SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama by Kengo Kuma & Associates

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A trip to Tokyo isn't complete without a stop at SunnyHills in the fashionable district of Aoyama. Known for its design by famed architect Kengo Kuma, this Taiwanese pineapple cake shop's flagship store is a testament to Japanese architecture and craftsmanship, adding to Tokyo's avant-garde architectural landscape.

SunnyHills: A Culinary and Architectural Delight 🍰🏛️

SunnyHills is renowned as one of Taiwan's leading producers of pineapple cakes, a traditional pastry filled with pineapple paste. The Tokyo store offers visitors not just architectural splendor but also treats like complimentary pineapple cake and Taiwanese tea.

The top-floor restrooms with their unique design, featuring an innovative tilted sink, are noteworthy, making them among Tokyo's most intriguing bathrooms.

Architectural Insight: Bamboo Basket Design 🎋

The architecture of SunnyHills, shaped like a bamboo basket, features the Jiigoku-Gumi joint system. This traditional style is prominent in Japanese wooden architecture, often seen in Shoji screens.

In contrast to typical two-dimensional intersections, Kengo Kuma's design incorporates these elements in a three-dimensional, 30-degree arrangement, creating a cloud-like structure. This approach allowed the wood sections to be thinned to 60mm×60mm, offering a gentle atmosphere distinct from typical urban structures.

Visiting Tips & Product Info 🕒💰

SunnyHills, particularly busy on weekends, suggests a weekday visit. They offer a box of 5 pineapple cakes for ￥1,500.

Conclusion

SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama is more than a shop; it embodies Kengo Kuma's fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design. Offering both a culinary delight and an architectural experience, it enriches any Tokyo itinerary.