One of the most modern island countries in all of Asia, Japan has become quite a popular tourist destination. People visit Japan for various reasons—some to admire the beauty of the cherry blossom season, some to enjoy a relaxing vacation at luxurious beach resorts, while others might visit Japan in 2020 for Tokyo Olympics. Regardless, no matter why you’re going to Japan, there is one thing that you will not be able to miss—those gigantic skyscrapers that are basically architectural marvels. So if you’re visiting the country, check out this list of 10 tallest buildings in Japan and make plans to explore them.
1. Abeno Harukas, Osaka
Abeno Harukas is a part of Abenobashi Terminal Building, which is a multi-purpose commercial building in Osaka, Japan. This spacious building is divided into three main parts—the new annex, the eastern annex, and Abeno Harukas. Basically, Abeno Harukas is 300 metres (985 feet) tall, making it the tallest building in all of Japan. You can go up to the observatory on the 60th floor by the elevator to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. This skyscraper has a popular hotel, a rooftop garden on the 16th floor, spacious department stores, and even an art museum! There are so many restaurants in this building, so you might as well enjoy a good meal when you visit!
Abeno Harukas
Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan
Website: Abeno Harukas
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Midtown Tower, Tokyo
Midtown Tower was originally the tallest office building in Tokyo up until the year 2014. This multi-use skyscraper stands at a whopping 248 metres (813 feet) tall with 54 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings out of the six buildings in Tokyo Midtown Complex. From flagship boutiques to exclusive entertainment, concept shops to five-star restaurants, this building has everything under one roof. For one of the best shopping experiences in all of Tokyo, you must go to Midtown Tower. PS. The topmost floors are part of The Ritz-Carlton—does that explain how top-notch this building really is?
Midtown Tower
Address: 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Website: Midtown Tower
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
3. Rinku Gate Tower Building, Osaka
Located in Rinku Town, as the name suggests, Rinku Gate Tower Building is an astonishing 256-metre-tall (840-foot) skyscraper in the heart of the city. This skyscraper dates back to 1996—it was created and constructed by the ever-famous Nikken Sekkei as well as Yasui Architects & Engineers. The 56 floors of this tower are divided into three parts—the bottom-most bit has the global convention corridor, the centre has commercial workplaces, while the topmost, as well as the slimmest part, comprises Gate Tower Hotel. From this tower, you get an unparalleled view of the Ferris wheel of Rinku Town, Sky Gate Bridge, and even the sea!
Rinku Gate Tower Building
Address: 1 Rinkuoraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0048, Japan
Website: Rinku Gate Tower Building
Price: Free
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4. JR Central Office Tower, Nagoya
JR Central Office Tower is the bigger of two similar towers, known as JR Central Towers. While JR Central Office Tower stands at 245 metres (803 feet), the slightly smaller JR Central Hotel Tower is around 225 metres (740 feet). As the name suggests, JR Central Office Tower is a commercial tower with quite a few establishments, along with an endless selection of restaurants. On top of these, you can walk across the skywalk to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, as long as you aren’t afraid of heights! Plus, there are quite a few cafes to chill at, so you might as well savor a cup of coffee while you marvel at the view. PS. Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall and Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel are located within these towers too.
JR Central Office Tower
Address: 1 Chome-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6090, Japan
Website: JR Central Office Tower
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Yokohama Landmark Tower, Yokohama
Yokohama Landmark Tower is the second-tallest building in Japan, standing at a jaw-dropping height of 296 metres (971 feet). Until 2012, it was actually the tallest building in Japan! This skyscraper is also the fourth-tallest structure in the country and has the fastest elevator—you can go from the ground floor to the 69th floor in an astounding 40 seconds! From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city—go here to watch the sunset, or at night to see the city all bright and lit up. PS. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Fuji from the observation platform. There are also quite a few shopping centres on-site as well as a wide range of eateries and cafes to choose from.
Yokohama Landmark Tower
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Website: Yokohama Landmark Tower
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the headquarters of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which is basically the body that governs cities, villages, and towns that come under Tokyo Metropolis. This building stands tall at 243 metres (797 feet) with an observational room at the top. This observational room allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Plus, there is a rooftop restaurant where you can relish a meal, as well as a small gift shop where you can buy some souvenirs. PS. The observational deck has a north side and a south side, and the north side is preferred by many.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan
Website: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Opening hours: 9:30am - 10:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, Tokyo
NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building is the fourth-tallest building in Tokyo. At a height of 240 metres (787 feet), it is one of the main buildings of Tokyo’s skyline. This skyscraper has a total of 33 floors—at night, you can see the tip shining bright. It is definitely a sight to behold! While tourists are not allowed in since it is an office building, you can still admire it from afar.
NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building
Address: 5 Chome-24-10 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan
Website: NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building
8. Toranomon Hills, Tokyo
Toranomon Hills is one of the tallest buildings in Tokyo, at a whopping height of 256 metres (840 feet). The construction of Toranomon Hills started in 2011 and was completed in 2014. This multi-purpose building has parking spaces in the basement, retail shops and outlets from the 1st to the 4th floor, and commercial offices from the 6th floor till the 35th floor. It also has residential apartments on a few of the top floors, while the topmost floors are part of a hotel. No matter where you are on the streets of Minato City, you won’t be able to miss this tower.
Toranomon Hills
Address: 1 Chome-20 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Website: Toranomon Hills
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Midland Square, Nagoya
Midland Square is a popular skyscraper in Nagoya. This building is around 247 metres (810 feet) tall, making it the tallest in all of Nagoya. It is officially known as Toyota-Mainichi Building since it houses Toyota Motor Corporation. The first few floors are filled with boutiques, shops, and retail stores, as well as cafes and restaurants. There is also a cinema in this building. On the top three floors, there is an observational deck that is open-air—from here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Midland Square
Address: 4 Chome-7-No.1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan
Website: Midland Square
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building, Osaka
Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building is popularly known as Cosmo Tower in Japan. This skyscraper is 256 metres (840 feet) high, making it the third-tallest building in Japan and the second-tallest building in all of Osaka. Up until June 2010, it was formerly known as Osaka World Trade Center. There is an observatory on the 55th floor from where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. It is recommended that you go to the observatory to watch the sunset.
Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building
Address: 1 Chome-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034, Japan
Website: Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
The sky's the limit
When it comes to these jaw-dropping skyscrapers, the sky really is the limit. These buildings are an integral part of Japan’s skyline. Hence, your trip to Japan is basically incomplete until you have seen these tallest buildings in the country. Most of them are even located in the same cities—how convenient!
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