Many people from all over the world visit Japan for many reasons: to experience the beautiful four seasons, to enjoy the hot springs, and to relish delicious foods. But what about travelling there to appreciate and admire its historical architecture? Japan is a society with a profound history and culture, and they are often reflected in the eclectic architecture found in many regions throughout the country.
Eastern Japan is a region that features plenty of structures with historical and cultural value. For this article, we will look at selected ones in the region that showcase architectures that carry much significance in their design and importance, some of which have official designations such as National Treasures (国宝) and Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財).Without further ado, let’s explore these structures and their histories, and discover their respective significances in understanding Japan’s culture.
Western-influenced buildings
During the Meiji Era, Western influences began to pour into Japan, a country that was emerging from an isolationist foreign policy (鎖国 sakoku) that lasted for more than two centuries (1639–1853). The influences were reflected in many facets of Japan, such as technology, politics, and of course, architecture. This era gave rise to more buildings with Western-influenced architecture and designs, of which some are regarded as timeless historical remnants.
① Tokyo Station (東京駅)
Important Cultural Property
We begin with perhaps the most distinctive example of Western-influenced architecture in Japan: Tokyo Station (東京駅)’s Marunouchi Building. Designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2003, the building was constructed in a time of great change in Japan: Western culture and modernisation were flowing into the country, and railways were rapidly being built throughout.
Marunouchi Building was conceived by architect Kingo Tatsuno (金吾辰野) who studied Western architecture extensively in Europe, and it reflects Japan’s embracement of Western influence in its design, with its dome structures and use of red bricks as building material. It’s a stark contrast to many other buildings at that time, and it also changed the way people understood the railway station: not just a place where people come to board the train, but also a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Many passengers commute via Tokyo Station and pass by this building every day. It’s a structure that I pass through every time I make a trip to Tokyo as well, and its regal and classical architecture never fails to amaze me every time I look at it. When it comes to Meiji Era architecture in Japan, this is the first one that leaves the strongest impression on me.
Tokyo Station (東京駅)
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-shi, Tokyo 100-0005
Access: From Tokyo Station, walk towards the Marunouchi Central Exit to reach the building.
② Bank of Japan (日本銀行)
Important Cultural Property
Located right in the heart of Tokyo, and a stone’s throw away from Tokyo Station, is the Bank of Japan (日本銀行). Another prominent instance of Meiji Era Western-influenced architecture, the building was also designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same person behind Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Building, and was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1974.
It is said that he was inspired by the designs of the National Bank of Belgium and the Bank of England, and thus incorporated Doric and Corinthian influences into the architecture. Like Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Building, it was constructed at a momentous time in Japan’s history, and it also represents the heart of Japan’s finances, one of the fundamental institutions of a country.
You can also learn more about the history of the Bank of Japan and the country’s currency by paying a visit to the Bank of Japan Currency Museum located next to the building.
Bank of Japan (日本銀行)
Address: Nihonbashi, 2-1-1 Nihonbashihongokucho, Chuo-shi, Tokyo 103-0021
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station (JR東京駅)
③ Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (岩手銀行赤レンガ館)
Important Cultural Property
In the city of Morioka (盛岡市) in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) sits the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (岩手銀行赤レンガ館 Iwate-ginkō Akarenga-kan), another renowned example of Western-influenced architecture originally built for the Morioka Bank. It was completed in 1911, and recently underwent a 3-year restoration to bring it back to its original Meiji Era appearance and finally reopened to the public in 2016.
What’s unique about the architecture is the heavy Western influences in the design and construction. Up to 910,000 red bricks were used for the building, and Aomori hiba cypress wood was used to meticulously refurbish the interiors. Like Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Building, the Red Brick Building is also designated as an Important Cultural Property, and as you might expect, it was also designed by none other than Kingo Tatsuno.
Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (岩手銀行赤レンガ館)
Address: 1-2-20 Nakanohashidori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0871
Access: 10-minute bus ride from JR Morioka Station (JR盛岡駅)
④ Former Hirosaki City Library (旧弘前市立図書館)
Next, we move over to the city of Hirosaki (弘前市) in Aomori Prefecture (青森県), the northernmost prefecture of the Tohoku Region. Here we find the Former Hirosaki City Library (旧弘前市立図書館 Kyū Hirosaki-shi Ritsu-toshokan), a historical building that seems conspicuously Western-influenced on the outside but contains some surprises on the inside.
