Tokyo International Forum

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Facts & Figures

The Tokyo International Forum is an architectural masterpiece by Uruguayan architect Rafael Vinoly (born in 1944) and the largest convention and performing arts center in Tokyo. The whole complex covers an area of 30.000 square meters.  Explore Ryokans in Tokyo >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. It includes exhibition space (5000 square meters), 8 halls (concert hall: 5000 seats, opera house: 1502 seats, etc.), 2 theatres, 34 conference rooms, a movie theatre, shops and restaurants. The most impressive part of the building is the 60-meter-high glass and steel atrium in the form of a hull. My tip: Take the elevator to the 7th floor of the building and enjoy the view. Within the whole building complex, you can find pieces of modern art by famous international and Japanese artists like Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987), Richard Long (born 1945), Francesco Clemente (born 1952), Isamu Noguchi (1904 - 1988), Hisao Domoto (1928 - 2013), Peter Halley (born 1953), Robert Mapplethorpe (1946 - 1989) and many more. In total, there are 134 works on display from around the world by 50 artists. The forum is hosting a wide range of cultural and business events (rock concerts, architecture exhibitions, etc.) throughout the year, which are mostly open to the public. For example, the largest outdoor antique market in Japan (Oedo Antique Market) is held at the plaza of the Tokyo International Forum from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

• Tokyo International Forum:
• Opening Hours - 7:00 am to 11:30 pm - daily
• Admission Fee - access to main hall is for free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the fascinating city Tokyo with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details about this tour.

History

Architect Rafael Vinoly was a participant in the open international competition for the construction of the Tokyo International Forum in 1987. It was held by the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo. Finally, he was announced as the winner in 1989. The construction of the Tokyo International Forum took from 1992 to 1997. Before that, the area was occupied by the Tokyo City Hall. In 1991 the City Hall was moved to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.

Sightseeing spots within Tokyo International Forum

Top:

Glass Hall/Atrium - The atrium is 208 meters long and the facade uses appr. 20000 square meters of glass. The impressive steel framework stretches over 11 stories above ground level. The illumination of the hall at night is my must-see recommendation for you.

Plaza - Take a rest and enjoy this public space with Zelkova trees and sculptures. The Plaza is located between the Atrium and the 4 exhibition halls (Block A, B, C, and D).

Mitsuo Aida Museum - Dokan (1432 - 1486) was a Buddhist monk, samurai warrior-poet, and the architect of the Edo Castle better known as the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The statue is located on the first floor.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

all year

Tokyo International Forum
This venue offers a huge variety of events for the whole year.