Best Architecture Spot List

A temple of flowers, with a circuit-style garden

A Western-style residence commissioned by former Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama. Various flowers such as roses bloom beautifully from season to season.

Reconstructed in Takada Park, the Sanju Yagura houses a gallery of artifacts and an observation room

The facade of the Asahi Group's headquarter building was designed in the image of a beer mug.

A bridge with a beautiful rectilinear design listed in ”100 Views of New Tokyo.”

Hikawa Maru, an ocean liner of Nippon Yusen (NYK Line or Japan Mail Shipping Line), is one of the historical cargo-passenger ships and was built in 1930 for the purpose of running a regular route to Seattle. Today, the liner is open to the public and the visitors can enter the guestroom, the dining room, wheelhouse, the engine room, and other areas.

It is the Buddhist temple which is said to be the origin of maneki-neko or a luck-inviting cat figurine, beckoning with its right front paw. In its temple grounds, a number of historical assets still remain.

Worshipped as the deity of good fortune, this is the head shrine of all the Ebisu-jinja shrines in Japan that enshrine Ebisu, the god of business success. During the period from January 9 to 11 called Toka Ebisu, the shrine bustles with as many as one million visitors every year. A particularly famous event at this time is the Shinto ritual called Fukuotoko Erabi (choosing a lucky man), which takes place early in the morning of January 10. It is also well known that Hanshin Tigers players come here in spring to pray for victory before the official professional baseball season begins. The 247-meter Oneribei, which was constructed in the Muromachi Period, and the Omote-Daimon gate, which was built in 1604 using funds donated by Hideyori Toyotomi, are both designated as national Important Cultural Properties.

The temple hall is classified as an Important Cultural Property, modeled after Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto Higashiyama. The gorgeous vermillion facade fascinates visitors.

One of two Daihonzan (head temples) of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, with modern buildings in the spacious temple grounds. You can practice Zen meditation here.

Built in the Gongen-zukuri style, this shrine was founded by the lord of the Kishu domain, Yorinobu Tokugawa, in 1621 to enshrine his father Ieyasu. Similar to Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine, the magnificent shrine pavilion is surrounded by sculptures by Jingoro Hidari and wall paintings by Tanyu Kano. Seven shrine structures including the Haiden, the Honden, and the vermillion Romon Gate, are designated as national Important Cultural Properties. At the shrine, Mikoshitogyo, which is one of the great festivals called Wakamatsuri, takes place where men carry mikoshi (portable shrine carried in festivals) and courageously descend 108 steps, followed by a parade of 1,000 people.

Established by Emperor Shirakawa during the Heian Period, the temple's name derives from the ingo (posthumous Buddhist name) of Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun). While exploring the precinct, you'll find the graves of Yoshiakira and Masatsura Kusunoki, the busho (military commander) of Nancho (Southern Court) located next to each other. Masatsura was much respected by Yoshiakira even though he was an enemy general. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a striking red (visitors are not allowed to bring in a tripod stand or a unipod).

This huge 12-meter tall model of ”Godzilla” was established as the symbol of Kabukicho, Shinjuku.

The Hachiko Statue, an iconic symbol standing near the bustling scramble intersection of Shibuya Station, is a well-loved fixture in Tokyo tourism. A popular meetup location, it has garnered considerable attention from international visitors, who are often found capturing its charming presence. A visit to Shibuya would be incomplete without stopping by this faithful statue, along with other renowned attractions such as SHIBUYA SKY, MIYASHITA PARK, and Shibuya Center Street. This endearing statue encapsulates the appeal of Shibuya, radiating an enduring charm. Before you explore the vibrant sights of Shibuya, be sure to commemorate your visit with a selfie with this beloved statue.

The Enoshima Shrine is situated on Enoshima Island and is dedicated to the worship of three sister goddesses. It is a popular power spot to increase luck with money and matchmaking.

The central bank in Japan. The public can visit the Main Building (Old Building), designated as a National Important Cultural Property, as well as part of the New Building. (Photo provided by: Bank of Japan)

The Nicholai-do Cathedral (commonly spelled as Nikorai-do in Japan) is a Byzantine-style cathedral with a characteristic dome roof. In addition to a tour to see cultural assets, you can also participate in a mass service.

Torikoe Shrine has over 1,360 years of history. It is an old, historical shrine that receives many visitors at its traditional events such as the Tondo Yaki ceremonial burning and the Torikoe Festival.

The main gate of Sensoji Temple. Its huge, impressive paper lantern with ”Kaminarimon” written in kanji is a landmark of Asakusa.

Strong Chinese influence, rare in Kitano