Surprisingly, this is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Tokyo. Built in 1964 on the site of the old wooden Gothic-style cathedral that was destroyed during World War II, it evokes the image of a bird with outstretched wings, while from above, it resembles a cross.

The structure is based on the traditional cruciform floor plan of cathedrals, with a facade made up of eight hyperbolically curved, asymmetrical walls of varying heights, which also serve as the roof. The tallest of these walls rises nearly 40 meters.

The cathedral is open to visitors, and it is even possible to hold wedding ceremonies here regardless of religious affiliation (with Catholics making up less than 1% of Japan’s population).
Architect Kenzo Tange placed special significance on this project — having been baptized in life, he wished for his funeral to be held here, a wish that was fulfilled in 2005.

Name: St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo / 東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂
City: Tokyo
Address: view the address
Architect: Kenzo Tange
Year: 1964



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