Ryōunkaku

Overview

The Ryōunkaku was a Western-style high-rise building for viewing scenery, erected in Tokyo during the Meiji era. Completed in 1890, it stood about 52 meters tall with 12 stories in the Asakusa district. Affectionately called the Asakusa Jūnikai (Asakusa Twelve-stories), it was damaged in the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 and demolished, and no longer exists.

Highlights

• ●A high-rise completed in 1890, about 52 meters tall with 12 stories
• ●A name meaning a tower high enough to surpass the clouds
• ●A viewing tower affectionately known as the Asakusa Twelve-stories
• ●Its housing of Japan's first electric elevator

History

The Tokyo Ryōunkaku was completed in 1890 and built in the Asakusa district as a high-rise for viewing. W. K. Burton was involved in its design. It housed Japan's first electric elevator and was known as a showcase for new technologies. It was damaged in the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 and subsequently demolished, and it no longer exists.

Map

35.7157, 139.7932 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Identify the location in Asakusa where the Ryōunkaku once stood
2. 2Picture its scale of about 52 meters and 12 stories
3. 3Note that it housed Japan's first electric elevator
4. 4Trace its history from its completion in 1890 to the Great Kantō earthquake

Did you know?

💡 The name Ryōunkaku means a tower high enough to surpass the clouds.

Nearby spots