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Let’s go for a walk around the historic buildings of Ochanomizu!

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Going for “architectural walks” in Tokyo is great fun! Firstly, the historic shrines and temples are wonderful, but the buildings constructed during the last 100 years are likewise extremely attractive. This time, I went out for a walk around the orthodox church in Ochanomizu where I saw many different architectural styles such as the Hijiri Bridge.

One of the few Byzantine style buildings in Japan

Completed in 1891, “Nikolai-do (Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral)” is located close to JR Ochanomizu Station and Metro Shin Ochanomizu Station. Unlike the simplistic modern architecture that has increased since then, this church, whose construction began with the arrival of the Russian Orthodox missionaries in Japan, has playful features.

The Byzantine Church paired with the modern skyscrapers in the background make an unusual mixture of architectonic styles.

The building was designed by Josiah Conder, but the roof which was destroyed by fire was rebuilt by the Japanese architect Shinichiro Okada.
The admission fee for the church is 300 yen. You receive a candle with your pamphlet. If you like, you may place it in front of a picture of a saint.

The Hijiri Bridge, completed in 1927, just outside the Holy Resurrection Cathedral, is a wonderful photo spot.

It is interesting that the station’s platform is crammed under the bridge. Look at the dynamic design of the bridge’s arch! Design: Mamoru Yamada

Universities, Musical Instruments, and Curry

There are many universities in Ochanomizu, which is a neighborhood famous for its many musical instruments stores (read article).

Ochanomizu Musical Instruments Town

On the photo, you see Ochanomizu Square, which was completed in 1987. The lower building was designed in 1925 by William Merrell Vories. The excellent combination with the high-rise building on the backside designed by architect Arata Isozaki almost feels like post-modern architecture.

Ochanomizu Square

Don’t miss Meiji University’s buildings on the other side of the road.

The huge and impressive glass roof of the Meiji University Liberty Tower and a large square.

Continue south on the main avenue and you will reach the “Curry Triangle” (packed with curry shops). When you enter the mysterious triangle-shaped building, you are confronted with a rare manual elevator! Are you courageous enough to get in? If you are, go up to the 4th floor.

The manual elevator in the Shintendo Building requires you to open and close the door by hand.

At “Cafe HINATA-YA” on the 4th floor of the building, you have to try their delicious Indian curry. The perfect meal after a long walk.

The restaurant has a triangular shape!
The Indian curry lunch set. The shop also sells home-made chai.

For today, this is the end of my architectural walk. But there are still many interesting buildings around Ochanomizu I didn’t visit. So stay tuned for the next architecture walk that I will post in the future!

See you next time!

Nikolaido (Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral)

http://nikolaido.org
4-1-3 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest stations: JR Ochanomizu Station, Shin Ochanomizu Station, Ogawamachi Station
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qqWYDkXFBv2kdzWT8

Cafe HINATA-YA

3-10, Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Shintendo Building 4F
https://hinata-ya.info

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