I'm heading off to japan next week and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for contemporary architecture pilgrimages in tokyo and kyoto. besides Herzog and de Meuron's Prada store and Renzo Piano's Maison Hermes, I'm lost as to where to start. I'd like to visit some Shigeru Ban, Fumihiko Maki, Toyo Ito, Sejima, etc. projects. Any suggestions on what to see? Thanks!

Bonjour Mce,

In Tokyo, head for the Intl Forum in Yurakucho (Yurakucho station on the JR Yamanote circle line , or 5 min on foot from the Maruno-uchi exit of Tokyo station). The building in itself is worth the visit, and there is a bookstore with a good architecture section where you'll find some pointers on what to see.

I seem to remember that GA magazine has a number devoted to Shigeru Ban's projects, but I'm not sure it is centered on Tokyo.

In Kyoto, the main recent project is the train station. I guess there is more to see more in Osaka than in Kyoto.

Visit Odaiba island in Tokyo.
For a peek, make a search on Fuji Tv building.

Thanks guys! Searching for your suggestions led to a whole bunch of sites I hadn't found before.

The Miho Museum is a new I.M.Pei building about 1 hour by bus from Kyoto. It is well worth the trip, a truly beautiful structure. You can find it at www.miho.or.jp. There is also several Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Tokyo, including Myonichikan which was recently refurbished and is now an Important Cultural Property. Their site is www.jiyu.jp. Also just opened Roppongi Hills is nice to stroll through.