Impressive architecture in Tokyo (9 must-see spots)

A curated guide to Tokyo’s top architectural landmarks

Tokyo’s skyline is a masterclass in contrast—where centuries-old temples sit comfortably next to sleek, futuristic towers. It’s a city where tradition isn’t lost to modernity, but rather, woven into it.

From the refined elegance of Edo-era wooden architecture to the bold, avant-garde structures that push the limits of design, Tokyo is a living showcase of architectural evolution.

We're guiding you through some pretty impressive architecture in Tokyo, where stunning visuals meet engaging cultural experiences. But first, a quick look at what makes Japanese architecture so special.

Traditional Japanese architecture

Traditional Japanese architecture is rooted in a deep connection to nature and simplicity, emphasizing balance, harmony, and craftsmanship. One of its most defining features is the use of natural materials such as wood, paper (washi), and bamboo, which not only create a sense of warmth but also reflect the changing seasons.

Structures often feature raised floors (shoin-zukuri), sloped roofs with wide eaves (kirizuma), and intricate joinery techniques that eliminate the need for nails or metal fasteners. Sliding doors (shoji) made of wood and paper panels allow for flexible, open spaces and a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

Temples and shrines, such as Sensoji and Meiji Jingu, exemplify the traditional wabi-sabi aesthetic—an appreciation for imperfection and the beauty of aging. Tatami mat flooring, engawa verandas, and wooden lattices (kōshi) are just a few more elements that continue to define the architecture of this era.

Traditional Japanese structures are not only designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also to endure earthquakes, with carefully calculated proportions and lightweight materials.

Modern Japanese architecture

Modern Japanese architecture is a striking contrast to its traditional counterpart, often defined by bold, minimalist designs and cutting-edge innovation.

Influenced by the post-war boom and rapid urbanization, Japanese architects like Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando reimagined the urban landscape, combining sleek lines, concrete, and glass with nature. Today’s modern buildings often feature clean geometric shapes, an abundance of natural light, and open interiors designed for functionality and flow.

Tokyo’s modern skyline showcases this juxtaposition, with iconic structures like the Tokyo Skytree and the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower representing the city’s futuristic vision. Many buildings incorporate eco-friendly designs, such as green roofs, energy-efficient glass, and solar panels. The use of industrial materials, from exposed concrete to steel beams, paired with sustainable technology, pushes the boundaries of form and function.

Whether it's public spaces or private residences, modern Japanese architecture also demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt to urban challenges, from limited space to earthquake preparedness.

Must-see architecture in Tokyo (12 spots)

Tokyo's a city that'll surprise you at every turn, a mind-blowing mix of ancient temples, quirky backstreets, and futuristic buildings that seem to defy gravity. Learn more about 12 architectural gems and experiences.

Tokyo Toilets Tour

Koji Yakusho in Perfect Days, Wim Wender’s film about a Tokyo toilet cleaner — Source: The Guardian

Tokyo takes even the most ordinary aspects of urban life to extraordinary levels, and public toilets are no exception. The Tokyo Toilets Project, featuring designs by renowned architects like Shigeru Ban and Tadao Ando, has transformed the humble restroom into an architectural experience. Scattered across the neighborhood of Shibuya, these 17 public toilets are not only functional but also an embodiment of design ingenuity.

From transparent walls that magically turn opaque when locked to minimalist structures that blend into their surroundings, these restrooms push the boundaries of urban design. Inside, you’ll find features like heated seats, bidet functions, automatic flushing, and even background sound systems to mask unwanted noises. These eco-conscious toilets also incorporate water-saving technologies, elevating them from mere facilities to models of sustainable urban design.

The Tokyo Toilets Project aims to shift perceptions of public spaces, proving that even the most mundane places can be both practical and beautiful. For architecture enthusiasts, the Tokyo Toilets Tour offers an unexpectedly delightful and insightful look at how Tokyo integrates design into every aspect of city life.

National Stadium

Tokyo’s National Stadium, designed by Kengo Kuma for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is where tradition and modernity meet in spectacular fashion. This architectural marvel combines the warmth of natural materials with the sleekness of contemporary design. Wrapped in a lattice of timber sourced from all 47 of Japan’s prefectures, the stadium pays homage to the engawa verandas of traditional Japanese homes.

But the National Stadium is more than just a pretty face. It’s designed with sustainability in mind, featuring rainwater collection systems, natural ventilation, and solar panels—proving that a massive structure can also be eco-friendly. Sports fan or an architecture lover, standing in this arena feels like experiencing the future of design, with 68,000 seats offering not just a view of the field, but a glimpse into the future of sustainable architecture.

Edo Architecture Museum

For a deep exploration of Tokyo’s architectural past, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum offers a time capsule of Edo-period craftsmanship and design. Located in Koganei Park, this open-air museum showcases beautifully preserved historical buildings, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese architecture up close. The museum houses everything from merchant houses (machiya) and bathhouses (sento) to farmhouses, each reflecting the painstaking craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Wander through streets lined with Edo-period shops and homes, and admire architectural details like wooden lattice doors (kōshi), steep thatched roofs, and tatami-mat flooring. The buildings are carefully reconstructed, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back into old Tokyo.

This museum is a must-see for anyone curious about how traditional Japanese architecture influenced the city’s development, while also offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s modern pace. For architecture buffs, it’s a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of urban design from the Edo period to the present day.

Housing Tour

A series of tiny houses in Japan. — Source: Leonardo Di Chiari

Tokyo’s architecture isn’t just about looking—it’s about living. Enter micro-housing, where you can experience test living in some of the city’s most innovative residential spaces. Architect Leonardo Di Chiara’s project showcases Japanese modern architecture houses that are ideal for the urban lifestyle.

