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: "A Tour of the Works of Master Architect Kenzo Tange." This Airbnb experience tour, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to participate in, was created out of a somewhat unusual connection to Kenzo Tange's architecture, which I have encountered throughout my life. In this article, I will talk about the background that led to the planning of this experience and the "current value" of 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 encountered the legacy of Mr. Tange.

Highly likely to appeal to architecture-loving tourists from overseas

Many tourists from overseas visit to see Tange's architecture.
It is rare to be able to see two of his representative works in a regional city like Takamatsu, and we decided that even a short stay would be a very 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, there is ongoing debate between the government and private sector regarding whether to demolish or preserve the former Kagawa Prefectural Gymnasium.
A lawsuit is also underway, sotruly be the only time you can see it in its current state this may

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,
"it has value precisely because it still exists and can be seen now."
I can say with certainty that

now been completed at Takamatsu Porta new arena designed by SANAA , and it is 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,you will see Kenzo Tange's architecture with your own eyesI hope

There's a certain "presence" to real architecture that can't be conveyed through photographs.
I hope you'll enjoy this opportunity to experience that charm in Takamatsu, a regional city.