Kengo Kuma is one of the most sought-after Japanese architects who’s also prolific. If you plan ahead, you should be able to visit dozens of Kuma’s projects in central Tokyo.
Kengo Kuma’s Buildings in central Tokyo (1): Shibuya Area and its Vicinity
Shibuya Scramble Square (Shibuya Station)
The Shibuya Scramble Tower, opened in 2019, is part of the massive re-development project in the Shibuya Station area. Shibuya used to be a colorful and diverse town full of unique shops and restaurants, but they are being replaced by massive high-rise towers like this one.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo (Nakameguro Station)
Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo opened in 2018 as Starbuck’s fifth roastery in the world. It is nested in a nice neighborhood along Meguro River, but it’s more than 10 minutes’ walk from nearest stations (Tokyu Line Nakameguro Station, Tokyu Denen Toshi Line Ikejiri Ohashi Station, or Keio Inokashira Line Shinsen Station). If you don’t want to walk, you may want to take taxi from Shibuya Station. The four-story building surrounds a 17 meter-tall cask (coffee bean storage). As it sits next to Meguro River (which is famous for beautiful sakura cherry blossom in spring), Kuma added terraces on upper floors inspired by traditional Japanese engawa. Layers of eaves are finished by cedar slabs reminiscent of the Five-story Pagoda often found in ancient Japanese temples.
Takanawa Gateway Station (Takanawa Gateway Station)
The Takanawa Gateway Station is on Yamatone Line and only several stations away from Shibuya. This new station is an interesting project and worth checking.
Takanawa Gateway Station (JR East) website
Nezu Museum (Metro Omotesando Station)
The Nezu Museum is the oldest project in this list around Shibuya, and was renewed by Kuma in 2009. It houses great traditional Japanese artworks along with beautiful Japanese-style gardens and several tea rooms (traditional Japanese tea huts). If you are interested in traditional Japanese art, Nezu Museum is highly recommended.
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