First opened in 1956 as the Tokyo Cultural Center, the current building has since been remodeled and renamed Hikarie. Unmistakable from far away, each section of the building architecture is similar to a set of blocks stacked on one another. An office, theater, gallery, shopping center--at Hikarie you can get your hands on many different items.
Anyone can go up to the top floor to enjoy a cost-free view of Shibuya. For those who have a fear of heights you may wish to avoid using the glass elevator bringing you to the apex of the building. Through the glass you can see the precise lines of the train cables and buildings dotting the landscape.
As you look out the windows of Hikarie you will notice the many blue nets and cranes, signs of the massive construction before you. The many projects are part of what you could call a master plan to remake Shibuya station. Some parts of it will be complete by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics while other sections will be under construction until 2027.
In ten years can you imagine how the landscape in front of you will look? The project was proposed thinking of both convenience and aesthetics. In the architectural models which are available for viewing on the top floor, there is a noticeable push to expand greenery, including trees and grassy areas. While I applaud the effort to bring green back into this ultra-urban space, I’d say no matter the effort you put into this renovation there is nothing that can replace the rich air and beautiful nature that you can find in the rural parts of the country.
Name: Hikarie
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Shibuya 21-1
☎︎ ：81-03-5468-5892
Hours: 10:00pm～21:00am