Top 14 Most Famous Architectural Wonders in Japan You Should Know About

Resembling a strange spaceship descending from a distant corner of the universe to Earth, the Nakagin Capsule Hotel is a fascinating architectural masterpiece that attracts numerous visitors. Known as "Kapuseru Hoteru" in Japanese, this hotel was inspired by the concept of a "capsule building" and was the first of its kind in the world, built in 1970 in the Shibasin area of Tokyo.

With its unique design, the hotel features sleeping pods stacked together like a series of boxes, creating the appearance of a giant "sleeping capsule" nestled in the heart of the city. The Nakagin building boasts 13 floors with 140 rooms, each measuring over 10 square meters. Each room is a self-contained capsule that can be detached from the main structure. Though small in size, these rooms are equipped with comfortable amenities, providing a cozy and relaxing experience for guests. For just 2500 yen (approximately 3,500,000 VND per night), you can experience the sensation of "sleeping on a spaceship" in this groundbreaking architectural gem.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Jerde Partnership, Namba Park in Osaka is often referred to as a "tropical rainforest" standing tall in the midst of the city's modern urban sprawl, offering a unique natural oasis that captivates every visitor. This extraordinary multi-purpose complex serves as both a luxury shopping center and office space, while also featuring a beautiful ecological park with a lush rooftop garden spread over eight levels. Namba Park is a vast green island amidst Osaka’s bustling cityscape.

The structure has 30 stories, with office spaces and trendy shopping centers located next to each other. However, what truly sets Namba Park apart is its rooftop garden, which rises eight stories above ground, giving visitors the sensation of standing on a real mountain in the heart of the city. Designed with a natural slope, the park features winding paths that resemble a "canyon," enhancing the harmony between the built environment and the surrounding nature, while still maintaining spacious and attractive walkways. With over 300 plant species and 70,000 trees planted throughout, Namba Park is a magnificent architectural feat, dedicated to connecting urban life with nature in Osaka.

Designed by the NAP architectural firm, the Ribbon Chapel in Hiroshima is a popular wedding venue for couples at the Bella Vista Sakaigahama resort. Its stunning and unique design has made it famous among visitors. Originally winning the 2015 Leaf Awards, this chapel captivates attention with its two soft spiral staircases that curve gracefully from the base to the top, encircling the building 360 degrees.

Located on a hill offering panoramic views of Japan’s Inland Sea, this 15.4-meter-high architectural masterpiece resembles a ribbon dancing in the tranquil surroundings of nature. Symbolizing two lives meeting and intertwining as one, the spiraling staircases represent this connection. The Ribbon Chapel is a magnificent work of art, offering a prayer for happiness to couples getting married here. With 80 seats in the center for family and guests, tying the knot at this beautiful chapel is a dream come true for many couples in Japan.

Seeking a bright, open living space at the heart of their home while ensuring privacy in their daily life, a couple enlisted Suppose Design Office to create the Pyramid-Shaped House in Saijo, Japan. Built on a 246m² plot, this unique home features a 51m² living space across three main floors. The ground floor and first floor are designed with an open layout, incorporating natural elements as focal points. Due to the lot’s previous foundation being 1 meter below ground level, the first floor is partially built underground, surrounded by hills that shield the family’s privacy from neighbors.

Above the ground floor, the next level is separated by a glass wall and features a pyramid-shaped roof. The floors are connected by open spaces in the center of the floor plan, and natural light is harnessed through skylight windows. Thanks to the architects' brilliant vision, this pyramid house not only meets the family’s needs but has also become famous in the architecture and tourism industries for its unique appearance.

Located in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, the Acros Building is a remarkable example of green architecture, seamlessly blending with nature and standing as a key attraction in the tranquil city. Designed by architect Emilio Ambasz and his team, the structure was conceived to integrate with the surrounding parks and enhance the city's green spaces. Drawing inspiration from pyramids, the building’s exterior is adorned with lush vegetation, creating a harmonious connection with its environment.

The design consists of two main parts: one section for office spaces with transparent glass walls, and the other, which covers three-quarters of the building, features a sloping roof with 50,000 diverse plant species arranged in a terraced, 60-meter-high “green roof.” From a distance, the building disappears into the skyline, replaced by a “hill” covered in rich foliage amidst the bustling urban landscape.

Today, the Acros Building continues to function as an office complex while also serving as a popular tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors who come to admire its unique and verdant design.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, is located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, this iconic structure serves as a somber memorial to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, which resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 people and left many others severely injured due to radiation exposure.

Designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel, the building features a distinctive dome at its highest point. Completed in April 1915, the structure was first known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall (HMI). It opened to the public in August of the same year. By 1921, the building was renamed the Hiroshima Prefectural Product Exhibition Hall, and again in 1933 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building was part of a large commercial area next to Aioi Bridge and was mainly used for art exhibitions and educational events.

