8 architectural marvels to awe Tokyo’s walking tourists

Built in 1958 by architect Tachu Naito, the Tokyo Tower is a popular site for visitors hoping to get a 360-degree view of the city’s skyline. It also functions as a telecommunications tower. This unmistakable landmark in Tokyo has made appearances in countless Japanese anime and manga too. On a clear day, visitors to the observatory may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando designed this popular landmark in the glitzy Omotesando shopping district. Built on a wedge-shaped strip of land, this uniquely designed shopping mall features a 250m-long LED wall that lights up its facade. But what’s even more impressive is its interior, which features a 700m-long spiral ramp spanning six levels of the mall for an uninterrupted shopping experience.

The glamorous Ginza district is most famous for its towering skyscrapers and designer stores, but in its heart stands this quirky building, a rare example of post-war Japanese Metabolism. Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, this mixed-used office and residential tower opened in 1972 and looks like a heap of washing machines stacked on top of each other. Each capsule unit was designed to be removed and replaced once worn out, but this proved too costly to be done so the tower has been left to slowly deteriorate. Today, only a small fraction of the units are occupied.

Built in 1914, the historic Tokyo Station is one of the few significant representations of early 20th century architecture in Japan. Designed by architect Kingo Tatsuno, this landmark combines Western elements with Japanese aesthetics. The complex was restored in 2012, and now houses a luxury hotel as well as multiple shopping and food outlets, on top of serving approximately 415,000 passengers daily.

The brainchild of three of Japan’s most respected designers –Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh and Naoto Fukasawa– this masterpiece is built by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Ando’s brief was to design a structure that would represent Japan, and he came up with this low-rise, angular building featuring a cavernous underground space. Despite having 70 per cent of the space underground, the galleries are brightly lit and have been venues for art and design exhibitions hosted by some of the world’s most creative minds.

This giant complex with a pyramid-shaped roof in the heart of Tokyo may look like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it is actually the headquarters of a Buddhist sect that aims to promote world peace. Despite its forbidding exterior, the temple welcomes visitors warmly and even offers free Japanese lessons. It houses a giant Buddha carved from ancient camphor wood, as well as a reservoir that can be used by the city in case of emergencies.

Designed by master architect Kenzo Tange, this impressive complex is the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Tange was inspired to make the building look like a computer microchip, while gothic cathedral elements of the towers add to its grandeur. There are two observatories within that offer panoramic views of the futuristic Shinjuku neighbourhood and beyond.