Built in the late 19th century, what’s interesting about the building is that, though it showcases Renaissance-style architecture with its octagonal twin towers, the interior structure is Japanese-style. For instance, kibana (きばな wooden nose), a form of architecture commonly found in Buddhist temples, is incorporated in building the interiors. It’s an example of architecture that fuses Western exterior designs with Japanese interior construction, and how the two influences can be employed to create a timeless structure.
Former Hirosaki City Library (旧弘前市立図書館)
Address: 2-1 Shimo-shirogane, Hirosaki City, Aomori 036-8356
Access: 15-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station (JR弘前駅)
⑤ Akita City Red Brick Folk Museum (秋田市立赤れんが郷土館)
Important Cultural Property
And lastly, in the northern prefecture of Akita (秋田県) lies another Western-style building that formerly housed a bank. The Akita City Red Brick Folk Museum (秋田市立赤れんが郷土館 Akita-shi Ritsu Akarenga Kyōdokan) was built in 1912 for the central office of Akita Bank, and was converted into a museum in 1985. Like Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Building and Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building, it was also designated as an Important Cultural Property, in 1994.
From the outside, the building visually stands out from the others in the city with its distinctive Baroque architecture. Once inside, visitors will be overwhelmed by the sheer luxury of European-style interiors such as chandeliers, marbled floors, plaster ceilings, zelkova wooden panels, and arabesque designs. While learning about Akita Bank’s heritage, visitors will feel like they’ve been transported to classical Europe when they step inside it, and forget that they are in Japan!Akita City Red Brick Folk Museum (秋田市立赤れんが郷土館)
Address: 3-3-21 Omachi, Akita 010-0921
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Akita Station (JR秋田駅)
Temples and shrines
If there’s anything synonymous with Japan when it comes to architecture, it would be temples (お寺 otera) and shrines (神社 jinja). The country’s feudal history and Buddhist and Shinto influences play a vital role in the construction of temples and shrines respectively, and eastern Japan has some prominent ones that are rich in culture and heritage.
⑥ Chusonji Temple (中尊寺)
UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure
Located in the historical town of Hiraizumi (平泉) in Iwate Prefecture, Chusonji Temple (中尊寺 Chūsonji) is one of the most famous temples in Japan and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On top of being one of the most prominent cultural landmarks in the country, it also plays an important role in exemplifying the country’s architectures of the past. Furthermore, up to five structures in the temple are listed as Important Cultural Properties.
Temple complexes in Japan consist of several structures such as the main hall (本堂 hondō), and a lecture hall (講堂 kōdō). Chusonji Temple has a few in its complex, but the most outstanding structure of all is Konjikidō (金色堂). This National Treasure-designated hall is the oldest structure at the temple, and it’s famous for its interior architecture: it features intricate traditional woodwork and craftsmanship that have been preserved since the 12th century, but more importantly, the hall is covered in gold leaf!
Chusonji Temple is among my sought-after temple destinations in my to-go list. I always try to visit one or two visits to a temple while travel to Japan; it’s always a fascinating experience for me to explore them and understand Japan’s Buddhist roots. When it comes to admiring architectures in the country, this is one place I would visit and explore for myself.
Chusonji Temple (中尊寺)
Address: 202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Iwate 029-4102
Access: 5-minute bus ride from JR Hiraizumi Station (JR平泉駅)
⑦ Mount Haguro’s Five-Storey Pagoda (五重塔)
National Treasure
Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山 Three Mountains of Dewa) are three sacred mountains located in the north-western region of Shonai (庄内) in Yamagata Prefecture (山形県). Made up of Mount Haguro (羽黒山), Mount Gassan (月山), and Mount Yudono (湯殿山), they are important places for followers of the ancient religion of Shugendō (修験道), and they feature several structures that are of historical significance.
In particular, Mount Haguro is home to one architectural marvel. On the mountain, and in the midst of the pristine green forest is a five-storey pagoda which is one of the definitive landmarks of Dewa Sanzan. It is made entirely out of wood with no lacquer or paint, and it is still standing strong since its construction over 600 years ago. The pagoda is also designated as a National Treasure, together with the path leading up to it that is made up of 2,446 stone steps.
What speaks out to me about this particularly is its austerity in architectural design and sheer robustness. Unlike many other traditional structures, this pagoda perfectly symbolises simplicity where only wood is used as its building material, and yet it is able to withstand the test of time and Mother Nature, braving through Yamagata’s harsh winters. This is made possible with the wisdom of the past, something that will always leave me speechless.
