Japan architecture tours – in this post, I’m providing a detailed review of the seven premium experiences offered by Wabunka, a company specialising in exclusive cultural experiences. As a regular traveller throughout Japan and having personally taken three of these tours, I’ll break down the cost, the value, and who each tour is truly for to help you decide: which Wabunka Japan architecture tour is right for your trip?
Wabunka Architecture Tours: At-A-Glance Review
| Tour Experience | City | Price (from) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nintendo’s Former HQ
Rob’s Review ⭐
|
Kyoto | ¥25,000 | 90 mins | Nintendo fans, Art-Deco lovers, and followers of Tadao Ando’s work. |
Marunouchi District |
Tokyo | ¥25,000 | 120 mins | History buffs interested in Japan’s modern transformation and urban planning. |
|
ICC Kyoto (Sachio Otani)
Rob’s Review ⭐
|
Kyoto | ¥22,000 | 90 mins | Architecture purists and fans of Modernist/Brutalist masterpieces seeking rare VIP access. |
Yoshida Sanso Imperial Villa |
Kyoto | ¥24,000 | 80 mins | Those fascinated by imperial history, traditional craftsmanship, and intimate cultural experiences. |
|
Umeda Sky Building
Rob’s Review ⭐
|
Osaka | ¥26,000 | 60 mins | Art lovers wanting to see a world-class private collection (Picasso, etc.) and futuristic design. |
Omotesando Walking Tour |
Tokyo | ¥25,000 | 150 mins | Street-level explorers and fans of contemporary architects like Kengo Kuma and Tadao Ando. |
Toji Temple Monk-Guided Tour |
Kyoto | ¥31,000 | 120 mins | Spiritual seekers and history lovers wanting an authentic Buddhist experience with exclusive access. |
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- Wabunka Architecture Tours: At-A-Glance Review
- Japan's architectural landscape tells an extraordinary story
- Japan architecture tours – what you need to know before booking
- In a hurry? My Japan Architecture Tours Quick Recommendations
- 1. Gaming History Meets Architectural Genius: Nintendo's Former HQ
- 2. Discover Tokyo's Architectural Heart: Marunouchi District Tour
- 3. International Conference Centre Kyoto – Modernist Architecture of Sachio Otani, Protege of Kenzo Tange
- 4. Step Inside Imperial History: Yoshida Sanso Architecture Tour
- 5. Art & Architecture – Inside Osaka's Futuristic Umeda Sky Building
- 6. Tokyo's Architectural Evolution: Omotesando Walking Tour
- 7. Sacred Access: Inside Toji Japan's First Esoteric Buddhist Temple
- Don't let Japan's architectural secrets slip away
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Japan Architecture Tours – An Insider’s Review of 7 Wabunka Experiences
by Rob Dyer
Japan’s architectural landscape tells an extraordinary story
Japan’s architectural landscape tells an extraordinary story—from ancient temples to cutting-edge skyscrapers designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winners. Whether you’re fascinated by traditional craftsmanship or modern innovation, these seven expert-guided architecture tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of Japan’s most significant buildings.
From exploring Tokyo’s rapid urbanization in Omotesando with architecture curator Shuko Koike, to discovering Tadao Ando’s concrete masterpieces via the former Nintendo headquarters, each of these Japan architecture tours provides insider perspectives you simply can’t get elsewhere. Many include access to normally restricted areas and come with architectural experts who’ve worked internationally.
Ready to see Japan through an architect’s eyes?
Japan architecture tours – what you need to know before booking
These aren’t your typical tourist experiences—they’re specialised architectural tours led by genuine experts, often providing access to spaces that are normally off-limits to the public. Here’s what to expect:
Advance booking essential: Most of these tours have very limited availability and require booking well ahead of your travel dates. The exclusive nature means private or small group sizes, so dates fill up quickly.
Expert-level commentary: Your guides aren’t just tour leaders—they’re architecture professionals, curators, and monks with deep expertise. Come prepared with questions; these experts love sharing their knowledge with genuinely interested visitors.
Physical requirements: Several tours involve considerable walking and may include stairs or uneven surfaces. The Omotesando and Marunouchi tours are particularly walking-intensive, while temple visits may require removing shoes and sitting on floors.
Photography restrictions: Many locations have strict photography rules, especially inside temples, private buildings, and art collections. Respect these guidelines—your guide will clearly explain what’s permitted.
