Tokyo Architecture (Part 1)
Tokyo is a fascinating city for architecture lovers. Its ancient temples and shrines are complemented by many modern works. Works by famous architects such as Kenzo Tange, Tadao Ando, Kisho Kurokawa, Togo Murano,Taisei Kensetsu, and Shimizu Kensetsu can be found. Our location in Tokyo is ideal for exploring the many buildings of Tokyo further.
Close to Sakura Hostel Asakusa and a good starting point, for instance, is the Phillippe Starck designed Asahi Super Dry Hall (see picture). Asahi Super Dry was one of the most popular beers in Japan at the time it was designed, and is still found in vending machines everywhere. The resemblance to a tall foamy mug of beer is intentional. It's not hard to picture the Flame d'Or (golden flame) at the top as the foam being blown off a cold beer. Moreover, the building's black granite facade is punctuated by a grid of portholes that at night give the illusion of tiny bubbles of effervescent beer in a large mug.
Some interesting facts about the flame:
> The flame is 43 meters long.
> The flame is 14 meters tall.
> The flame is 12 meters wide.
> The flame weighs 360 tons.
> The flame was constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries
> Its popular nickname is `The Golden Poo` "O Gon No Unko."