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Architecture Tourism in Tokyo: Five Spots You Must Visit

Architecture Tourism in Tokyo: Five Spots You Must Visit

 

 

Getting to know a city’s history through its architecture is a fascinating journey that drives us through different moments in time, culture and art. Tokyo is a specially interesting city looked through this lens, since it provides radically diverse attractions that coexist in harmony. If you’re looking for a destination that will awaken your senses and stimulate your curiosity and creativity, Tokyo is perfect for you. Here, we recommend five spots you must visit while you’re there.

 

HARAJUKU

This area is currently known as the center of Japanese teenage cultures and trends, but it also offers extremely interesting historic attractions. One of the most important stops in your visit must definitely be Meiji Jingu, one of the city’s major shrines located next to the railway tracks, along with the Yoyogi Park. The whole area offers an extensive overview of Japanese culture, providing us the opportunity to identify foundation rocks for today’s architecture. For those with an expert eye, it will be truly fascinating to look at the intersections between architecture, art and culture as a whole.

 
OMOTESANDO

Near Harajuku you’ll find Omotesando, a tree lined avenue that you definitely should not miss. This area is simply exquisite: along the road you’ll find stores by main luxury brands from around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for shopping or not, the architectural variety displayed is simply astonishing.

THE NATIONAL ART CENTER

This huge museum, located in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, was designed by Kisho Kurokawa. It opened in 2007, and to this day it remains one of Japan’s largest museums. Instead of having a permanent collection, it houses temporary exhibitions and collaborates with different organizations. Its gleaming glass structure is impressive.

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

This museum is the perfect attraction for architecture and design lovers. It was imagined and brought to life by geniuses Tadao Ando and Issey Miyake, influenced by sculptured Isamu Noguchi. Set in the Tokyo Midtown complex in Roppongi, this spot will definitely stimulate your creativity and artistic impulses. It was conceived as a house for new appreciations and interpretations of design. During your visit, you should not miss the subterranean gallery: its steel roof is inspired in both clothing and the human body.

INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

If you’re passionate about both architecture and literature, this building will leave you in complete awe. This library houses the official collection of children’s books and stories in Japan, it hosts around 400,000 books, a book museum, a research room and much more. This brick building used to be the old Imperial Library, which was built in 1906. 

There’s no better way to explore the world than with a curious and eager eye, and for this purpose, Tokyo is an infinite source of amazement for art, culture and architecture lovers. Take your chances and explore its diverse attractions, there’s no doubt you’ll return home full of inspiration and excitement!


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