The Tokyo cityscape is a beautiful glittering wonder of the city’s past and present. From Tokyo Station’s old red-brick facade to Shibuya’s famous shopping district, there are so many wonderful examples of structural design in Tokyo that it’s hard to pick the poster child for Tokyo architecture. And joining that fabulous skyline soon are two new buildings: Meet Torch Tower and Tokiwabashi Tower.
It’s no secret that Tokyo is an ever-changing metropolis and these two tower-like buildings will be the latest additions. The new building complex will connect four districts near Tokyo Station: Otemachi, Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, and Yaesu.
Abeno Harukas in Osaka stands at 300 meters and is the current tallest building in Japan. Torch Tower—aimed for a 2027 completion—will be 390 meters tall, tall enough to dethrone Abeno Harukas. Mind you, the tallest structure will still be Tokyo Skytree. But Torch Tower is a proper building.
Not only will Torch Tower be the tallest building in Japan, but it will also afford visitors a beautiful view of the city from its observatory deck with a view of Mount Fuji on clear days. This innovative and beautiful structure will house a performance hall, offices, and a luxury hotel. Talk about a room with a view!
Torch Tower’s to-be neighbor will be Tokiwabashi Tower, which will stand at 212 meters. This shorter tower shouldn’t be overlooked—expect shopping malls, cafeteria courtyards, koi (carp) pond, food truck gallery, and waterfront dining. Tokiwabashi Tower is expected to be completed in 2021.
The site is on the north end of Tokyo Station. What was there before?