Harajuku Architecture: 10 photos of great buildings
Yes, I know that in the past I’ve complained about buildings in Tokyo. Many of them are just concrete, steel, and glass boxes. But some areas are changing. Harajuku architecture is good. Interesting developments have taken place there in recent years.
Well, we should say some of those buildings so you can judge for yourself. Here are ten buildings along or near Omotesando. They aren’t in any order. The only thing they have in common is that they are pretty cool.
Hugo Boss building
Opened in 2012
Designed by Norihiko Dan
This might be my favorite piece of Harajuku architecture. It’s all concrete and grey. That is what makes it stand out in the area. For me, it’s a little reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings tower. It’s stunning and stylish.
Prada Tokyo Aoyama
Opened in 2003
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron
The interior of the building is fluid. Visitors can’t easily distinguish the connections between each floor. Everything looks like one continuous space.
And outside? The structure looks like a single piece. It’s a glass tower with convex, bubble-like diamonds. At night, the interior lights transform it into a tower of light.
The Iceberg
Opened in 2006
Designed by Benjamin Warner
Another stand-out piece of Harajuku architecture. Blue-tinted glass combined with its angular facade gives the building a three-dimensional feel. It’s a fantasy crystal tower.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Opened in 2012
Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura
This building is on the main intersection of Harajuku. The trendy people crowd its mega fashion shop The Shel’tter Tokyo. Others head to its restaurants like Bills Omotesando and Urth Caffe. Many also photograph its incredible wall-of-mirrors entrance. For that, it’s worth a photo or two.
Hulic Aoyama No. 2 Building
Completed in 2008
Designed by Jun Aoki and Associates
Seven types of windows punctuate the facade of this nine-office building. They range from 1.5 to 2.2 meters in size. The ceilings are a luxurious 4.9 meters in height.
Strangely, it reminds me of 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 English 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. Its spaces can be used for various activities. An art gallery, a café, a multipurpose hall, restaurants, gift shops, and a beauty salon occupy it.
The name derives from the exterior of the building and its interior design. They express the image of an ascending spiral. Walk inside and it’ll be in front of you.
Miumiu Omotesando
Completed in 2015
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron
Miu Miu is a sister brand of Prada which is over the road. Both were built by the same architectural firm. The building is different from many in the area.
Herzog & de Meuron didn’t want to build another glass tower. They made it see-through so that you can see into the interior from all sides. It’s an interesting design. 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. So, to maximize space, the architects used floors of different heights. 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 gentle hint at what is inside while revealing nothing. It’s spectacular at night.
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 to see this Harajuku architecture?
Here is a Google map with all the locations:
Conclusion
And that is ten great pieces of Harajuku architecture! Well, one or two might be a little closer to Shibuya to be truthful. What do you think? Do you agree with me? If you think they are good let me know. And tell me if you think I’m wrong! It would be great to hear some opinions.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
