13 Unforgettable Buildings in Japan That Should Be on Your Bucket List

Japan is a beautiful blend of the ancient and the ultra-modern, and nowhere is this contrast more evident than in its architecture.

From centuries-old castles and wooden temples nestled in serene landscapes to soaring glass towers piercing futuristic skylines, the buildings in Japan reflect the nation’s unique journey through time.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 13 of the most iconic and must-visit buildings in Japan, each offering its own set of attractions, architectural brilliance, and insider tips to enhance your visit.

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1. Tokyo Skytree

Highlights

• Tembo Deck (350m): Offers panoramic views of Tokyo, with interactive displays and a glass floor section for thrill-seekers.

• Tembo Galleria (450m): Known as the “world’s highest skywalk,” this spiraling corridor provides a unique ascending view.

• Lighting: This room features two primary lighting styles, Iki (blue) and Miyabi (purple), which represent the spirit of Edo.

Architecture

Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan. Its design incorporates traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, featuring a tripod base that transitions into a cylindrical tower.

Facilities

• Shopping complex (Tokyo Solamachi) with over 300 shops and restaurants.

• Sumida Aquarium and a planetarium.

Accessibility

Fully accessible with elevators and ramps for wheelchair users.

Costs Involved

• Tembo Deck: ¥2,100 (approx. ₹1,300).

• Tembo Galleria: Additional ¥1,000 (approx. ₹620).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan.

• Access: Direct connection to Oshiage Station via Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line.

Pro Tips

• Visit during sunset for breathtaking views.

• Purchase tickets online to avoid long queues.

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2. Tokyo Tower

Highlights

• Main Deck (150m): Provides a 360-degree view of Tokyo, including landmarks like Mount Fuji on clear days.

• Top Deck (250m): Offers a more exclusive viewing experience with guided tours.

Architecture

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters. Its vibrant orange and white color scheme complies with air safety regulations.

Facilities

• FootTown: A four-story building housing museums, restaurants, and shops.

Accessibility

Equipped with elevators and ramps for easy access.

Costs Involved

• Main Deck: ¥1,200 (approx. ₹740).

• Top Deck Tour: ¥3,000 (approx. ₹1,850).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan.

• Access: 10-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line).

Pro Tips

• Evening visits offer stunning illuminated cityscapes.

• Combine with a visit to nearby Zojoji Temple for a cultural experience.’

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3. Umeda Sky Building

Highlights

• Kuchu Teien Observatory (173m): An open-air deck connecting the two towers, offering panoramic views of Osaka.

• Floating Garden: A rooftop garden providing a serene escape amidst the urban landscape.

Architecture

A striking twin-tower design connected by bridges and an escalator at the top, symbolizing the fusion of technology and nature.

Facilities

• Restaurants and cafes with city views.

• Cinema and event spaces.

Accessibility

Elevators and escalators are available; however, the final ascent to the observatory involves stairs.

Costs Involved

• Observatory: ¥1,500 (approx. ₹930).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan.

• Access: 10-minute walk from Osaka Station.

Pro Tips

• Visit during sunset for a mesmerizing view.

• Check the weather forecast to ensure clear visibility.

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4. Abeno Harukas

Highlights

• Harukas 300 Observatory (300m): Offers expansive views of Osaka, including landmarks like Osaka Castle and Mount Ikoma.

• Art Museum: Features rotating exhibitions of Japanese and international art.

Architecture

Abeno Harukas stands at 300 meters, it’s Japan’s tallest skyscraper, characterized by its sleek glass façade and modern design.

Facilities

• Kintetsu Department Store, the largest in Japan.

• Restaurants and a hotel.

Accessibility

Fully accessible with elevators and facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Costs Involved

• Observatory: ¥1,500 (approx. ₹930).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan.

• Access: Direct connection to Tennoji Station.

Pro Tips

• Evening visits provide stunning night views.

• Combine with shopping at the department store for a full-day experience.

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5. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roppongi_Hills_Mori_Tower

Highlights

• Tokyo City View (52nd Floor): Enjoy sweeping city views, including Tokyo Tower and even Mount Fuji on clear days.

• Mori Art Museum: A Contemporary art museum located on the 53rd floor, featuring international exhibitions.

Architecture

• Stands 238 meters tall and is part of the Roppongi Hills complex, blending business, art, and lifestyle.

• Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower features a sleek, cylindrical silhouette.

Facilities

• Luxury residences, office spaces, restaurants, cafes, and a cinema.