Himeji Castle is located in the center of Himeji city, approximately 650 km west of Tokyo. It is a prime example of traditional Japanese castle architecture and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. The castle’s walls are made of wood and covered with a white plaster layer to protect against fire, earning it the nickname “White Heron Castle.”

The castle complex consists of a network of 83 buildings, including warehouses, gates, corridors, and turrets (yagura). Of these, 74 are designated as Important Cultural Properties, including 11 corridors, 16 turrets, 15 gates, and 32 earthen walls. The tallest walls reach a height of 26 meters. Also included in the complex is Koko-en, a Japanese garden created in 1992 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Himeji city.

The construction of Himeji Castle began in 1333, commissioned by the local lord Norimura Akamatsu of the Harima region as a defensive fortress. By 1346, his son Sadanori added residential buildings and other structures. Over time, the castle came under the control of various clans, including the Kotera and Kuroda families. Some historians suggest that the main castle was built during the mid-16th century under the leadership of Shigetaka Kuroda and his son Mototaka Kuroda. During this period, Hideyoshi Hashiba visited the castle to construct a three-story tower for himself. Eventually, Hideyoshi Hashiba and later Iesada Kinoshita took control of the castle. After the Sekigahara civil war, lord Terumasa Ikeda – adopted son of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa – took charge of the castle.

The magnificent White Heron Castle that we see today was completed in its entirety in 1618. After the Honda family, several other clans took control, including the Matsudaira and Sakakibara families. Finally, Tadazumi Sakai became the lord in 1749. His descendants played a role in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which marked the end of the Shogunate era.

Fuji Kindergarten is located in the Tachikawa area, on the western outskirts of Tokyo, Japan. It serves approximately 600 children aged 3 to 6 years. The school is situated on a plot of land surrounded by two main roads. The design includes a central building and three existing service buildings. Unlike traditional Japanese kindergartens with rectangular concrete blocks, the central building is uniquely designed in the shape of a ring surrounding an inner courtyard.

Designed by Takaharu Tezuka, a Tokyo-based architect renowned for his creative ideas and holistic approach to design, Fuji Kindergarten has garnered recognition, including an award from the Japan Institute of Architects. The building is cleverly designed to protect a 50-year-old tree within the grounds, ensuring its growth is undisturbed. The tree’s shade and fresh air are used to create a natural play and learning environment for the children.

The rooftop of Fuji Kindergarten has been transformed into a massive playground for the children. Outdoor learning helps students connect with nature, fostering creativity and expanding their thinking more effectively than conventional indoor classrooms. The school is enveloped by lush greenery, and even trees grow on the roof itself.

Matsumoto is one of Japan's most significant historic castles, often regarded as a national treasure. Unlike many other castles that are situated on hills or surrounded by rivers, Matsumoto is located on flat land next to a reservoir. It was constructed during the Sengoku period in the late 16th century, a time of intense upheaval in Japanese society. In the late 1800s, the castle was put up for auction to fund its restoration and preservation.

The castle was built by hand, with support pillars crafted using tools such as axes. The first and second floors feature about 10 round columns, while the upper levels have 12 vertical supports. The interior showcases wooden elements that give it a distinct character. Inside the castle, there are steep wooden staircases with gaps between the steps, designed to allow defenders to drop stones on invaders. The second floor of the main tower houses a gun museum, Teppo Gura, with a collection of firearms, armor, and other weapons. This collection was assembled over 30 years by Akahane Michishige and his wife, Kayoko, and was donated to the city in 1991.

One of the most striking features of Matsumoto Castle is the stark contrast between its black and white colors. While most castles are painted white, Matsumoto stands out with its dual-tone appearance. Surrounding the castle is a reservoir, and to enter the castle grounds, visitors must cross a relatively long red-painted bridge over the dam. From here, you can view the dam and the castle from an elevated vantage point. The surrounding paths are lined with cherry blossoms in spring, offering beautiful views of the changing seasons. The well-maintained paths provide excellent views of the castle, which is framed by lush greenery year-round.

Like many traditional Japanese castles, Osaka Castle is built on stone foundations, features eight stories, and is surrounded by a moat. It was constructed on the site of an old temple and royal palace. In 1660, a lightning strike ignited the castle's gunpowder storage, causing a massive explosion that severely damaged the structure. By the late 19th century, the castle underwent significant restoration and repairs. Today, Osaka Castle is not only an iconic symbol of the city but also a proud testament to Japan's architectural and cultural heritage. It was originally built in the late 16th century as the residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan during that period.

The construction took more than 16 years to complete, and the roof tiles of the eight floors were designed in traditional Japanese style, with all of them gilded in gold. Osaka Castle is surrounded by the expansive Osaka Park, which spans approximately 60,000 square meters and becomes a stunning spectacle during cherry blossom season.

