Harajuku Architecture: 10 Great Buildings
Yes, I’ve complained about buildings in Tokyo in the past. Many of them are just concrete, steel, and glass boxes. But changes are on the way. Harajuku architecture is a leader. Interesting developments have taken place there in recent years.
Am I presumptuous? You should be the judge. Here are ten buildings along or near Omotesando I’d like you to consider. They aren’t in any order, just cool.
Hugo Boss building
Opened in 2012
Designed by Norihiko Dan
This might be my favorite piece of Harajuku architecture. Concrete and grey are the themes. It stands out. Is it reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings tower? It’s Boss, brutal, stunning and stylish.
Prada Tokyo Aoyama
Opened in 2003
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron
The interior of the building is fluid. Can you see the connections between each floor? Is it all one continuous space?
The structure looks like a single piece. Convex, bubble-like diamonds cover this glass tower. At night, the interior lights transform it into a glowing tower.
The Iceberg
Opened in 2006
Designed by Benjamin Warner
A standout piece of Harajuku architecture. Blue-tinted glass combined with its angular facade gives the building a three-dimensional feel. A fantasy writer created this crystal tower.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Opened in 2012
Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura
This building is on the main intersection of Harajuku. Trendy people crowd its mega fashion shop, The Shel’tter Tokyo. Others head to its restaurants like Bills Omotesando and Urth Caffe. Many photograph its wall-of-mirrors entrance.
Hulic Aoyama No. 2 Building
Completed in 2008
Designed by Jun Aoki and Associates
Seven types of windows punctuate this nine-floor office building’s facade. They range from 1.5 to 2.2 meters in size. The ceilings are 4.9 meters high.
Strangely, it reminds me of the Derinkuyu underground city in Turkey. Of course, this is vertical! By the way, this building used to be known as Sia Aoyama. A long time ago, Red Bull occupied it. I used to teach English to their staff!
Spiral Building
Completed in 1985
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki
Spiral is an arts complex in Tokyo’s Aoyama that fuses culture and business. It has spaces for various activities. An art gallery, a cafe, a multipurpose hall, restaurants, gift shops, and a beauty salon occupy it.
The name derives from the building’s exterior and interior design. They express the image of an ascending spiral. Walk inside and you’ll see exactly that.
Miumiu Omotesando
Completed in 2015
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron
Miu Miu is a sister brand of Prada across the road. Herzog and de Meuron built both. The building is different from many in the area.
The architects didn’t want another glass tower. They made this one see-through. The interior is visible from all sides. It’s interesting. Aoyama Cemetery is nearby too!
Dior Omotesando
Completed in 2003
Designed by Kazuyo Sejima+Ryue Nishizawa
Dior Omotesando is a trapezoid box. Due to building laws, it couldn’t be higher than 30 meters. The architects used floors of different heights to maximize space. Isn’t that innovative?
The building’s showpiece is the exterior glass. It has two skins. A clean, square, outer one of clear glass with the inner one of translucent acrylic. The external facade gives a hint at what is inside while revealing nothing. When lit at night it’s spectacular.
Yoyogi National Gymnasium
Opened in 1964
Designed by architect Kenzo Tange
The Yoyogi National Gymnasium is iconic and modern with its sweeping profile. Completed in time for Tokyo’s 1964 Summer Olympic Games, this building belongs in the twenty-first century. It was probably the first great piece of Harajuku architecture.
Ao Building
Completed in 2009
Designed by the architectural firm Sakakura Associates
With its striking silhouette, this shopping and office complex stands out in Aoyama. Apparently, from the rooftop, you can see Mount Fuji. I need to check that out!
Where is this Harajuku architecture?
Here is a Google map with all the locations:
Conclusion
That is ten great pieces of Harajuku architecture! Well, one or two might be closer to Shibuya. What do you think? Do you agree with me? If you think they are, let me know. And tell me if you think I’m wrong! It would be great to hear some opinions. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
