Tokyo City Guide: 30 Iconic Buildings to Visit in Japan’s Capital City

One of the world’s leading metropolises, Tokyo is home to extraordinary architecture that fascinates through its blend of traditional values and high-tech expression. The 1923 earthquake and the bombardments of World War II dramatically influenced the image of the city and its architecture, giving rise to modern urban environments with complex infrastructure.

The Japanese capital constitutes the most populated metropolitan area in the world, housing 33 million inhabitants. Divided into 23 wards and numerous neighbourhoods, the city features a diverse blend of atmospheres and urban fabrics that support an amalgamation of architectural typologies.

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The following list showcases 30 iconic modern and contemporary buildings that will provide a good starting point for your first visit to Japan’s largest city, including works from renowned architects such as Nikken Sekkei, Herzog & De Meuron, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Sou Fujimoto, Kenzo Tange, OMA and Kazuyo Sejima.

Tokyu Plaza Ginza / Nikken Sekkei

Yamaha Ginza / Nikken Sekkei

Louis Vuitton Matsuya Ginza Facade Renewal / Jun Aoki & Associates

De Beers Ginza Building / Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects

Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center / Kenzo Tange

Tokyo International Forum / Rafael Viñoly Architects

Louis Vuitton Ginza Flagship Store / Jun Aoki Architects + Peter Marino Architect

Miu Miu Aoyama Store / Herzog & de Meuron

Omotesando Keyaki Building / Norihiko Dan and Associates

Coach Omotesando Flagship / OMA

Yoyogi National Gymnasium / Kenzo Tange

Sunwell Muse Kitasando / Takato Tamagami and Tsutomu Hase

Miyashita Park / Nikken Sekkei

Japan National Stadium / Taisei Corporation + AZUSA SEKKEI + Kengo Kuma & Associates

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower / Kenzo Tange

Spiral Building / Fumihiko Maki

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center / Kengo Kuma & Associates

Koenji Neighborhood

House NA / Sou Fujimoto Architects

Setagaya Neighborhood

Breeze / ARTechnic Architects

Za Koenji Public Theatre / Toyo Ito

Shibaura Neighborhood

Shibaura House by Kazuyo Sejima

Asahi Beer Hall / Philippe Starck

Kōtō ward

Tokyo Aquatics Centre / Tange Associates and Yamashita Sekkei 

The Ariake Gymnastics Centre / Nikken Sekkei + Shimizu Corporation

St. Mary Cathedral / Kenzo Tange

Oshiage  Neighborhood

One @ Tokyo / Kengo Kuma & Associates

Musashino Art University Museum & Library / Sou Fujimoto

Tama Art University Library / Toyo Ito & Associates

Harumi Neighborhood

Harumi Residential Tower / Richard Meier & Partners Architects

Meguro City

Tokyo Institute of Technology Hisao & Hiroko Taki Plaza / Kengo Kuma & Associates

You can visit our list of City Guides here.