyo’s architecture is the diversity of designs and styles inspired by both renowned global and local architects.
Many of these buildings pay attention to public and artistic spaces, inviting visitors to engage with their surroundings. From cozy cafes and restaurants to art galleries and green spaces, these structures are specifically designed to provide an experience beyond a simple visit. With these unique features, Tokyo has become a place where every angle tells a story and captivates every visitor.
