Granite and Tokyo Tour Series 2025 No.6 Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower
Striped Granite at Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower — A Quick Field Note
While walking through Nihonbashi, this tower caught my eye. Its exterior uses Indian striped granite with a hammered finish that creates deep shadows and a strong presence in the cityscape. I sell stone products (lanterns, Jizo statues, accessories), not building materials, but I wanted to record how this bold stone pattern works in modern architecture.
Why Striped Granite Works Here (and Not for Memorial Uses)
In Japan’s traditional settings—gravestones, stone lanterns, and Jizo statues—quiet, even-toned stone is preferred. Strong stripes can feel too assertive for solemn spaces. In contrast, Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower turns those stripes into a design feature: the hammered surface and natural banding interact with light throughout the day, adding rhythm and depth to the façade.
Quick Specs of Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower |
| Location | Nihonbashi 2-chome, Chuo City, Tokyo |
| Floors | 35 above ground / 4 below |
| Height | Approx. 180 m (approx. 591 ft) |
| Total Floor Area | Approx. 138,000 m² (approx. 1,485,000 sq ft) |
| Building Footprint | Approx. 5,200 m² (approx. 55,900 sq ft) |
| Site Area | Approx. 8,769 m² (approx. 94,400 sq ft) |
| Completed | 2015 |
Takeaway
Striped granite may not suit memorial pieces in Japan, but in urban architecture it can be a strong identity element. This quick note is simply a record of how pattern and texture can change the mood of stone in the city.
Note: I do not handle building materials. My business focuses on authentic stone products crafted in Japan—lanterns, Jizo, gorinto, and related items.