Wonders of contemporary architecture in Tokyo

- Discover the capital’s emblematic buildings but also its hidden masterpieces
- Half the day will be on foot and will be the perfect opportunity to explore different parts of the capital, off the beaten track
- A different way of exploring Tokyo
- We will take advantage of our walk to do the current exhibition at 21_21 Design Sight
- Incredible view of Tokyo at dusk from a tower
- The opportunity to make your most beautiful Instagram photos

★Meeting time : 9.00 AM

Departure from the chosen meeting point  ​​ St Mary’s cathedral  ​​ Tokyo Nogizaka district  ​​ Omotesando district  ​​ Headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government  ​​ Back to Shinjuku station 

★Return: around 4.30 PM/5.00 PM at Shinjuku station   
 

Built in 1961 by Kenzo Tange in the district of Bunkyo-ku, the building has the shape of a cross, like classical style churches, which contrasts with its resolutely modern appearance. The materials used refer to biblical texts.  "God is my rock" justifies the use of concrete, and the light brought by Christ is expressed by the brilliance of the stainless steel that covers the cathedral. It was named after an eponymous cathedral destroyed during the Second World War, located in the same place. A curiosity which contrasts with the modernity of the building, a French missionary had built there in 1911 a replica of the cave of Massabielle which can still be observed today.

Tokyo National Arts Center

It opened in 2007, the year of the death of its architect Kisho Kurokawa, and has many exhibition rooms. The great names of contemporary art are regularly subjects to retrospectives and the building itself is a wonder. Unlike most Japanese museums, it does not have a permanent collection and does not possess works, so it presents only temporary exhibitions.

21_21 Design Sight

The first museum entirely dedicated to design in Japan, opened its doors in 2007 in the upscale district of Roppongi. It is signed Tadao Ando, and combines ingenious glass and concrete in a semi-underground structure. Directed by three of the biggest names in Japanese design: Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh and Naoto Fukasawa, the museum has several galleries and shines during its temporary exhibitions.

A stroll to Omotesando via Aoyama cemetery

When Ginza can be compared to the Champs-Elysées in Tokyo, Omotesando would be a bit Saint-Honoré street. From major brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, to new Japanese designers, to Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons, Omotesando is a district where Tokyoïte creativity is in full swing. And not just for fashion, the big brands decided to use the biggest international architects to build their Japanese stores. So by simply walking there, if you know which street to turn into, you could feel as you were into a true open-air architecture museum.