Traditional & Colonial Architecture in Tokyo

Tokyo is known to be a modern city and a leading place in terms of technology. On the other hand, traditional and colonial architecture in this city are being preserved well. Their history and culture are given importance to. Their wabi-sabi principle is seen everywhere in the city. Here are some of the structures that show the rich history of Tokyo as a city today:

1. Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kōkyo)
Completed Year: 1968
Area: 7410000 sq.m.  (741 hectares)

Surrounded by moat and massive stone wall

This palace is built on the site of the original Edo Castle, which formerly housed the successive Tokugawa shoguns in Edo era. Today, Japan's Emperor and some of the imperial family reside here. It is surrounded by a moat and tree areas in the heart of Tokyo, a metropolitan city. A compound of several building, this is divided into three blocks or general areas, which include the Fukiage Gyoen (Imperial Residence), main Imperial Palace and area where the official deals and ceremonies are being held.



Palace East Garden is the only part of the palace complex which is open to the public, as the main palace is off-limits.

Hyakunin-bansho Guardhouse with intricate gabled roof

Free Entrance Fee (with free 75-min tour)

Address
1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku

How to get there

Chiyoda Line: Nijubashi-mae Station(Exit 6 + 10-min walk)
Mita Line: Otemachi Station (Exit D2 + 10-min walk)
JR Line: Tokyo Station (Marunochi Central Exit + 15-min walk)

2. Tokyo Station
(Marunouchi Building)
Completed Year: 1914
(Restoration: 2013)
Architect: Kingo Tatsuno

Colonial architecture (influenced by Western) during the Sino & Russo-Japanese War.

3. Sensōji Temple

Completed Year: 7th century

This Buddhist temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is located in a historical district, Asakusa. Being the oldest temple in Tokyo, it shows the colorful and rich history of Japan.

Kaminari Gate

Free entrance fee

How to get there

Ginza Subway Line, & Tobu Railways: Asakusa Station

4. Old Guest House "Ryokan"

An example of a traditional house in Japan

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"When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature-this very unique to Japan."

-Tadao Ando