Daiwa Ubiquitous Computing Research Building (on the University of Tokyo campus)

Mind-blowing rows of cedar boards

Photograph courtesy of the Noboru Koshizuka Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, University of Tokyo

Construction of this unique building was overseen by the architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the new Japan National Stadium. The building's entrance-side is covered in approx. 15 tons of fire-proofed cedar boards arranged in overlapping rows to create a scale effect. On the side facing the adjoining Kaitokukan Garden is an earthen wall, created by the plasterer Syuhei Hasado, that fuses the building and garden.

5-min. walk from Hongo-sanchome Station on the Toei Oedo Line

*Unauthorized persons are not permitted to enter the building. Depending on the situation regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus, access to the campus may be restricted.

Nakagin Capsule Tower Building

Fascinating neo-futuristic exterior

Photograph courtesy of the Nakagin Capsule Style (Soshisha)

Designed by the architect Kisho Kurokawa, this building featuring an avant-garde exterior with round windows and overlapping white capsules (cubes) was constructed 50 years ago. In addition to residences, the building's apartments were used as offices and second homes. The building is to be demolished, so be quick if you want to take a look!

7-min. walk from Higashi-ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line

Zoshigaya Missionary House Museum (McCaleb Old Missionary House)

A stylish Western-style building standing quietly

This modern wooden Western-style house was built for J.M. McCaleb, an American missionary who came to Japan during the Meiji period and lived here for 34 years. Features such as the front porch and bay window next to the porch are typical of American suburban residences in the late 19th century.

7-min. walk from Toden-zoshigaya Stop on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)

SHIBAURA HOUSE

The innovatively transparent exterior captures the eyes

Designed by the world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima, this building is encased in glass, making the movement of people inside visible from the outside. Because the building's concept is "A house in Shibaura," the first floor comprises a garden-like space where visitors can relax.

10-min. walk from Mita Station on the Toei Mita Line

*The free spaces on the first and second floors are currently closed for the foreseeable future. For information about events, please check the Shibaura House website or social media.

Tokyo Holy Resurrection Cathedral

Experience an exotic atmosphere in Surugadai

With its eye-catching central dome towering approx. 38 m high, this cathedral is the largest example of Byzantine Revival architecture in Japan. The nickname "Nickolai Cathedral" honors the missionary Ivan Dmitrievich Kasatkin, later St. Nicholas of Japan, who came to Japan from Russia to evangelize for the Russian Orthodox Church. The British architect Josiah Conder also contributed to the design for this nationally designated important cultural property.

7-min. walk from Ogawamachi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line

*Unauthorized persons are currently prohibited from entering the cathedral as part of measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The Iko Archeological Park Exhibition Hall

Slip back into time to an ancient lifestyle

With many artifacts from the Kofun period found around Iko, the area is thought to have been at the center of an ancient settlement. Outside the exhibition hall are recreations of pit-house dwellings, with life-sized dioramas conveying how people of those times lived.

21-min. walk from Toneri Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner