By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Vico
The status of renowned architect Tadao Ando needs no further elaboration—his architectural works have long been a focus of attention for architecture, photography, and design enthusiasts. Coupled with the creation of many public space buildings such as museums and art galleries, more travelers visiting Japan also include Tadao Ando’s architectural works as key sights to visit and make good use of them. The famous Church of the Light is one example. Tadao Ando himself hails from Osaka in Kansai, so those who enjoy traveling in Japan should keep an eye out for the following three architectural works by Tadao Ando in Kansai to experience the architectural aesthetics unique to Ando.
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A monograph featuring the interior of the Row House in Sumiyoshi on its cover, and the exterior of the Row House in Sumiyoshi. (Image source / ja.wikipedia)
1. Osaka – Row House in Sumiyoshi (住吉の长屋)
The Row House in Sumiyoshi is one of Tadao Ando’s earliest works, designed and completed between 1975 and 1976. A row house is one of the distinctive types of housing in the Kansai region, with a long, narrow shape that doesn’t reveal the larger 14-tsubo space behind from the facade. The exposed concrete texture showcases his signature simplicity and restraint from the outside. This work also won the 31st Annual Architecture Institute of Japan Award in 1979.
【Info】
Row House in Sumiyoshi, also known as Azuma House
Sumiyoshi-cho, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City
Get off at Sumiyoshi-Torii-mae Station on the Hankai Railway, and you can see it along the road between the Sumiyoshi Tax Office and the acupuncture clinic.
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The 4X4 House facing the Seto Inland Sea and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. (Image source / adcity)
2. Kobe – 4 X 4 House
The 4x4 House is located around the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City. It is a square-shaped house overlooking the sea, standing out quite distinctly compared to surrounding buildings. Its exterior also showcases Tadao Ando’s architectural characteristics—clean, simple, understated yet impactful. The first of these two structures was built between 2001 and 2003, while the second wooden structure was completed in 2005. These are “constrained buildings,” meaning they were completed under numerous limitations such as limited ground area and budget. The two paired houses offer views of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, and because the original client was single, he later got married and had children after moving in, showcasing the architectural master’s unique design flair—so captivating that it brought unexpected happiness to its residents.
【Info】
4X4 House
1-chome, Nishimaike, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City
Approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from Maiko Station
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The Naniwa-bashi Tollgate Exit designed by Tadao Ando. (Image source / ja.wikipedia)
3. Osaka – Naniwa-bashi Tollgate Exit (なにわ橋耠 出入口)
Naniwa-bashi Tollgate is on the Keihan Railway Nakanoshima Line, and its exit was designed by Tadao Ando, completed in 2009. It is also passed through when transferring to the Tanimachi Line at Kitahama Station. Its simple curved design complements the nearby Central Public Hall green space. At night, LED lights illuminate the inner curve, emitting a blue glow reminiscent of underwater scenes, symbolizing an island emerging from the water. As passengers exit the underground station to the first floor, it feels as if they are surfacing from underwater. Be sure to admire its unique nighttime ambiance when passing by this station.
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The nighttime view of the Naniwa-bashi Tollgate Exit is truly worth seeing. (Image source / obayashi)
【Info】
Naniwa-bashi Tollgate Exit
1-chome, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Nearby attractions include Nakanoshima Park, Osaka City Museum of Oriental Ceramics, and Tenma Tennshi Engei-za (Tenma Tennshi Prosperity Pavilion)