The Contrasting Architectures of Tokyo.

As with most large cities, there are many different styles of architecture in Tokyo. However, I don`t think I`ve ever seen so many contrasting styles- obviously the old and the modern areas are going to be very different, but they`re so different, it`s hard to believe some of them are in the same city.
Firstly, the old district of Asakusa holds the most famous temple within Tokyo. Not only is the temple itself beautiful, but the grounds and surrounding buildings are too. Below are photos of the archway to the entrance of the grounds, the path leading up to the temple, and the temple itself and surrounding buildings.

One thing I immediately love about the buildings are the roofs- typical of Japanese traditional architecture, with the curvature either side. The detail on the rim of the roofs are also spectacular, even on the entrance archway. The vivid red colour of the buildings adds to the dramatic design, while in keeping with the traditional aesthetics. I also love how each building on the temple grounds carry extremely different architectural design, yet come together through colour and detail, clearly belonging and complimenting one another.

In huge contrast are the modern buildings of Tokyo. These are largely within the CBD of Tokyo, and include corporate buildings that unfortunately I know little about.

I immediately thought of a giant golf ball when approaching the above building, while appreciating the architectural design more as I noticed all triangles worked with the function of the building as windows.

Above are the government buildings of Tokyo, where we also went up one of the towers another day to take photos of the spectacular views of the city.

This building in Harajuku stood out dramatically from the other concrete buildings either side of it. It`s unusual cubist form is complimented by the main chosen material of glass, which adds to the structure dramatically, as light shines off all the angles giving various finishes. It also makes me wonder just how versatile the interior of the building is, as it`s awkwardness seen from the outside may suggest an awkward and hard atmosphere inside. However, as an office space, I imagine it works quite well, giving a light and airy place to work.

Above is the view from the South tower of the Government Buildings, showing the surrounding modern architecture that dominates the skyline.

The Government buildings by day, the North and South towers clearly visible.