Do you love the sight of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks and buildings? If so, the Tokyo Architecture Festival is the event for you. Grab your chance to learn more about the history and background of Tokyo’s architecture.
What to expect
During the festival, over 30 major metropolitan buildings in Tokyo will have special tours you can take inside. These tours will explain the architectural techniques and history behind the buildings, and Tokyo in general. For some of the most popular tours, there will be a lottery system used to pick attendees. You can apply on their website. Note that these tours will only be in Japanese, so wrangle a friend to help translate!
The buildings you can tour include:
- The Mitsui Main Building
- The Tokyo International Forum
- Ginza Sony Park
- Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store
- The Imperial Hotel Tokyo
- The Tokyo Station Hotel
On top of these popular spots, there are other shrines, parks, and even streets you can take guided tours along. These tours will take place in special, closed-off areas so you can appreciate the architecture without the bustling crowds. A must-visit even if you’re not one for architecture, just to see these beautiful spots (almost!) alone.
Tickets
Tours will be held in buildings around Tokyo, in the Ginza, Otemachi, and Nihonbashi areas. Depending on where you want to go, you’ll have to follow a different booking procedure — they’re all listed on the program.
Some areas will be free to walk into, others are free but require an advanced booking, and the most popular will need pre-booking and an upfront fee. If the building is really popular, you might even need to go through a lottery system to get a ticket.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.