Visit-1: Presentation in Nikken Sekkei by Mr. Takahashi, Senior Expart/ by Mr. Oba, architect

Visit-2: Lecture at Nihon Sekkei by Mr. Mishio, Exective vice president

Visit-3: River Cruise guided by Mr. Abe, urban planner

Client: ArkiTours, Denmark

Guest: 27 architects from Denmark

Navigator: Nahoko Wada

Translator: Shigeru Yamaki

9:00-11:30 Visit Nikken Sekkei:

Danish architects gave presentation of their works.

Mr. Takahashi’s introduction of the firm and recent projects, Athletes’ Village Plaza, and Ariake Gymnasium. The guests were impressed by the sustainable use of standardized wood borrowed from local governments throughout Japan which will be returned for use after the Olympics.

Mr. Ohba introduced Nikken Wood Lab and the research of wood joints.

Nikken Sekkei gave a tour of PYNT in small groups. The guests were able to ask questions.

12:00-13:00 Lunch at Toranomon Yokocho food court in small groups.

13:00-14:30 Visit Nihon Sekkei:

Mr. Mishio gave a presentation of the firm and the evolution of redevelopment project and urban planning in Tokyo. The recent changes to include residential units in redevelopment was one interesting aspect.

Nihon Sekkei gave a short tour of the view of the surrounding developments from their lobby in Toranomon Hills Tower.

15:45-18:00 River cruise guided by Mr. Abe:

Began the cruise on ‘Galleon’ at Nihonbashi pier, cruised upstream on Nihonbashi River, and downstream on Kanda River. Mr. Abe pointed out old retaining walls and the history from Edo era and the planned removal of the overhead highways. Unfortunately, due to the sudden shower, we had to wait under bridge, and the cruise of downstream of Sumida River and Tokyo Bay was cut short and ended at Koyanagibashi pier.

The tour adjourned at the pier and the guests walked to Asakusa in small groups to enjoy dinner there.

Report: Shigeru Yamaki