Cultural sensitivity: Some experiences involve sacred spaces or traditional practices. Dress modestly for temple visits, and approach hands-on activities like sutra copying with appropriate reverence.
Language: Tours are conducted in English, but having basic Japanese phrases shows respect and can enhance interactions with local staff.
Value for money: These premium experiences cost more than standard tours, but you’re paying for exclusive access, expert knowledge, and often refreshments or souvenirs that aren’t available elsewhere.
In a hurry? My Japan Architecture Tours Quick Recommendations
- Nintendo HQ Marufukuro – Experience 1 Nintendo/gaming fans and architecture lovers will love seeing how Tadao Ando brilliantly modernized Nintendo’s century-old headquarters while preserving its hanafuda card heritage.
- Marunouchi District – Experience 2 History enthusiasts wanting to understand how Western architecture shaped modern Tokyo through the story of Japan’s most important business district.
- ICC Kyoto (Sachio Otani) – Experience 3 Architecture purists seeking rare access to areas of a modernist masterpiece that are normally closed to the public, complete with VIP rooms and stunning gardens.
- Yoshida Sanso Imperial Villa – Experience 4 Perfect for those wanting an intimate glimpse into authentic imperial Japanese architecture combined with traditional sweets and garden strolling.
- Umeda Sky Building – Experience 5 Art and architecture fans who want behind-the-scenes access to world-class collections and original architect sketches in Osaka’s futuristic landmark.
- Omotesando Tour – Experience 6 Choose this if you want to understand Tokyo’s incredible transformation from farmland to fashion capital with an architecture expert who’s worked internationally.
- Toji Temple with Monk – Experience 7 Spiritual seekers and cultural history lovers wanting hands-on Buddhist experiences with exclusive temple access and traditional sutra copying.
Rob’s Review ⭐
1. Gaming History Meets Architectural Genius: Nintendo’s Former HQ
Who knew Nintendo’s humble beginnings could be so architecturally stunning? The company started as a small hanafuda playing card manufacturer in this beautiful century-old Art Deco building, now transformed into Hotel Marufukuro. My wife and I took this tour and the access we were given blew me away.
What makes this tour special is the incredible fusion of old and new. Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando added a sleek modern wing featuring his signature exposed concrete and trademark green apple paintings. Meanwhile, the original buildings preserve authentic period details—vintage lighting fixtures, tiles, and even repurposed Nintendo warehouse boxes turned into art.
You’ll explore the unique library (a design inspired by the film Interstellar) filled with Nintendo memorabilia, then enjoy exclusive Wabunka sweets and drinks while browsing curated books about the company’s philosophy. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how historic architecture can be thoughtfully modernized while honoring its past.
Personally speaking, it ticks 3 of my interest boxes: Art-Deco architecture, interior design and (retro) video games, so having the combination of all three was perfect for me! Our host and guide was really good. Knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions. She also showed us the interiors of some of the architecturally significant rooms which was an unexpected bonus.
Nintendo HQ Marufukuro Tour – Is this experience for you?
Nintendo/retro gaming enthusiasts and Art-Deco architecture lovers will adore this unique combination. Perfect for those interested in how historic buildings can be modernized thoughtfully. Great if you want to see Tadao Ando’s work while learning about Nintendo’s humble hanafuda card origins. Genuinely unique.
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2. Discover Tokyo’s Architectural Heart: Marunouchi District Tour
Marunouchi tells the incredible story of Japan’s transformation from isolated nation to modern powerhouse. Architecture curator Shuko Koike guides you through this fascinating district, starting with Tokyo Station’s magnificent 1914 redbrick building—complete with an exclusive Imperial Family entrance.
You’ll explore architectural gems like Kitte Marunouchi, praised by German architects as “a masterpiece of Japanese modernist architecture,” and the opulent International Forum from Japan’s bubble economy era. The entire area was developed by the Mitsubishi Group, showcasing how Western modernist culture was skillfully integrated into Japanese urban planning.
Walking along Gyoko-dori Avenue—built specifically for the Emperor’s station access—you’ll understand how dramatically Japan changed after opening to the world. It’s Tokyo’s architectural evolution told through its most important business district.
Marunouchi District Tour – Is this experience for you?
History buffs interested in Japan’s Meiji-era transformation and urban planning are the target audience. Perfect for Tokyo visitors wanting to understand the city’s architectural evolution. Great for those who enjoy learning about how Western influence shaped modern Japanese business districts.
