Views & landmarks
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
This 204-metre, 50-story building in Nishi-Shinjuku is one of the more distinctive high-rises on the Tokyo skyline, with a cocoon-shaped exterior of white and green glass criss-crossed by diagonal frames. It's actually in use as a school (Mode Gakuen's fashion, IT and medical colleges), so there's no dedicated observation deck or visitor facility inside — most travellers come simply to see and photograph the exterior rather than to go up it.
It sits in the Nishi-Shinjuku skyscraper district, a short walk from Shinjuku Station on the west side. From central Shinjuku it's roughly a 10-15 minute walk, making it an easy add-on rather than a dedicated trip.
How much time to allow
Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough to view the building from a few angles and take photos, since there's no interior to tour.
When to go
Daytime gives the clearest view of the glass-and-frame facade, while early evening can work well if the building is lit. The surrounding streets are part of a business and school district, so foot traffic is lighter than in the main Shinjuku shopping areas, though nearby station approaches can get busy at commuting times.
What to combine it with
- Kabukichō (0.7km) — Tokyo's largest entertainment district, an easy walk away.
- NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building (1km) — another notable Shinjuku-area tower, visible from various points nearby.
- Shinjuku Gyoen (1.3km) — a large park worth a longer visit, good for pairing with a relaxed afternoon.
- Meiji Jingū (1.7km) — a forested shrine complex, best treated as a separate stop given the distance.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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