Mount Haguro (東京駅)
Access: 40-minute bus ride from JR Tsuruoka Station (JR鶴岡駅) to Zuishimon bus stop
⑧ Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺)
National Treasure
Another temple worth checking to understand Japanese’s architecture can be found near the shores of Matsushima (松島町). In this peaceful and picturesque town lies Zuiganji Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple that is recognised as one of the most significant cultural and historical properties in Japan.
The temple has a profound history in Japan, stretching as far back as the 9th century, and the structures has endured since then after surviving many eras and undergoing several restorations. Many of the structures inside the temple complex are designated as National Treasures, and they are often admired for their architectural and traditional designs such as the sliding screens (襖 fusuma) that feature beautiful paintings.
Zuiganji Temple was also renowned for its landscaping, which could be experienced even before reaching the temple. The path towards the temple’s main building used to be lined with rows of cedar trees, which makes for a particularly picturesque scenery. Unfortunately, the trees were damaged by saltwater in 2011 when the area was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (東日本大震災). Most of the temple structures were thankfully spared, but the trees can no longer be seen.
Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺)
Address: Chonai-91 Matsushima, Miyagi, Miyagi 981-0213
Access: 5-minute walk JR Matsushimakaigan Station (JR松島海岸駅)
⑨ Zenkoji Temple (善光寺)
National Treasure
Next, we move over to the mountainous prefecture of Nagano (長野県) where we can find the imposing Zenkoji Temple (善光寺 Zenkōji). Situated in the city of Nagano (長野市), the temple’s history dates back as far as the 7th century, and is a classic example of historical Buddhist architecture. Prominently, the temple’s main hall is designated as a National Treasure, and the inner gate Sanmon (山門) is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Apart from the conspicuous Buddhist architecture on the outside, visitors should also explore the intricate structures on the inside. In addition to the many intricate Buddhist statues found in the temple’s main hall, but in the inner chamber, there is an underground passage that is pitch-black, and visitors can descend into it and try to find a key attached to a wall. Anyone who finds and touches the key is said to attain salvation.
What also makes Zenkoji Temple particularly significant is that it houses the first ever statue of Buddha that was brought into Japan. Buddhism plays a vital role in establishing the Japanese identity, and this temple historically played an instrumental role in welcoming it in ancient Japan. Today, the temple stands as one of the most significant Buddhist structures in the country.
Zenkoji Temple (善光寺)
Address: 491-i Nagano-Motoyoshichō, Nagano 380-0851
Access: 10-minute bus ride from JR Nagano Station (JR長野駅)
⑩ Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮)
UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Treasure
When it comes to understanding Japan’s traditional history and architecture, Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮 Nikkō Tōshōgu) is one of the most renowned examples. Located in Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県), the shrine is regarded as one of the most famous and important cultural icons in Japan.
The shrine was built as a memorial for Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan during the Edo Era. Together with Futarasan Shrine (二荒山神社) and Rinnoji (輪王寺), it is part of the Temples and Shrines for Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors will be mesmerised by the many ostentatiously designed historical structures in the complex. Some of the most famous structures include the elaborately designed gate Yomeimon (陽明門) and Karamon (唐門)—both of which are also National Treasures—a magnificent five-storey pagoda, the wooden carving Nemuri-neko (眠り猫 Sleeping Cat), and the all-famous monument San-zaru (三猿 Three Wise Monkeys) that represents the maxim “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮)
Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikkō, Tochigi 321-1431
Access: 10-minute bus ride from JR Nikkō Station (JR日光駅)
Bridges
To most people, a bridge is simply a structure built to help people get across a body of water or a valley. But bridges can be more that just that; some hold invaluable historical and cultural values, and they can even demonstrate engineering ingenuity of people in the past. There are several bridges in eastern Japan that deserve special attention, so let’s see what they are.
⑪ Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge (鶴の舞橋)
For our first stop, we head back over to Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku Region. In the quiet town of Tsuruta (鶴田町) lies the eye-catching Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, a wondrous example of classic Japanese architecture. This 300-metre triple arch footbridge is made out of more than 700 Aomori hiba (ひば Japanese cypress) trees, and at 300m, is also the longest triple-arch wooden bridge in Japan.