Reserve This Experience
Rob’s Review ⭐
3. International Conference Centre Kyoto – Modernist Architecture of Sachio Otani, Protege of Kenzo Tange
Another tour my wife and I have taken – and it is spectacular. ICC Kyoto is an architectural masterpiece that’s typically closed to the public except for those attending conferences. While the ICCK does occasionally have ‘open days’ the access during those is limited. The Wabunka tour gives you incredible, behind-the-scenes access that is unique.
Built in 1966 by Sachio Otani (protégé of legendary Japanese architect Kenzo Tange), this striking building features dramatic upright and inverted trapezoidal shapes that take their design cues from the surrounding nature.
Your private guide reveals fascinating details like the 40-meter lobby’s bamboo-inspired light stands and hexagonal chairs by “Japanese Modern” pioneer Isamu Kenmochi. The vast main hall’s silver disc ceiling evokes Earth floating in space, while thousands of cast aluminum pieces behind the stage symbolise global gathering.
You’ll access the exclusive VIP room, decorated with Taro Okamoto artwork, usually reserved for Japanese royalty an international heads of state. You can also stroll outside in the modern Japanese garden centered around Lake Sachigaike. It’s rare access to modernist architecture at its finest and you even get to walk on the rooftop terrace – which has stunning views.
Staff were very accommodating. We were shown alternatives where a couple of rooms were not available due to maintenance. Our guide was happy to let me wander to take photos and shoot video while she talked with my wife who was asking questions. We didn’t get to see the original building blueprints (usually a feature of the tour) though, but maybe they were in one of the rooms we couldn’t get in(?).
They were also relaxed on timing so we had no sense of being rushed through our 90+ minutes. The tour ends in the cafe where a complimentary drink awaits. NOTE: As this is a working conference centre, tours of this building are restricted to just a handful of days each year – so advanced planning and booking is absolutely essential.
ICC Kyoto Sachio Otani Tour – Is this experience for you?
For architecture purists seeking rare access to modernist/brutalist masterpieces it does not get any better than this. Also for those interested in mid-century Japanese design and garden landscaping. Ideal if you want exclusive VIP access to spaces normally closed to the public in Kyoto.
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4. Step Inside Imperial History: Yoshida Sanso Architecture Tour
This is your chance to explore a genuine piece of Japanese imperial history. Yoshida Sanso, built in 1932 as a villa for Emperor Hirohito’s brother-in-law, is now a luxury ryokan with nationally registered cultural property status.
The okami (matriarch) personally guides you through the hinoki cypress main building, pointing out imperial chrysanthemum crests and fascinating details like chokkomonkyo stained glass. You’ll discover how Western and Japanese design elements blend seamlessly throughout the elegant interiors.
After exploring the main building, stroll through the stunning Japanese garden backdropped by Kyoto’s mountains, then enjoy exclusive Japanese sweets in Cafe Shinkokan—a cozy tea salon converted from the villa’s original garage. You’ll leave with komori bat-shaped biscuits and a deeper appreciation for imperial Japanese aesthetics.
Yoshida Sanso Imperial Villa Tour – Is this experience for you?
This tour is best suited for those fascinated by imperial Japanese history and traditional craftsmanship. Perfect if you enjoy intimate, guided experiences with cultural immersion. Ideal for visitors wanting to combine architecture with Japanese sweets and garden strolling in historic Kyoto.
Reserve This Experience
Rob’s Review⭐
5. Art & Architecture – Inside Osaka’s Futuristic Umeda Sky Building
The third tour in this list my wife and I have taken. The Umeda Sky Building isn’t just another skyscraper—it’s an architectural legend. Built in 1993 as the world’s first connected-tower skyscraper, in 2008 it was ranked among the globe’s top 20 buildings alongside the Taj Mahal and Parthenon by British publisher Dorling Kindersley.
This exclusive tour takes you behind the scenes with architect Hiroshi Hara’s original sketches and models. You’ll walk through the normally off-limits skybridge suspended 87 meters above ground (definitely a highlight), while your guide explains the vibration-resistant engineering secrets.
The real treat? Viewing world-class art by Le Corbusier, Picasso, and Roy Lichtenstein displayed in non-public areas—part of the original design concept. Each guest is given a small, 36-page souvenir booklet that has brief descriptions of all the art but, unfortunately, it’s only in Japanese. The rooftop Kuchu Teien Observatory, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, offers breathtaking city views. Plus, you’ll get exclusive drink at the 40th-floor “cafe in the sky.”