• Rooftop Sky Deck for open-air views (weather permitting).

Accessibility

• Fully accessible with elevators and barrier-free entrances.

Costs Involved

• Tokyo City View: ¥2,000 (₹1,250).

• Sky Deck (additional): ¥500 (₹310).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan.

• Access: A few minutes’ walk from Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Oedo Line).

Pro Tips

• Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.

• Check exhibition schedules for the Mori Art Museum before planning your visit.

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6. Nagoya TV Tower

Highlights

• Observation Decks (90m & 100m): Offers views of the Sakae district and Nagoya skyline.

• Illuminated Tower at Night: A stunning sight during evening walks through Hisaya Odori Park.

Architecture

• Built in 1954, it’s Japan’s oldest TV tower.

• The tower stands 180 meters tall with a lattice steel structure inspired by European designs.

Facilities

• Event spaces, shops, and dining within the base and the surrounding park area.

Accessibility

• Elevators available. Wheelchair access to decks.

Costs Involved

• Entry: ¥900 (₹560).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 3 Chome-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003, Japan.

• Access: Sakae Station via Meijo Line or Higashiyama Line.

Pro Tips

• Visit at night for dazzling light displays.

• Combine with a visit to Oasis 21, just nearby.

7. Osaka Castle

Highlights

• Observation Deck (8th Floor): Offers beautiful views of Osaka and the surrounding gardens.

• Interactive Museum: Explore samurai armor, weaponry, and historical displays.

Architecture

• A modern reconstruction of the original 16th-century castle.

• Famous for its stone walls and gold-leaf-covered decorations.

Facilities

• Gift shops, a historical museum, and a large surrounding park.

Accessibility

• Elevators are available up to the 5th floor. Limited access to the top floor for wheelchairs.

Costs Involved

• Entry: ¥600 (₹370).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan.

• Access: Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line).

Pro Tips

• Visit during cherry blossom season (late March–early April).

• Arrive early to avoid tour groups.

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8. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Highlights

• Main Hall Balcony: A massive wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto’s hills and cherry blossoms.

• Otowa Waterfall: Visitors drink sacred water for health, longevity, and success.

Architecture

• Wooden construction with no nails, standing since 778 AD.

• Notable for its large veranda supported by tall wooden pillars.

Facilities

• Gift shops, food stalls, and religious souvenirs.

Accessibility

• Uneven paths and slopes; limited wheelchair access.

Costs Involved

• Entry: ¥400 (₹250).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan.

• Access: Bus from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi.

Pro Tips

• Come early to beat the crowds.

• Ideal during autumn and spring for vibrant foliage and blossoms.

9. Takasugi-an, Nagano

Highlights

• Treehouse Teahouse: Unlike any traditional teahouse, Takasugi-an is a surreal, elevated structure balanced atop two tall chestnut trees.

• Architectural Statement: Designed as a space for “private tea,” it reflects personal rebellion and imagination in architecture.

Architecture

• Created by renowned Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori in 2004.

• The name “Takasugi-an” literally means “a teahouse too high,” a playful nod to its lofty placement.

• Built with natural materials like charred cedar, mud-plastered walls, and hand-cut chestnut trees serving as stilts.

• Accessed via a detachable ladder, reinforcing its exclusivity and meditative isolation.

Facilities

• Minimalist interior with traditional tatami mats.

• Accommodates just a couple of people, purely ceremonial, not commercial.

• No public amenities like shops or restrooms due to its conceptual nature.

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible due to the ladder entrance and elevated structure.

• Not open to the general public regularly – primarily an architectural piece or visited by special arrangement.

Costs Involved

• No fixed entry fee, as it is not a commercial tourist attraction.

• Special tours or visits may be arranged through architectural or academic organizations.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: Near Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan (exact location is intentionally low-profile).

• How to Get There: Take a train to Chino Station, then travel via local taxi or private transport. Prior arrangements or local guidance may be necessary.

Pro Tips

• If you’re passionate about architecture, try visiting during design tours or architecture-focused festivals in Nagano.

• Respect the space as a conceptual work of art; it’s not designed for mass tourism.

• Bring a camera, but be mindful of local privacy and property regulations.

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10. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Highlights

• Exterior Viewing Only: This is an educational building, so public access is limited.

• Photogenic Architecture: Popular among photographers for its cocoon-like shape.

Architecture

• 204 meters tall, located in Shinjuku.

• Designed to represent nurturing, like a cocoon protecting students.

Facilities

• Houses three educational institutions.

