The History of the Imperial Hotel Tokyo

The Imperial Hotel is a landmark in Tokyo, designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The hotel as it stands today was changed again in the 1960s to create another hotel. An early version of the hotel once stood in the same spot.

Original Hotel

The original Imperial Hotel was built in 1890. The hotel was a popular spot, but time and nature eventually caused the building to degrade and breakdown.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Wright was called into help in the early 1920s when the owners decided to replace the other hotel. His design was implemented and the new hotel finished in 1923.

Wright's Design

Wright's design of the Imperial Hotel used Mayan styles and details in concrete block and carved stone. It was considered a high style example of Prairie School architecture.

Earthquake

In 1923 a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Tokyo and caused damage to the foundation, decorations and walls. The hotel stood despite those problems.

1960s

In 1968 the pool and façade of the hotel were removed and sent to The Museum Meiji Mura. The Imperial Hotel was then tore down and changed again.

Name

The name the Imperial Hotel came from the fact that the imperial family owned the hotel and paid for much of its construction themselves. Today the hotel is owned by Imperial Hotel, Ltd.

References

• PBS
• Figure Ground