What’s outstanding about this bridge is its classical architecture. Although it was built in 1994, but unlike its modern counterparts, it was constructed using ancient Japanese building techniques. Stretching over Lake Tsugaru Fujimi (津軽富士見湖), this bridge is also named after the crane (鶴 tsuru), which is a symbol of longevity in Japan, and it is said that anyone who crosses the bridge will be blessed with a long life.
Tsuru no Mai Bridge (鶴の舞橋)
Address: Osawa Mawarizeki, Tsuruta, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori 038-3542
Access: 15-minute taxi ride from JR Mutsu-Tsuruda Station (JR陸奥鶴田駅)
⑫ Shinkyo Bridge (神橋)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Next we return to the historical city of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, where we look at what is said to be the most beautiful bridge in the prefecture: the Shinkyo Bridge, arching over the serene water of the Daiya River below. The bridge serves as an entrance to the Futarasan Shrine, and is said to be originally built as early as the 8th century.
The bridge plays a symbolic role in understanding the spiritual belief in sacred mountains in historical Japan. It is the gateway to the shrine whose name “Futarasan” also refers to Mount Nantai (男体山), which literally means “male body mountain”. The mountain blessed the people living below by supplying water to the rice paddies in the past, and according to ancient belief, it was the shrine’s go-shintai (御神体), a place that houses the spirit of a deity.
Visitors will be easily captivated by the bridge’s vermillion lacquer which, along with the crystal-blue water of the river below and surrounding verdant greenery, makes for a remarkably picturesque landscape. Along with Nikkō Tōshōgu Shrine, the bridge is among the Temples and Shrines of Nikko under the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Shinkyo Bridge (神橋)
Address: Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikkō, Tochigi 321-1401
Access: 30-minute walk from JR Nikkō Station (JR日光駅)
⑬ Saruhashi Bridge (猿橋)
National Site of Scenic Beauty
Have you heard of a ‘monkey bridge’ situated in the city of Otsuki (大月市) in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県)? Indeed there is, stretching across a deep gorge over the Katsura River (桂川). The name literally means ‘monkey bridge’, and there are different theories behind its peculiar name. Some say that it is related to a local legend where monkeys would form a bridge using their bodies to cross the gorge many centuries ago, while others say that when the bridge was originally built in 1756, it was so dangerous that “only monkeys could cross it”.
What’s exceptional about this bridge is its unusual architectural design. The arch bridge is supported by cantilever beams called hanegi (羽根木) that are extended from both sides. The sheer uniqueness of the bridge has influenced many painters in the past, including the famous ukiyo-e (浮世絵) painter Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎), who famously created the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” (富嶽三十六景 Fugaku Sanjūrokkei). It is also designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty, and underwent several restorations over the years. Today it is regarded as one of the most unique bridges in Japan.
Saruhashi Bridge (猿橋)
Address: Saruhashimachi, Otsuki, Yamanashi 409-0614
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Saruhashi Bridge (JR猿橋駅)
⑭ Horaibashi Bridge (蓬莱橋)
Guinness World Record
Stretching over the Oi River (大井川) in Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) is Horaibashi Bridge (蓬莱橋 Hōraibashi), which is recognised as the world’s longest wooden pedestrian bridge by Guinness World Records in 1997. It spans a total of 897.4m across the river, and only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to cross it for a fee of ¥100.
In the Edo Period, the Oi River posed the greatest hurdle on Tokaido (東海道), one of the Five Routes (五街道 Gokaidō) which were vital commercial routes from Edo to other parts of ancient Japan. Bridges were not allowed back then, so people who wanted to cross the river had to engage with a certain type of labourers called kawagoe-ninsoku (川越人足). People had to step onto a platform, and the labourers would physically carry them on their shoulders and across the treacherous river. When the bridge was finally built during the Meiji Era, this practice was abolished and crossing the river had become much safer.
Horaibashi Bridge (蓬莱橋)
Address: Minami 2-Chisaki, Shimada-shi, Shizuoka 427-0111
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Shimada Station (JR島田駅)
Closing
As Japan witnesses the changing of the times, architecture will continue to change to reflect it. It’s a place that cherishes culture and tradition alongside modernity, and whenever I visit Japan, I am always intrigued by the unique architectural designs that can be found almost anywhere. The next time you pay a visit to eastern Japan, be on the lookout for some of the most exceptional architectures that have transcended time; they might be found at places you least expect!
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Header image credit: (clockwise from top left) photoAC, JNTO, 日光市観光協会, 東北観光推進機構
