japanese architecture

Forbidden area at Japanese mountaintop shrine opens to the public for first time in 400 years

Be one of the first outsiders in centuries to enter this secret sacred area.

Read More

World’s only double-helix wooden structure, Aizu Sazaedo, is mysterious both outside and inside

Helix maze built at a now-lost Japanese temple is a stunning architectural marvel.

Read More

Ancient temple with National Treasures is a hidden gem on the Nara Yamato Four-Temple Pilgrimage

Murouji has a fascinating history, with stunning sights that’ll linger in your heart long after you visit. 

Read More

Japanese company starts project to restore Nakagin Capsules to capsule hotel

The project will feature crowdsourced redesigns of the real original capsules.

Read More

How should you use the small hiroen in a Japanese ryokan hotel room?

Answering a question that’s puzzled travellers for decades.

Read More

Airbnb offers special free stay at a traditional Japanese gassho house in a World Heritage Site

Unique accommodation plan will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli. 

Read More

Nakagin Capsule Tower’s last residents: group meals, floods, weird noises, and more

The so-called “Daughters of the Lunar Space Ark” have seen it all.

Read More

Do Tokyo’s Reversible Destiny Lofts really hold the power to reverse your destiny?

Architectural landmark is designed to expand your mind in new ways.

Read More

Restoring Nakagin Capsule Tower’s rare “pink capsule”, formerly used in the sex industry

One final hurrah for the soon-to-be-demolished iconic building. 

Read More

Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one

Beverages taste better here, when you can drink in Japanese scenery like this.

Read More

Reversible Destiny Lofts needs your help to protect its destiny during coronavirus pandemic

Architectural landmark in Tokyo faces a shaky future.

Read More

Nakagin Capsule Tower’s rare “pink capsules”, formerly used in the sex industry

The people of Nakagin Capsule Tower are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the history of the soon-to-be-demolished iconic building. 

Read More

Save the Nakagin Capsule Tower Project is now aiming to preserve as many capsules as possible

And they need your help!

Read More

Japanese restaurant in former yukaku red light district struggles to preserve its history

Historic building used to be a brothel, now its ornate interiors are in danger of fading away.

Read More

Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo is scheduled to be demolished, needs your help

Architectural landmark will soon be gone forever, but there’s still a chance of preserving its history for the future.

Read More

The pros and cons of living in Nakagin Capsule Tower, an architectural marvel in Tokyo

We move into a capsule apartment in the iconic landmark, and find out it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

Read More

Old teahouse home in the heart of Tokyo goes to auction

A hidden treasure opposite the Imperial Palace looks set to go under the hammer for a high price.

Read More

Japanese architecture firm unveils plans for world’s tallest wooden skyscraper in Japan

The new building is a feat of environmentally conscious engineering that will stand taller than Tokyo Tower.

Read More

Meguro Gajoen, a traditional event space in Tokyo and its stairway of 100 steps

Meguro Gajoen is one of the tangible properties of Tokyo, established in 1931 originally as a venue for wedding banquets. Now all that remains of the original architecture is a series of rooms connected by the “stairway of 100 steps“. In 2009 these rooms were classified as one of the cultural assets of Japan.

We recently visited the establishment to get a look at the traditional party rooms for ourselves, since they were open to the public for a very short window of time and we figured this would be our only chance. We were even permitted to take photos, so come and join us for a guided tour!

Read More