Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
A striking, cocoon-shaped skyscraper in Shinjuku, Tokyo, housing fashion, technology, and medical schools. An architectural marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking, cocoon-shaped skyscraper in Shinjuku, Tokyo, housing fashion, technology, and medical schools. An architectural marvel.
"Its unique architecture makes it a standout landmark in Tokyo's skyline."
📸 Capture the Cocoon Shape
Find angles from surrounding streets for the best photos of its unique, curved design.
📍 Explore Shinjuku
The tower is in a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cocoon Exterior
A truly unique, cocoon-shaped skyscraper that stands out in Tokyo's skyline. Its distinctive architecture is a marvel.
Shinjuku Skyline Views
See the tower as part of the dynamic Shinjuku cityscape. It's a modern architectural gem amidst the bustling district.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Shinjuku's Architectural Icon
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Cocoon Shape
Find angles from surrounding streets for the best photos of its unique, curved design. 
📍 Explore Shinjuku
The tower is in a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
🚫 No Public Entry Inside
The building houses educational institutions, so public access to interiors is generally restricted.
💡 Architectural Interest
Appreciate its design, often compared to the Bird's Nest stadium.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Cocoon Shape
Find angles from surrounding streets for the best photos of its unique, curved design.
📍 Explore Shinjuku
The tower is in a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
🚫 No Public Entry Inside
The building houses educational institutions, so public access to interiors is generally restricted.
💡 Architectural Interest
Appreciate its design, often compared to the Bird's Nest stadium.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is primarily an educational institution with limited public interior access, its striking and unique exterior architecture is widely praised. Visitors appreciate its distinctive design and its prominent place in the Shinjuku skyline, making it a popular spot for photography. Some reviews mention the building's cladding and its resemblance to other structures.
"If you are considering studying fashion, pls don’t apply to this school, three weeks into the semester we used the sewing machine for the first time. The school is totally unorganised, they do not send their students timetables, the teachers loves to gaslight the students and I feel like they don’t plan the lessons ahead, the stuff they teach is way too basic it makes me feel like I’m back to kindergarten again (they also treat us like kindergarteners) . On the first day of school they handed us a 40+ pages booklet basically filled with rules of the school, you get more freedom in a prison than in this school."
にこに
"Haven't been inside and don't know what's there, but looks cool from outside."
Vitalii Chumak
"Great building"
Linh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is easily accessible via public transport. It's located in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo. The closest train station is Shinjuku Station, which is a major hub served by numerous JR and private railway lines, as well as subway lines. From Shinjuku Station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the tower. You can also take a taxi or use a navigation app to find the most direct route from your location.
Yes, the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is situated in the heart of Shinjuku, a district brimming with attractions. It's close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic city views, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful escape, and the bustling entertainment areas like Kabukicho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to see the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower. It is an exterior architectural landmark. You can view and photograph it from the surrounding public streets and areas.
Generally, no. The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower houses educational institutions, including schools for fashion, technology, and design, as well as a medical college. Public access to the interior is typically restricted to students and staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Excellent photo opportunities can be found from the streets surrounding the tower, especially from the west side in Nishi-Shinjuku. Elevated walkways and nearby buildings can also offer unique perspectives. Experimenting with different angles and times of day will yield the best results.
Yes, the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower is quite striking at night when its lights illuminate the distinctive structure, creating a dramatic silhouette against the Tokyo skyline.
🎫 🏢 About the Building
The tower is primarily an educational facility, housing three specialized schools: Tokyo Mode Gakuen (fashion), HAL Tokyo (IT and digital arts), and Shuto Ikubun Kenkyusho (medical care and welfare).
The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower was designed by Tange Associates, led by the renowned architect Kenzo Tange's son, Paul Tange.
Construction of the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower was completed in 2008.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Architecture & Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider visiting during the golden hour or at night to capture its dramatic lighting. Remember that interior access is limited to students. 🚶♀️ Urban Explorers
The area is packed with diverse dining and shopping experiences. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The tower stands at 204 meters (669 feet) and is a prominent feature of the Nishi-Shinjuku skyline. Its unique form is a deliberate choice to make it a recognizable landmark, differentiating it from the more conventional skyscrapers in the area. The design aims to be both functional for its educational purpose and visually striking.
+1While visitors cannot typically enter the schools, the exterior itself is a major draw for photographers and architecture buffs. The way light plays on its curved surfaces, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers dynamic visual experiences. Its presence adds a unique character to the urban landscape of Shinjuku.
+1Experiencing Shinjuku
For those seeking relaxation, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden provides a serene escape with its diverse garden styles. The ward is also famous for its vibrant entertainment districts, such as Kabukicho, known for its neon lights, restaurants, and nightlife. Foodies will find an endless array of dining options, from traditional ramen shops to upscale dining.
Shinjuku is also a major transportation hub, making it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo. The sheer density of shops, restaurants, and cultural spots means there's always something new to discover, making a visit to the Cocoon Tower part of a broader Shinjuku exploration.
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