Accessibility

• Limited to students and faculty.

Costs Involved

• Free to admire from the outside.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 1 Chome-7-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.

• Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.

Pro Tips

• Ideal for urban photography during the day or at night.

11. Himeji Castle

Highlights

• Tenshu (Main Keep): Climb six stories for a view of Himeji City.

• Cherry Blossoms: One of Japan’s top spots for hanami.

Architecture

• UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Pristine white plaster walls, complex maze-like defenses, and wooden interiors.

Facilities

• Gift shop and historical displays.

Accessibility

• The interior has many stairs, challenging for wheelchairs.

Costs Involved

• Entry: ¥1,000 (₹620).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan.

• Access: 15-minute walk from Himeji Station.

Pro Tips

• Visit early spring or autumn.

• Wear comfortable shoes for climbing.

12. Yokohama Landmark Tower

Highlights

• Sky Garden (69th Floor): Views of Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, and the Yokohama Bay Bridge.

• World’s Fastest Elevators (when built): Travels at 750 m/min.

Architecture

• 296 meters tall; once the tallest building in Japan.

• Sleek, modern design symbolizes Yokohama’s modernization.

Facilities

• Shopping plaza, hotel, and restaurants.

Accessibility

• Fully wheelchair accessible.

Costs Involved

• Sky Garden: ¥1,000 (₹620).

Location & How to Get There

• Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8190, Japan.

• Access: 5-minute walk from Minatomirai Station.

Pro Tips

• Evening visits show off the glittering waterfront skyline.

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13. Hill of Buddha, Hokkaido

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_the_Buddha

Highlights

• Giant Buddha Statue: The central feature of this hill is a massive Buddha statue, standing at 13.5 meters tall, which is a remarkable sight amidst the serene landscape.

• Peaceful Location: The hill is a place for reflection and tranquility, offering scenic views of the surrounding nature in Hokkaido.

Architecture

• The Giant Buddha is made of concrete and bronze, giving it a timeless feel. It was built to symbolize peace and offer a space for prayer and contemplation.

• The location is strategically designed to provide panoramic views of the area.

Facilities

• Pathways that lead up to the Buddha statue allow visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the hill.

• A small temple is located near the statue where visitors can pray or meditate.

• Gift shop for souvenirs, offering local crafts and religious artifacts.

Accessibility

• The site is relatively accessible with paved paths leading up to the statue.

• Not fully wheelchair accessible due to some steep paths leading to the statue.

• Visitors should be prepared for a bit of walking to reach the hilltop

Costs Involved

• Entry Fee: ¥500 (₹310) for adults.

• Free for children under a certain age, often under 12.

Location & How to Get There

• Address: A 13.5-meter Buddha statue located in Hokkaido, Japan (specific location can be found by visiting nearby landmarks or local guides).

• How to Get There: The easiest way is to take a train to Sapporo Station and then a local bus or taxi to the hill. Alternatively, you can rent a car and follow the signs to the site.

Pro Tips

• The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Don’t forget to bring a camera, as the views from the hill are stunning and perfect for scenic photography.

• Check local guides or websites for special events like meditation sessions or cultural tours offered at the site.

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FAQs

1. What is the tallest building in Japan?

When talking about buildings in Japan, the tallest is Abeno Harukas in Osaka, standing at 300 meters. However, if you include structures, the Tokyo Skytree tops the list at 634 meters.

2. Are observation decks in buildings in Japan accessible to wheelchair users?

Yes, most modern buildings in Japan, such as Tokyo Skytree, Yokohama Landmark Tower, and Abeno Harukas, are wheelchair-friendly. Older landmarks like Himeji Castle may have limited accessibility.

3. Which building in Japan offers the best city views – Tokyo Tower or Skytree?

Both are iconic buildings in Japan. Tokyo Skytree provides higher, more expansive views with modern amenities, while Tokyo Tower offers a nostalgic experience and great city perspectives.

4. Can I visit buildings in Japan at night for views?

Definitely! Many buildings in Japan, including Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, and Umeda Sky Building, stay open into the evening and are beautifully illuminated.

5. Are there combo passes for visiting multiple buildings in Japan?

Yes, several cities offer tourist passes that include access to top buildings in Japan. For example, the Osaka Amazing Pass includes Umeda Sky Building and Abeno Harukas.

6. When is the best season to visit buildings in Japan?

The most scenic times to explore buildings in Japan are spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for colorful foliage, which can be enjoyed from many observation decks.