The Best Building You’ve Never Heard of…if you’re not from Tokyo.

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo 東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂 is a stunning work and a must-see for anyone with more than a passing interest in architecture.  My visit was prompted by a friend inspired by the recent Metabolism exhibit at the Mori Art Museum (see prior post).  The cathedral was designed by Kenzo Tange 丹下 健三 and completed in 1964.

Update February 2023: I didn’t know it at the time, but Kenzo Tange would become a person of interest throughout many of my blog posts. See tags in:

• The Tokyo Files (Kenzo Tange)
• The Tokyo Files Archives (Kenzo Tange)
• The Tokyo Files Maps (Kenzo Tange)

Located halfway between Iidabashi 飯田橋 and Ikebukuro 池袋, it’s a 10 minute walk from Gokokuji Station 護国寺駅, or a 12 minute walk from Edogawabashi Station 江戸川橋駅.  See map.  I suspect it is best to visit on a sunny day in order to appreciate the structure’s gleaming vertical lines; however, as you can see, a clear dusk evening provides a wonderful backdrop.

Maps & Directions:

From Gokokuji Station 護国寺駅

From Edogawabashi Station 江戸川橋駅

‘Metabolism’ architecture references:

• (not) like a cancer grows: artistic expression as alternative success narrative 芸術表現
• The Top 10 Buildings in Tokyo 建築めぐり 東京
• Catholic advocate for the homeless: Satoko Kitahara, Maria of Ants Town 蟻の町のマリア
• Ikebukuro missionary house