Our selection of Tokyo's most beautiful skyscrapers
- Published on : 04/11/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
National Art Center Tokyo
@YELLOW Mao on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Dizzying skyscrapers and sculptural facades: in Tokyo, buildings compete in boldness and creativity. A canvas for the world’s greatest architects, the Japanese capital is sure to captivate architecture enthusiasts. Which buildings are worth a visit? The Japan Experience team presents its selection.
1. National Art Center, Tokyo
Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, the National Art Center stands out for its immense, undulating glass facade, resembling a wave.
Inside, the walkways and conical structures make quite an impression. Considered one of Japan’s largest exhibition spaces, the center is appreciated as much for its architecture as for its temporary exhibitions.
Our tip? Combine your visit with a trip to the Mori Art Museum (located at the top of the Roppongi Hills Tower for a panoramic view of the city) and explore Tokyo Midtown, the perfect complex for dining and shopping in the area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558
HOURS: Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ACCESS: Direct access from Nogizaka Station, Exit 6 (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
National Art Center Tokyo
@YELLOW Mao on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
2. Tokyo Skytree
At 634 meters tall, the Tokyo Skytree has become one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Its slender silhouette is inspired in part by Japanese pagodas and stands as a testament to engineering prowess. Beyond its architecture, the tower offers spectacular views of Tokyo and, on clear days, of Mount Fuji. At its base, the Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex extends the visitor experience.
Our tip? Be sure to explore the area around the tower by strolling along the Sumida River!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045
HOURS: Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; weekends, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
ACCESS: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro and Toei)
Discover the Skytree and its surroundings
@Unsplash
3. Gakuen Cocoon Tower
You can’t miss this spectacular tower amid the skyscrapers of Shinjuku! With 50 floors, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower was designed by Tange Associates. Its egg-shaped silhouette, enveloped in a white geometric structure, evokes a giant cocoon. Home to several schools specializing in fashion, design, and technology, it symbolizes the transformation and emergence of new talent. A true urban sculpture that’s well worth a visit!
Please note: You cannot visit the inside of the tower. To get a closer look, the best spot is still the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. And to get a bird’s-eye view of the neighborhood, head to Nomura Building, just a stone’s throw from Cocoon Tower.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1-7-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023.
DIRECTIONS: About a 3-minute walk from the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
@Chris Ubik on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
4. Prada Aoyama
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the Prada building is one of Tokyo’s most daring architectural achievements. Its glass facade, composed of curved panels, resembles a giant crystal whose appearance shifts with the light. And for good reason: inside, the reflections create a unique visual experience. A true urban sculpture that perfectly illustrates the convergence of architecture and the world of luxury.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 5-2-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
HOURS: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: About a 5- to 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station
Prada Aoyama
@ryan pikkel on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Are you passionate about architecture? Discover Tokyo’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces with our special architecture tour!
5. SunnyHills
Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, SunnyHills is a little gem hidden behind an impressive wooden structure. Its facade evokes a geometric forest, consisting of an intricate interlacing of Japanese cypress pieces, assembled using a traditional technique called jigoku-gumi. The building also houses a shop selling Taiwanese pastries, which you can enjoy while sipping a nice cup of tea.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3-10-20 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
HOURS: Daily , 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: About a 5- to 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station
SunnyHills
@bm.iphone on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
6. Tokyo International Forum
Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, the Tokyo International Forum catches the eye with its immense glass atrium. With its metal structure, suspended walkways, and gigantic glass roofs, the building resembles the hull of a futuristic ship. Natural light floods the entire space, transforming the interior throughout the day.
Hosting conferences, shows, and exhibitions, the building is worth a visit even if you’re not attending an event!
Our tip? The forum is a great starting point for exploring the area around Tokyo Station. Not far from there, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace offer a pleasant stroll.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
HOURS: Common areas open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
ACCESS: a 1-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and about a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station
Tokyo International Forum
@Wikimedia
7. Mikimoto Ginza 2-chome
Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, Mikimoto Ginza 2 Chome stands out for its pink facade punctuated by irregular openings. Its unconventional structure, both elegant and organic, breaks with the traditional facades of the Ginza district.
Home to Mikimoto Jewelry, this building is a must-see for all architecture enthusiasts!
Our recommendation: if you love stationery, head to Itoya Ginza, the 12-story flagship store dedicated to high-end Japanese stationery!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2-4-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
HOURS: Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: A few minutes’ walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro)
Mikimoto Ginza 2-chome
@dalbera on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Want to explore the city through the eyes of a local? Our guided tour of Tokyo is perfect for you!
8. Maison Hermès
Located in the heart of Ginza, Maison Hermès is one of Tokyo’s most elegant buildings.
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the building stands out for its facade made up of thousands of translucent glass blocks, resembling a giant Japanese lantern suspended in the heart of the city.
As night falls, the light from inside transforms the facade. This remarkable achievement illustrates how major international firms help shape the capital’s skyline.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 5-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
HOURS: Thursday through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: A few minutes’ walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro)
Maison Hermès
@Wikimedia
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