As the shortest tour in this list at just 60 minutes, whilst being the second most expensive at ¥26,000 per person, I do think it’s a little pricey. The brief tour of the basement Showa-style street (cool though it is) felt a bit redundant – as I didn’t consider it to be part of the Sky Building architecture, and members of the public can wander around it anytime. But, for art-lovers, the rare access to those artworks by legendary artists is the stand out element and a genuinely unique opportunity.
Umeda Sky Building Tour – Is this experience for you?
Art and architecture enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned buildings should definitely consider it. Perfect for those wanting to see original architect sketches and a world-class private art collection. Ideal if you enjoy futuristic design and panoramic city views in Osaka and want to get access to areas of the iconic building not usually open to the public.
Reserve This Experience
6. Tokyo’s Architectural Evolution: Omotesando Walking Tour
Ever wondered how Tokyo transformed from rural farmland to today’s glittering metropolis? Architecture expert Shuko Koike leads this fascinating street-level tour through Omotesando, revealing 200 years of dramatic urban change.
Starting at Harajuku Station near Meiji Jingu Shrine, you’ll discover how this trendy district was once just farms and villages. Koike, who holds a Masters in Architecture and worked internationally, uses rare historical photos to help you visualise the area’s incredible transformation—from post-earthquake public housing to today’s luxury fashion district.
Highlights include Kenzo Tange’s iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tadao Ando’s Omotesando Hills shopping center, and Kengo Kuma’s nail-free wooden SunnyHills building. The tour concludes exploring Shibuya’s innovative public toilet project and the reimagined Miyashita Park.
The tour includes toilets made famous by the Wim Wenders film Perfect Days about a man employed to clean Tokyo’s toilets. Pictured below is Amayadori in Jingu-Dori Park, by Tadao Ando.
Omotesando Architecture Tour – Is this experience for you?
Perfect if you love street-level exploration and want to understand Tokyo’s rapid modernization. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts who enjoy walking tours with expert commentary. Great for those interested in Olympic history and contemporary Japanese architects like Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma.
Reserve This Experience
7. Sacred Access: Inside Toji Japan’s First Esoteric Buddhist Temple
Toji Temple isn’t just any World Heritage Site—it’s the only surviving structure from Kyoto’s Heian period, founded in 796. This exclusive monk-guided tour grants rare access to normally restricted areas, including the interior of Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda.
You’ll explore the colorful Vajrayana Mandala murals inside the five-story pagoda and visit Shoshibo, the emperor’s former private guest house featuring stunning sliding door paintings by Insho Domoto. The experience extends to Kanchi-in sub-temple, where you’ll learn proper incense application before copying sutras in a peaceful room overlooking traditional gardens.
Your monk guide shares highlights from 1,200 years of Buddhist history while you discover architectural masterpieces that have influenced Japanese temple design for centuries. You’ll leave with an exclusive Wabunka goshuin stamp and a deeper understanding of esoteric Buddhism’s architectural legacy.
At ¥31,000, it’s the priciest tour, but the exclusive access to the pagoda’s interior justifies the cost for serious history/religion/culture buffs.
Toji Temple Monk-Guided Tour – Is this experience for you?
Made for spiritual seekers and cultural history enthusiasts wanting hands-on Buddhist experiences. Perfect for those interested in ancient architecture and traditional practices like sutra copying. Ideal if you want exclusive temple access with authentic monk guidance in Kyoto.
Reserve This Experience
Don’t let Japan’s architectural secrets slip away
These aren’t experiences you can recreate on your own—they exist because of carefully cultivated relationships between Wabunka and Japan’s most respected cultural institutions, architects, and spiritual leaders. The monk who opens Toji Temple’s restricted areas, the Nintendo hotel staff who reveal Tadao Ando’s design secrets, the architecture curator who spent years in New York before returning to share Tokyo’s hidden stories—these connections take decades to build.
Japan’s tourism landscape is evolving rapidly, and exclusive access like this is becoming increasingly rare as destinations manage growing visitor numbers. Some of these tours have already adjusted their availability due to demand, and others may follow suit. The window for experiencing Japan’s architectural heritage at this intimate level won’t stay open forever. Check availability for your travel dates now—because the best Japan experiences are the ones that can’t wait.
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About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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