At a nexus of tradition and cutting-edge tech, Tokyo is a treasure trove of acclaimed architecture. Wherever you explore the city, works by world-renowned Japanese architects can be found. The city’s structures show a staggering diversity of artistic sensibilities, embracing the harmony of streetscapes and buildings along with respect for nature and history.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Tokyo

A work by Tange Kenzo also known as “Tange of the World,” a pivotal figure of 20th century architecture in Japan. Built in 1964, the cathedral’s acclaimed architectural design blends the styles of traditional Japan with modernism. Even more than 60 years after construction, the sophisticated facade of this reinforced concrete building continues to impress. At a glance, you may not take it for a cathedral, but when viewed from above, its cross-shaped structure emerges. One of Japan’s largest pipe organs is also here, free to visit outside of Mass hours. (9:00–17:00)
Sekiguchi Catholic Church(Japanese site only)

Sunny Hills Minami Aoyama

Designed by Kuma Kengo, the renowned architect of the Japan National Stadium, this shop for a Taiwanese sweets brand is known for its popular pineapple cakes. The delicate woodwork of this small-scale structure adds a soft touch to the concrete walls on this residential street in Aoyama. The bamboo basket-like exterior is crafted by interlocking pieces of wood in a three-dimensional structure, using a traditional Japanese technique known as “jigoku-gumi.” Inside, the comfortable space is filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of sunlight filtering through the trees. Another of Mr. Kuma’s designs, Nezu Museum, is nearby, also close to Ando Tadao's Omotesando Hills, making this area an essential visit for any architecture aficionado.
SunnyHills(Japanese site only)

Omotesando Hills

One of many stoic-style structures made with exposed concrete designed by renowned architect Ando Tadao. Harmony with the historic Omotesando avenue and surrounding landscape was the primary consideration in the building concept. To blend in with the zelkova trees lining the boulevard, the height stays low aboveground, but extends three floors below. Inside, a path spirals around the building’s open atrium, tilted at roughly the same gradient as the Omotesando hill. As a parallel “second Omotesando St.,” this slope successfully connects the neighborhood with the structure, lined in posh tenants.
Omotesando Hills(multilingual)

The Sumida Hokusai Museum

Designed by Sejima Kazuyo, also known as a member of the architectural unit SANAA. The futuristic facade of this museum is a fascinating contrast with the collection inside of precious works by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). The aluminum-paneled exterior gives the building a spaceship-like feel, yet the way its wall reflects the surrounding scenery allows it to blend seamlessly into the retro neighborhood. Visit in person to experience this striking yet harmonious design.
Sumida Hokusai Museum

Tokyo Sea Life Park

Opened in 1989, this facility is the work of Taniguchi Yoshio, who has worked on art galleries and public facilities worldwide. The massive glass dome is the centerpiece of the structure. The facility occupies a corner of Kasai Rinkai Park on Tokyo Bay, which also features a glass rest house and water bus terminal, both designed by Mr. Taniguchi. Looking out to sea from the glass dome entrance, the surrounding fountain pond creates the sensation of being one with the ocean. Harmony with nature is characteristic of Mr. Taniguchi's architectural designs.
*The aquarium is now open. Future renovations are being planned for completion in 2028. The building will also be preserved for future generations
Tokyo Sea Life Park

The National Art Center, Tokyo

As one of Japan’s largest exhibition spaces, this art gallery in Roppongi holds a vast variety of shows. Designed by Kurokawa Kisho, who created many art galleries and museums both in Japan and abroad, this art museum was conceived as “an art museum in the forest.” The unique, stunning features of the glass facade curved like undulating waves and the conical front entrance lead to the wide-open atrium interior. Exhibitions aside, several cafes, restaurants and museum shops make this a place you won’t want to miss.
THE NATIONAL ART CENTER, TOKYO