Kengo Kuma has become one of Japan’s most influential architects, known for his use of natural materials and designs that blend into their environment. His work in Asakusa, the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, is a perfect example. Rising above one of Tokyo’s most historic districts, the building feels modern but also respectful of its surroundings.
Instead of a glass tower, Kuma created a structure that looks like a series of stacked houses. The wooden slats on the façade echo traditional Japanese design, filtering light and giving the building a warmth that contrasts with the concrete around it. Inside, the spaces are open and inviting, designed to flow naturally from one level to the next.
The building is both functional and symbolic. It provides information for travellers, exhibition space, and views over the neighbourhood, while also acting as a bridge between past and future. Standing on its upper floors, you look out over Senso-ji Temple and realise how carefully it has been placed to be part of the community rather than above it.
Kuma’s approach reflects a broader shift in Japanese architecture, one that values sustainability, texture, and human scale. It shows that modern design does not have to erase tradition but can instead reinterpret it for today.
