StickyMangoRice

Walking around the streets of Tokyo is a pleasure for anyone interested in architecture. There is such a wide variety of interesting architectural styles to admire, ranging from traditional wooden shops, ornate Imperial palace buildings, to modern skyscrapers. With a notebook, pens, and pencils on hand, sketching is a great way to appreciate Tokyo’s amazing architecture.

Hatsudai, Tokyo

This house was drawn in Hatsudai, a district of Shibuya just west of Shinjuku station. The streets were cute and compact, neatly arranged into labyrinthine backstreets with other similar houses. Nearby was the shopping street of Fudo Dori, with locals bars and restaurants.

Nakameguro Canals

This was drawn at the Nakameguro canals. It’s a bar (izakaya) named Ootaru Izakaya, with exterior lanterns that add a charming touch. Known for its cool cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, it is also one of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms. Nakameguro Koukashita is a particular favourite, a 700-metre long shipping street built under the train tracks.

Old Tokyo Charm in Yanaka

The Yanaka district of Tokyo is one of the few places in the city where old-style wooden houses give the city a rustic charm. This cafe is called Kayaba Coffee, a beautiful example of Tokyo’s traditional shop architecture.

Another Yanaka souvenir shop has a cheeky Mickey Mouse in the front window.

Yanaka is home to several historic cemeteries such as this. Yanaka Cemetery is one of the largest and most historic cemeteries in Tokyo, and with its temples and trees feels like a solemn and peaceful place to wander.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

As the residence of the Emperor of Japan, it’s not surprising that some of the city’s most beautiful buildings are found in this sprawling area. Some buildings are inaccessible to the public, but others such as the barracks are stunning to admire.

Others like this guard tower come alive in the autumn months. Tokyo Imperial Palace is known for its beautiful autumn leaves, as well as spring cherry blossoms.

Shinjuku

In the bustling entertainment hub of Shinjuku are high rises, neon signs, karaoke venues, bars, and restaurants. Big Echo, often with their own dedicated buildings, is one of the biggest chains of karaoke rooms.

However, elements of traditional Japanese life are also found in Shinjuku, such as Hanazono Jinja. The district’s important Shinto shrine, it is over 400 years old, and tucked between the skyscrapers that surround it.

Shibuya Crossing

In nearby Shibuya is world-famous Shibuya crossing, the largest pedestrian crossing in the world. Overlooked by the neon signs of the surrounding high rises, an estimated 3,000 pedestrians cross the road at the same time when the pedestrian lights turn green.

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These are some of my favourite architectural designs I spotted when sketching around Tokyo. What other buildings would look great captured on paper? Let me know in the comments below!