Architectural and Artistic Reflections
A Dance of Tradition and Modernity
It’s difficult to know where even to begin. As you can tell by the sheer amount of photos in this dump, I was in heaven in Japan. The rich design ideas were captured in everything from simple brick entry steps to the funky forms of a central window. The architecture is a captivating dance between tradition and modernity, with each city offering something unique to discover. From the stunning temples of Kyoto to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, my architectural journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa is mostly me fangirling over the tiniest details.
Tokyo: Curves, Creativity, and Modern Design
Tokyo's architectural landscape is huge without question. I could barely scratch the surface of all there is to see. Mostly modern marvels. I was struck by how the city doesn’t shy away from curves, geometric windows, or uniquely clad façades, adding so many levels of personality to the urban environment.
I could go on forever, but here are just a few of my favorite architectural highlights in Tokyo;
The National Art Center
One of the largest exhibit spaces in the country. You may recognize the iconic geometric forms and organic glass facade from anime as it’s obviously an architect’s fantasy come alive. Particularly Kisho Kurokawa’s fantasy.
Office Sakaya, designed by Yokogawa Architects & Engineers in Shinjuku, Tokyo
A building known for its curved façade and minimalistic approach caught my attention online and became an immediate must-see weeks prior to our trip. Not just functional, the design provides an artistic contrast to the more rigid forms of other architectural elements in the city.
The Hello Kitty facade on the Sanrio Building
We came across it by chance as it was just down the road from our hotel. It is another perfect example of how playful design choices are incorporated into Tokyo’s urban environment. Signage blending into sculpture is a very popular advertising technique in Japan. Three-dimensional characters and forms take over buildings and streetscapes, bringing ads to life, allowing you to literally see yourself in a world with the product being displayed.
SunnyHills, a Taiwanese pineapple cake shop in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma
The structure is a modest three-story building, which feels much more intimate than Tokyo's typically towering structures. The design of SunnyHills incorporates traditional Japanese wood joinery in a modern configuration. The intricate wood details throughout the space created a sense of warmth and connection to the natural world, mimicking being within/underneth lush trees, creating shadows and sunbeams all throughout.
Kyoto: Timeless Beauty, Modern Craftsmanship, and a New Love of Toilets
In Kyoto, the emphasis on craftsmanship and traditional design was impossible to ignore. The city is home to numerous temples and machiya houses, showcasing the beauty of wooden construction and sliding paper window shutters. Kyoto is a living museum of traditional architecture, with artisans continuing to preserve these ancient techniques.
We stayed in an old yet updated building, right in the heart of the city. The view of Kyoto Tower from our window was a delight—perfect for people-watching. From weddings to school groups and honeymooners, we watched life unfold against the backdrop of this iconic city. Early mornings, however, felt much quieter, with empty streets and only a couple of coffee shops open. It gave us the chance to soak in the architecture without the crowds. The private courtyard in our ryokan-inspired accommodation allowed natural light to flow through, making the space feel open and soothing.
Now, the toilet. Kyoto is where I fell in love with Japanese toilets—and I’m not ashamed to admit it. The moment I encountered the heated toilet seat, I knew my life would never be the same. The UV light and spray cleaning system took my bathroom experience to a whole new level. I’ll never happily go back to the cold, unforgiving toilet seats of the Western world. If you're in Kyoto and experience this, you’ll understand what I mean. It’s a small detail, but it’s pure luxury!
Osaka: A City of Boldness and Innovation
Osaka surprised me with its modern skyscrapers and vast cityscape. The streets are alive with quirky 3D signage, like the giant mechanical hand and dragon sculptures that wrap around buildings—these playful features add character and charm to the urban environment. Osaka is a city that isn't afraid to break the rules of conventional design, and I loved that about it.
The Organic Building in Osaka stood out with its post-tension bracing and its innovative use of green facades. While the building itself isn't entirely built with sustainable materials, its green facade serves a sustainable purpose by helping absorb some of the carbon emissions, which I found fascinating. It’s great to see how even urban design can be linked to sustainable practices.
In contrast, Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s historical significance, while the exterior of the castle was beautifully restored, I found the modern museum interior to be a bit of a letdown. After a long wait to get in, visitors are greeted by a sterile white box gallery space showcasing artifacts and 3D models. While I understand the need to make the castle safe and accessible, I felt the interior didn’t quite match the grandeur of the exterior. Maybe it was a lack of information on what the interior used to look like, but I would have much rather been able to walk around old hallways and living spaces than what was provided.
Okinawa: A Harmonious Blend of Luxury and Nature
The final stop on our trip is, The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa by Layan Architects & Designers. From the moment you step on to the property you feel connection with tradition nad the land. Terracotta lion statues adorn the entry, a nod to the island’s rich cultural heritage. Immediately after crossing the threshold you are struck by a blurred overlap of interior and exterior space. The resort’s Polynesian-inspired influences made it feel like we were back in Hawaii. Blending natural materials like wood and stone with the lush surroundings of Okinawa is an example of how the architecture and landscape can seamlessly work together.
The main circulation system, felt like a series of boardwalks, almost completely open to the elements and extended over large, crystal clear water features. The resort’s green roof further enhanced this sense of connection with the surroundings when peering down from the above windows. While also contributing to its environmental sustainability, the integration of these elements made the resort feel like part of the landscape, rather than an isolated structure. The harmonious integration of natural materials and open spaces makes it a model of architectural design. The resort serves as an excellent example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist without compromise. The design here is both luxurious and grounded in the natural world, and it’s a fantastic connection to nature was one of the many reasons it felt so appropriate that this was our final stop on the trip—it felt like coming home.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Design in Connecting Us
My trip through Japan, was a powerful reminder of how architecture can connect us to our history, our future, and our environment. From Tokyo’s innovative modern designs to Okinawa’s Polynesian-inspired luxury, the timeless elegance of Kyoto, or the bold contrasts of Osaka, Japan, offered an endless array of inspiration for my design practice.