The park around Osaka Castle is a renowned spot for cherry blossom viewing, particularly in spring. It is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. In the summer, the Okawa River, located to the northwest of the castle, becomes the central stage for the Tenjin-matsuri festival, one of Japan's three largest festivals. This vibrant event features over 100 boat teams navigating the river, accompanied by brilliant fireworks displays.

Itsukushima Shrine is a collection of several shrines built in the 12th century by Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful figure of the time. The shrine complex is renowned for its stunning architecture, which follows the Shinden-zukuri style, typically used for noble residences during the Heian period (794–1185). Its layout is remarkably innovative, with the shrines constructed on the sea, giving the appearance that the red shrine and its connecting corridors float when the tide is high.

The design of the shrine was envisioned by Taira no Kiyomori, who wanted to create a place of extraordinary beauty that blends harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and the Setouchi Sea. The Itsukushima Shrine complex honors natural deities such as mountain gods and follows the traditional architectural layout of placing the worship area (Yohaijo) at the foot of the mountain. The stunning harmony of the shrine with its natural surroundings makes it a one-of-a-kind cultural masterpiece, representing a spiritual treasure of Japan.

Visitors can take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi to the Miyajima ferry terminal, arriving at the foot of the famous mountain, which serves as the symbol of Miyajima Island. A walking path leads to the shrine, lined with shops offering local delicacies. Among the most popular items are the Momiji-manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and Shamoji rice scoops, which are must-try treats for tourists.

Located in the vibrant heart of Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree is an iconic landmark that every traveler must experience when visiting this extraordinary city. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest broadcasting tower in the world, a masterpiece of architecture that blends cutting-edge engineering with Japan's rich traditional artistry. Completed between 2008 and 2012, this marvel of modern design was built at a cost of 75 billion yen, with the purpose of providing broadcasting services to Tokyo, as well as becoming a major tourist attraction. Inspired by Japan's ancient temples, the tower's design resembles a traditional ink pen, tapering as it reaches the top, showcasing a harmonious fusion of the modern and traditional.

The structure is made of a central concrete pillar surrounded by two layers of high-strength steel mesh in a lattice formation. The first level serves as a broadcast hub, while the second level, situated 450 meters above ground, is the ideal spot for tourists to visit. Visitors can walk on a glass floor that offers a thrilling sensation of floating above the city. Additionally, every level of the tower offers spectacular views of Tokyo, especially during sunset, with a 70 km panoramic vista.

The Skytree also features a shopping complex and a diverse cultural and art museum, designed with a trendy and fashionable style that captivates anyone who visits. Furthermore, thanks to Panasonic’s LED lighting system, the tower dazzles with dynamic light displays that change with the seasons, enchanting visitors with a colorful spectacle. It is no surprise that the Tokyo Skytree, a symbol of Japan's advanced technology and architectural excellence, attracts 20 to 30 million international visitors each year.

Representing the remarkable growth of Japan’s economy, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building stands proudly in the heart of the capital as a grand architectural landmark that draws visitors from all over the world. From the outside, the building impresses with its bold, modern lines crafted from powerful architectural blocks, combining the Gothic style of Europe with the futuristic shape of an electronic chip. Completed in 1991 at a cost of 157 billion yen, this striking structure is not only the center of political power in Tokyo but also a monumental symbol of architectural achievement, embodying the pride of the Japanese people.

Visitors can take in panoramic views of the entire city from the building's 45th floor observation decks, which offer stunning sights of famous landmarks such as the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Shinjuku Park Tower. Although the building serves as a government office, parts of it are open to the public, allowing guests to explore certain areas throughout the year, free of charge. With its majestic modern design, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building promises an intriguing experience that provides a unique perspective on the daily life and progress of Japan.

Embodying the motto "Our honor comes from serving happy customers," Sugamo Shinkin Bank has left a lasting impression on its clients with its warm, friendly approach. This spirit is beautifully reflected in the unique and captivating design of the Sugamo Shinkin Bank Branch 4 in Nakaaoki, Japan. Designed by French architect Emmanuelle, the branch’s exterior defies expectations, making it hard to imagine it as a place of financial services. Located at a prominent intersection, the architect took a bold step by creating an eye-catching structure composed of vibrant, rainbow-colored square blocks.

The building’s exterior is a fascinating arrangement of squares, each with varying thicknesses and colors that follow a rhythmic pattern, giving the structure the appearance of a piano adorned in seven rainbow colors. In addition, the rooftop garden, made up of 12 square blocks, features seasonal flowers such as marigolds, olives, and lavender, blending nature with the lively and refined architectural design. When the sunlight hits, the bright colors of the blocks fuse with the natural beauty of the plants, creating a harmonious atmosphere that soothes both customers and the surrounding residents.