3 Insta-genic Rainbow Buildings in Tokyo

The Sugamo Shinkin Bank Shimura Branch in Itabashi City, Tokyo, is a standout example of contemporary Japanese architecture, brought to life by French architect Emmanuelle Moureaux. Renowned for her use of vibrant color palettes, Moureaux transforms this functional bank into an urban art piece with her signature “100 Colors” concept. The building’s exterior features a harmonious composition of rainbow-colored slabs that stretch across the façade like rhythmic brushstrokes, making it a visually captivating subject for both architecture lovers and photographers. Its bold, geometric forms paired with a spectrum of color make it ideal for wide compositions and detail shots alike, especially during times of day when the natural light intensifies the saturation or casts dramatic shadows.

Nestled between Shimurasakagami Station and Motohasunuma Station on the Toei Mita Line, this branch has become a local landmark in northwestern Tokyo. For photographers seeking Instagram-worthy architecture, the Shimura Branch offers a perfect “look-up” perspective—where vertical lines and vivid hues converge into compelling visual symmetry. The juxtaposition of playful color against Tokyo’s typically restrained cityscape draws the eye and slows the pace of passersby, inviting closer inspection. Each visit presents a fresh angle to capture, as shifts in sunlight and seasonal conditions subtly change the building’s appearance—making it a rewarding location for repeat photography outings.

The Sugamo Shinkin Bank Nakaaoki Branch in Kawaguchi City, designed by renowned French architect Emmanuelle Moureaux, is a bold departure from traditional bank architecture. Its multi-colored cube façade—part of Moureaux’s iconic “Sugamo” design language—makes it one of the most photogenic modern buildings near Tokyo. The vivid palette of overlapping hues turns the bank into a visual beacon, standing out sharply against the more subdued urban surroundings. For photographers, this structure offers a compelling subject for both wide-angle and detail-focused compositions, especially when captured under soft daylight or during the golden hour when the colors glow even more vividly.

From a street-level perspective, the rhythmic repetition of color-blocked cubes creates strong leading lines and geometric harmony. Depending on the angle and light, the façade appears to shift and change—making each photo opportunity feel unique. Embedded within the design are 12 small sky gardens, adding an organic element to the vibrant architecture. Seasonal blooms like marigolds and lavender, along with miniature olive trees, introduce texture and life into the clean lines of the structure. The ever-present movement of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles at the busy intersection further adds to the dynamic composition, offering a chance to juxtapose motion with the building’s structured vibrancy.

Set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s waterfront, this vivid office complex stands out with its kaleidoscopic arrangement of colorful balcony doors, forming a bold grid that stretches across the building’s clean, rectilinear facade. The repetition of vibrant hues—from electric blues to fiery oranges—creates a rhythmic pattern that feels both playful and precise. For photographers, this structure offers a wealth of compositional opportunities, especially when shot from a frontal perspective to emphasize the symmetry or from an angled view to accentuate depth and contrast. At night, the building takes on a different personality, as its internal lights cast soft glows against the saturated doors, enhancing the visual impact through luminous color blocks.

Though access to the interior is limited, the exterior remains a favorite among urban photographers and filmmakers. Its blend of modern minimalism and high-saturation detailing makes it a compelling canvas for both wide architectural shots and abstract close-ups. Whether framed under soft daylight or captured during twilight when the structure subtly reflects the waterfront light, this location delivers consistently dynamic results for those seeking vivid, geometric compositions.