Tokyo’s historic Hyakudan Kaidan building reopens after one year
A new event features fewer exhibits than in the past to allow visitors to better experience the architecture and its ornaments from the 1930s.
Tokyo's iconic Hyakudan Kaidan building reopened to the public last week after a year-long closure, as part of a special viewing event showcasing the architectural beauty and ornate details from the 1930s. The event, running until March 30, 2027, features fewer exhibits than previous viewings, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the ceiling paintings, pillars, and architectural elements without obstructions.
In the seven traditional Japanese-style rooms linked by a 99-step wooden staircase, guests can view approximately 100 motifs believed to bring good fortune, including Japanese sensu folding fan motifs symbolizing growth, prosperity, and future success. One of the most notable exhibits is the Jippo room's rotating table, possibly the oldest surviving one in Japan, adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay.
This piece, restored from a pre-World War II era, provides a glimpse into the history of Hyakudan Kaidan, originally a ryotei traditional Japanese restaurant that served as the venue for lavish banquets and weddings during its completion in 1935.
Despite the majority of the original 1935 complex being demolished in 1988 for redevelopment, Hyakudan Kaidan has been preserved largely in its original condition. The building's survival holds substantial significance, preserving the area's history and memories amidst the city's evolving landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
