In 1964, during the Tokyo Olympics, the multi-family residence Villa Bianca was completed. The project stood out significantly against the urban landscape of the time, when Tokyo was not yet densely built and its familiar appearance was still taking shape.

Villa Bianca was conceived as a housing option for those wanting to live in the city center while enjoying the experience of residing in a private home. The building’s design creates the illusion of individual homes, with stacked cube-like containers perceived as separate residences, each with its own small garden. The complex comprises 45 spacious apartments, each with 3 to 4 rooms and balconies. This innovative approach impressed many both in Japan and abroad, even being discussed as a potential new model for residential complexes. However, as we can see today, that did not materialize.

Nonetheless, the building remains one of the few surviving examples of such residential structures, where rental options are still available. Real estate websites indicate that a 87 m² apartment can be rented for ¥495,000 per month.


Name: Villa Bianca Building / ビラ・ビアンカ
City: Tokyo
Address: view the address
Architect: Eiji Hotta
Year: 1964


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