Architecture in Japan

Discover 89 places to experience unusual architecture in Japan.

Reconstructed in Edo-period style.

Ishikawa Island Lighthouse

This public bathroom takes the form of a 19th-century lighthouse that once stood on the spot.

Shurijo Castle

Shuri Castle

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

"Toilet in Nature."

Ichihara, Japan

'Toilet in Nature'

The "largest bathroom stall in the world" offers a unique pit-stop experience.

Dotonbori Hotel Front Pillars

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

Taiyoshi Hyakuban

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

The "Cave Hotel" of Yoshimi.

Gankutsu Hotel

Chiseled out of a sandstone cliff, one farmer's unfinished art project lies in ruins.

The school building.

Ashikaga, Japan

Ashikaga School

The oldest academic institution in Japan provides a glimpse of university life during the days of the samurai.

The entrance gate.

Mama Kannon Temple

The only Buddhist temple in Japan dedicated to breasts.

Saruhashi Bridge, 2017.

Saruhashi Bridge

According to one legend, this bridge was crafted after monkeys formed a body-bridge across the gorge.

Kanazawa, Japan

Myouryuji (Ninja Temple)

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Horyuji Temple

Hōryū-ji

Home to the world's oldest wooden building.

"See no evil."

Three Wise Monkeys of Tōshōgū Shrine

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Haneda Ōtorii

A cursed torii gate still stands on the edge of Haneda Airport, decades after its shrine's relocation.

Yakuimon Gate.

Mito Daiichi High School

An old-fashioned school with interesting grounds and deep history, including the original Mito Castle gate.

Yufuin Floral Village

Yufuin Floral Village

This amusement park brings a little slice of England to the heart of Kyushu.

Kawaramachi Housing Complex

Kawasaki, Japan

Kawaramachi Housing Complex

This Metabolist, retro-futuristic residential complex resembles a cyberpunk space colony established on Earth.