Why we created the "Tour of the Works of Master Kenzo Tange" as an Airbnb Experience: The trajectory of architecture born in Takamatsu and touched by the world

Introduction

In January 2026, I launched a new Airbnb experience in Takamatsu called "A Tour of the Works of Master Kenzo Tange ." This Airbnb experience, which takes about an hour and a half, was created based on a somewhat mysterious connection I have had with Kenzo Tange's architecture throughout my life. In this article, I will talk about the background to the planning of this experience and the "current value" of his architecture.

Why did you decide to create a "Kenzo Tange Course" Airbnb Experience?

Takamatsu City is home to two of Kenzo Tange's masterpieces

• Kagawa Prefectural Office
• Former Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium (commonly known as Fune no Gymnasium)

It is rare to find such an important collection of works in such a rural area, and I felt that this was a city worth visiting for fans of Tange's architecture

"Kenzo Tange" continued to appear at many turning points in his life

• There are two Tange works in Takamatsu City, where I was born and raised
• When I lived in Tokyo, I worked in the former Dentsu headquarters building, which was designed by Tange
• While in Malaysia, he happened to stop by a restaurant in Singapore, which was "a restaurant that Mr. Tange frequented."

Work, life, travel...
Throughout my life, I have naturally continued to encounter the footsteps of Mr. Tange.

Highly likely to appeal to architecture-loving tourists from overseas

Many tourists overseas visit Tange's architecture.
It is rare to be able to see two of his masterpieces in a regional city like Takamatsu, so even a short stay would be a worthwhile experience.

Two realizations that came to fruition as an Airbnb experience tour

The former Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium may be the only place you can see it now

Currently, the government and private sector are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding whether to demolish or preserve the former Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium.
With the court proceedings also ongoing, this may truly be the last chance to see the building in its current state

This "once in a lifetime" element really added value to the tour

Discovering a route that connects the Kagawa Prefectural Office Building to the gymnasium with "one bus"

By using Kotoden Bus's "Machinaka Loop," we are now able to provide simple directions even in a short amount of time

I was convinced that this would make for a tour that people could easily enjoy

From Tadao Ando to Kenzo Tange: Interest in architecture spreads worldwide

Through my work in Naoshima, I became deeply interested in Tadao Ando's architecture, and in 2017 I was so enthusiastic that I went to see the "Tadao Ando Exhibition - Challenge" held in Tokyo

The more you know about architecture,

• Ando → Tange
• Tange → Le Corbusier

This line of thought became easy to understand, and architecture itself became a "gateway to world culture."

At the time, I chose to work in Naoshima simply to improve my English skills, but I never expected that it would also be the opportunity to discover the appeal of modern Japanese architecture

My personal opinion on whether to preserve or demolish the old gymnasium

I am a neutral guide

• I understand the government's decision that the building's earthquake resistance does not meet the standards
• On the other hand, I feel a sense of loneliness at the loss of Tange's architecture
• Throughout history, architecture has disappeared due to war, fire, deterioration, etc. (e.g. Shuri Castle in Okinawa, Notre Dame Cathedral in France)

Architecture is not eternal, but is also a "changing entity."

However,

I can say with confidence that it is worth seeing now that it still exists

a new arena designed by SANAA now been completed at Takamatsu Port , and is fast becoming a symbol of a new era.

I believe that this is how the history of architecture is passed down

If you are interested in Tange's architecture, be sure to check out my Airbnb experience!

Ultimately, I would like you to see Kenzo Tange's architecture with your own eyes

The actual architecture has a certain atmosphere that cannot be conveyed through photographs.
We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to experience its charm in the regional city of Takamatsu.