6 Recommendations in Tokyo | Designed by Japanese architects

Introduction

I live in Japan, but while traveling to various countries, I am often asked about recommended sightseeing spots in Tokyo.

So, using my background as an architect, I tried to think of a place that would be architecturally interesting and suitable for sightseeing.

I would like to introduce six carefully selected spots for everyone visiting Tokyo, from solo travelers to families.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

This church was designed by Kenzo Tange, one of Japan’s leading architects.

This building, which has an HP shell structure, is distinctive from the outside, but the interior space is also very splendid.

The exposed concrete and the light coming in through the slits combine to create a sense of time passing away, separated from the outside world.

It is not allowed to take photos inside during the general tour, so I have included some reference photos.

HPシェルの素空間「東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂」

Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo

Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo is a building designed by Hiroshi Naito.

While paintings by painter and picture book author Chihiro Iwasaki are on display, you can also see Naito’s architectural details.

It’s a very nice place where both children and adults can enjoy and have peace of mind.

I recommend a postcard with Chihiro Iwasaki’s picture on it as a souvenir.

If you are interested in more architectural details, please take a look at the separate article, which is in Japanese.

童心に帰れる場所「ちひろ美術館・東京」

TORAYA Akasaka Main Store

TORAYA Akasaka Main Store is a building designed by Hiroshi Naito.

TORAYA is a famous Japanese sweets store in Japan, and there are stores in various locations, but this is the main store.

It’s nice to take a look at the interior space surrounded by cypress, but I also recommend eating “matcha” and “yokan” at the cafe on the top floor.

You can spend a wonderful time taking in the view of the Akasaka Imperial Estate right in front of you.

If you are interested in more architectural details, please take a look at the separate article, which is in Japanese.

檜に包まれる上品な空間「とらや赤坂店」

STARBUCKS RESERVE(R) ROASTERY TOKYO

STARBUCKS RESERVE(R) ROASTERY TOKYO is a building designed by Kengo Kuma.

This is a rare building where the entire 4-story building is a Starbucks.

Coffee is also roasted inside the building, and you can watch it being roasted.

There are many seats, so find your favorite spot. It’s usually crowded, so I recommend going when it opens.

Kasai Rinkai Park

Kasai Rinkai Park includes a park, an aquarium, a Ferris wheel, a rest house, and restaurants.

The aquarium and rest house were designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. It is a building with beautiful linear glass.

The location is close to the ocean and you can see Disneyland right in front of you, so I think it’s a place where you can enjoy a whole day. It’s a park near the station, so it’s easy to access.

The scenery created by the combination of nature and buildings at dusk is particularly beautiful, so I highly recommend to experience it.

Conclusion

These are 6 sightseeing spots in Tokyo recommended by architects.

When I travel, I often find myself thinking that although I have seen most of the famous places, there are probably many more interesting places that locals know about.

I hope this article was helpful.