With limited land available, Tokyo has become a hub for creative solutions to make small spaces feel larger and more functional. This housing perfectly exemplifies efficiency, using sliding walls, modular furniture, and multi-functional rooms to maximize every square inch.

You can immerse yourself in these test-living spaces to see how design innovation tackles the challenges of urban density. These compact homes offer an insight into how Tokyo’s architects are responding to the city's unique needs while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern living. So, for those intrigued by space-saving designs, this housing tour is a hands-on experience in the future of housing.

Ginza Sony Park (Grand opening in Jan 2025)

In the heart of Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, Ginza Sony Park is a multi-layered public space that defies traditional design expectations. Rather than towering upward like its surrounding skyscrapers, this innovative park descends underground, offering an unexpected and refreshing break from the urban hustle. Designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, the park spans multiple subterranean levels, fusing nature, art, and technology together.

Each level offers a different experience—from green spaces and pop-up shops to art installations and tech exhibits. The design ethos here is all about creating an open and flexible environment that encourages discovery. Transparent walls, minimalist architecture, and interactive exhibits showcase Sony’s legacy of innovation while offering visitors a chance to explore the intersection of technology and nature.

Ginza Sony Park is a must-see for those who appreciate forward-thinking urban design and the ways in which architecture can redefine public spaces in a densely populated city.

Nintendo Museum

The Nintendo Museum, located in Kyoto (not exactly Tokyo, but worth a mention!), is a homage to both the company’s storied past and its cutting-edge innovation. Situated in the former Uji Ogura Plant, the building maintains its industrial heritage, with exposed steel beams and brick facades, while introducing modern elements like glass walls and interactive exhibits that celebrate the brand’s evolution.

The museum’s architectural design reflects the journey of Nintendo—from crafting hanafuda playing cards to revolutionizing the gaming industry—with exhibit spaces that echo the sleek, user-friendly aesthetics seen in its most iconic consoles.

Visitors will be able to trace Nintendo’s transition from traditional games to digital entertainment, with gallery spaces that utilize adaptive lighting to enhance the experience of vintage gaming devices and cutting-edge technology. The museum’s layout, with open-plan areas and interactive zones, offers a tactile journey that mirrors Nintendo’s philosophy of playful innovation.

Niwa no Yu

Niwa no Yu is a hidden oasis in Tokyo, offering a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese bathhouse experience. This hot spring and spa facility is known for its elegant architectural design, which combines natural elements with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

The entrance is framed by traditional wooden gates and stone paths, leading you through a garden designed with a kaiyū-shiki teien layout, encouraging exploration and tranquility. Inside, the baths are surrounded by minimalist wood and stone surfaces, creating a sense of serenity that echoes traditional onsen culture.

The baths themselves are heated naturally, and the indoor and outdoor facilities are designed to integrate with the surrounding garden, offering views of lush greenery from the hot springs. Niwa no Yu is a perfect example of how traditional Japanese bathing rituals can be elevated with modern architecture—combining functionality with the calming effect of natural surroundings, giving visitors a chance to unwind in style. It is also walking distance away from Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter.

Teikoku-yu

Teikoku-yu is a traditional Japanese sento (public bathhouse) in the heart of Tokyo that offers a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s rich bathing culture. Built with a reverence for traditional bathhouse architecture, Teikoku-yu’s façade is adorned with karahafu (curved gables) reminiscent of temple architecture, lending the building a sense of grandeur and timelessness. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, wooden beams, and intricately tiled floors that evoke the spirit of the Showa era.

The baths themselves are divided into indoor and outdoor sections, with meticulously crafted stone and tile work in each bath area. The centerpiece is the large, deep soaking tub made from natural stone, complemented by open windows that allow for ventilation and natural light. The traditional noren curtains, separating the men’s and women’s sections, add a touch of authentic charm to the experience.

Teikoku-yu’s architecture, with its mix of traditional and functional design, provides a calm and communal space where visitors can immerse themselves in a quintessential Japanese bathhouse experience.

Yamamotoyama Fujie Sabo

Located in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district, Yamamotoyama Fujie Sabo is a tea salon designed to honor the 300-year history of the Yamamotoyama tea company. The architecture of this serene space reflects the essence of traditional tea culture, with clean lines and an intimate layout that invites contemplation.

The exterior, crafted from natural wood and stone, echoes the understated elegance of a traditional Japanese tea house, while the interior features minimalist design, focusing on natural materials like cedar and tatami mats.

The tearoom is designed with large windows that frame views of a meticulously kept garden, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the surrounding nature. Low wooden tables and seating enhance the authentic tea experience, offering visitors a serene atmosphere to enjoy matcha and seasonal sweets.

Yamamotoyama Fujie Sabo’s architecture is a tribute to traditional Japanese design, blending function with a calming aesthetic that enhances the experience of tea appreciation in a space that feels as timeless as the tea culture itself.

Ready to explore the architecture in Tokyo?

Tokyo is a living gallery where centuries-old temples stand beside futuristic towers, each structure offering a glimpse into the city’s soul. Every corner reveals something unexpected—from quirky public spaces to breathtaking architectural feats that push the boundaries of design. These 11 must-see spots tell the story of a city that seamlessly intertwines its past with its bold vision for the future.

Want to venture deeper into Tokyo’s architectural wonders? Let TokudAw’s private tours and expert drivers guide you through the city’s hidden gems for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.