12 Gorgeous Buildings in Tokyo to Bless Your IG Feed

A trip to Tokyo is probably included in almost every traveller’s bucket list. Everything is picture-perfect; from scenic bridges to mesmerising skylines and bustling streets to quaint temples, almost every spot in this country is breathtaking. Over the years, architecture in Japan has also taken leaps and bounds in so many ways — reviving grey concrete buildings and straightforward structures into reimagined infrastructures that build a new reputation for modern architecture.

A completely unique blend of tradition and contemporary, Tokyo has these 12 gorgeous buildings to bless your IG feed, for when you want to revamp your profile and turn it into an online Japanese scrapbook.

Also read: 12 Best Day Trips From Tokyo & How to Get There

Captivating buildings in Tokyo, Japan that are perfect additions to your IG feed

1. Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is an impossible one to miss as it is a prominent landmark in Tokyo. Standing at 634 metres (2,080 feet), this building offers panoramic views of Tokyo from the 350- and 450-metre-high observation decks — depending on how high you wish to view the city, you’ll prefer one over the other. Wait for the sun to set in one of their observation decks and you’ll surely capture a picture-perfect memory worth keeping in your feed forever.

Make your trip even more memorable by booking a reservation at the SKY Restaurant 634 where you can gaze at the city below while enjoying a scrumptious meal of French and Japanese dishes. On a clear day, you’ll even get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance!

TripZilla tip: Tokyo Skytree is also the perfect addition to your cherry blossom-filled IG photos since it can be seen from notable sakura spots in Japan.

Also read: 10 Underrated Sakura Spots in Japan

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange is one of the most notable buildings in Tokyo with a 202-metre observatory that offers breathtaking views of the metropolis. The huge windows are significant features of the building, giving visitors a stunning view of Mt. Fuji and the city skyline blending perfectly with the vibrant hues of the sunset.

Also read: 12 Coolest Things to Do in Shibuya, Tokyo for First-Timers

3. Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center

If we’re listing down the gorgeous buildings in Tokyo, then the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center is hard to miss. For one, it’s eye-catching, designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma to resemble separate flats stacked on top of each other. 

Not to mention, it’s an essential stop for newcomers in the area. Located across the iconic Sensoji Temple, this notable building offers an information desk for tourists, free guided tours, currency exchange, and an observatory that offers stunning views of Sensoji. Cultural exhibits, conferences, and other events are occasionally held on different floors of the building. Meanwhile, the second floor is mostly a hotspot for tourists who need charging ports. So, if you’re ever running short of battery and you’re just around the area, you know where to go.

4. Tokyo Tower

Eiffel Tower? Nope, it’s Tokyo Tower! Another one of the notable buildings in Japan hailed for its stunning architecture, the tower not only offers an observation deck where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo, but it’s also near popular nature attractions such as the Meiji Shrine, Shiba Park, and Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. In autumn, this place features the perfect blend of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, transforming into a real-life autumn filter that is the perfect backdrop for your IG photos.

5. Tokyo Station

Gossip Girl fans will surely be reminded of the Grand Central Station scene when you set foot in Tokyo Station. This is one of the most important buildings in Tokyo as it holds history, transportation, and business all in one place. Plus, the old-fashioned red brick facade is definitely something worth capturing for a postcard.

Tokyo Station serves about 450,000 passengers every day on its 28 platforms, making it one of the country’s largest operating stations. Just around the area is a business district where corporate employees come and go. 

Also read: Tokyo Rush Hour: 10 Tips to Help You Survive Train Rides

6. Tokyo National Museum

Travellers who have an affinity with art and architecture will love everything about the Tokyo National Museum. It holds relics of Japanese and Asian culture, as well as a vast collection of Japanese artworks that date back to the 1800s. The museum is home to many art and historic pieces such as paintings, sculptures, pottery, and swords among other things. While the architecture of this Japan building is picturesque, take note that visitors are still required to observe proper museum etiquette, especially when it comes to taking photos and videos.

7. St. Mary’s Cathedral

Renowned architect Kenzo Tange continues to reinvent architecture in Japan with the awe-inspiring wonder of St. Mary’s Cathedral. This modern Roman Catholic church is made of stainless steel exterior that beautifully reflects light, making it a sight to behold. As sunlight bathes the cross-shaped nave of this idyllic place of worship, the atmosphere also continues to change throughout the day.

Home to the largest pipe organ in a Japanese church, the cathedral holds a free organ concert every second Friday of the month (excluding January and August) from 7 to 7.40pm.

8. Ghibli Museum

Kids and kids at heart will love this whimsical museum that is dedicated to all things Studio Ghibli. The Ghibli Museum is carefully handcrafted and filled with nothing but a burst of colours from the paintings on the ceiling down to the glass-reflected coloured stone floors. Each corner of this vibrant museum is every kid’s dream come true. If you’re aiming for an eye-catching photo for the ‘Gram then this museum is definitely worth the visit!

Also read: 10 Destinations in Asia That Inspired (Or Were Inspired by) Studio Ghibli Movies

9. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Located at the heart of the concrete jungle Shinjuku, the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is unlike any average skyscraper in Japan. The 204-metre behemoth is shaped like a futuristic cocoon and is home to fashion, IT, and medical services schools. The unique design by Tange Associates speaks its purpose loud and clear: To nurture and transform students and their dreams within its walls. Although the building is exclusive to students and employees, you can still admire and take photos outside.

10. Tokyo International Exhibition Center Conference Tower

This building in Tokyo is a sight you cannot miss. Walking past the Tokyo International Exhibition Center Conference Tower aka Tokyo Big Sight will probably have you rubbing your eyes thinking you must be in some kind of sci-fi movie. Take uninterrupted photos of the tower when there are no ongoing events and exhibitions to get a full view of the avant-garde facade. At night, it looks even more dazzling when captured alongside other nearby futuristic buildings in Tokyo.

11. Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center

Located in the bustling city district of Ginza, the Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center is one of the many buildings that continue to redefine innovation in the field of architecture in Japan. It’s one of the many avant-garde buildings in Tokyo. Designed by Kenzo Tange, the centre was built in 1967 and inspired by the Metabolist movement’s principles of organic growth and adaptability. This iconic landmark stands 12 storeys tall. It features a central core that supports 13 individual office cubes, very much resembling tree branches and a trunk.

12. Omotesando Keyaki Building

A unique gem located at the heart of Tokyo’s fashion haven is the Omotesando Keyaki Building. This landmark was designed by Norihiko Dan and depicts 136 leaf-shaped, wood-textured concrete columns forming a shell. One of the most notable things about this facade is its ability to transform, giving passersby an ever-changing perspective as they walk by.

Also read: 10 Underrated Sakura Spots in Japan

And there you have it — gorgeous buildings in Tokyo, Japan for when you want to bless your IG feed with striking architecture! Whether you’re in the mood for old-fashioned or modern buildings, Japan offers an array of architectural sights for every traveller.

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