※uploaded in April 2025
Tokyo is one of the most economically powerful cities in the world. With a population of approximately 14 million, it serves as a major hub for economic activity. On the cultural front, the city boasts numerous museums and galleries, where new exhibitions are constantly being held. Moreover, the cityscape is dotted with public artworks, allowing pedestrians to gain fresh perspectives and broaden their horizons simply by walking through the streets.
Here, we introduce some of the most striking public artworks you can encounter in Tokyo.
・Kirin Statues at Nihonbashi
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi is a historic bridge first constructed during the Edo period (starting in 1603), which laid the foundation for modern Tokyo. It served as the starting point of the Gokaido, five major roads established by the Tokugawa shogunate to connect Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with other regions.
Originally completed in 1603, the bridge has been rebuilt 19 times throughout history. The current version was reconstructed in 1911, with decorative elements designed by sculptor Yorinaka Tsumaki. He adopted a wayo-setchu (Japanese-Western eclectic) style, blending Western design with traditional Japanese aesthetics. One of the most prominent features is the mythical Chinese creature Kirin, a symbol of peace and prosperity that is said to appear when a virtuous ruler emerges.
The Kirin statues on the bridge are depicted with outstretched wings, symbolizing Tokyo’s growth and a hopeful future. There are four Kirin statues in total—be sure not to miss them when you visit.
📍Address: 1-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
💰Admission Fee: Free
・Maman at Roppongi
While many public artworks bring vibrant colors to the cityscape, Maman in Roppongi Hills offers a starkly different impression. As part of the “Roppongi Hills Public Art & Design Project,” this towering 10-meter-tall spider sculpture commands attention and provokes thought. Created by French sculptor Louise Bourgeois, the work is deeply personal. Bourgeois was known for projecting her life experiences into her art. The title Maman—French for "mother"—holds profound meaning. The spider’s abdomen carries nearly 20 eggs, and when viewed from directly below, the piece is nothing short of breathtaking.
Bourgeois saw the spider as a metaphor for her own mother—spinning the threads of family and protecting the home despite adversity. When you view Maman not as a spider, but as a mother, you may discover a whole new perspective.
📍Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku
💰Admission Fee: Free
・Sun Dial at Otemachi
Directly connected to Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro, Otemachi Place is home to an innovative artwork themed around “time and space”: Sun Dial, created by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto in 2018.
This striking piece is a three-dimensional mathematical model that visualizes a cubic function and also functions as a real sundial. Its sharply pointed tip juts into space, creating an almost disorienting experience for viewers and challenging spatial perception. Those with a fear of sharp objects might find it slightly overwhelming.
Made from stainless steel, the sculpture often blends in with the surrounding buildings and overcast skies, making it easy to miss if you're not paying attention. But up close, the precision of its form and the delicacy of the tip are awe-inspiring. Located within a 10-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station, it’s well worth a visit.
📍Address: Otemachi Place, 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku
💰Admission Fee: Free
・Lucky Cats at Yanaka-Ginza
The Yanaka area is famously known as a “cat town.” Stray cats have long roamed the neighborhood, and the local shopping street has grown and thrived alongside them. Unlike central Tokyo, which is filled with towering skyscrapers, Yanaka-Ginza offers a nostalgic, retro atmosphere brimming with traditional downtown charm.
This makes it especially popular with foreign visitors. The broader area is often affectionately referred to as "Yanesen", a name derived from the initials of three neighboring districts: Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. At Yanaka-Ginza Shopping Street, you’ll find countless cat-themed items and decorations. One of the must-see photo spots is a charming wooden lucky cat (maneki-neko) sculpture, which makes for the perfect souvenir snapshot.
📍Address: 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito-ku
💰Admission Fee: Free
