55. Museum Review: Hatoyama Kaikan (Bunkyo-ku)

The Hatoyama Kaikan was once the residence of the famous Hatoyama family. A Western style residence that was built in 1924, it had fallen into disrepair, but was renovated and is now a memorial hall commemorating the Hatoyama family's contributions to politics and education in Japan.
The Hatoyama's have been active participants in Japanese politics for many years. Most recently, Kazuo Hatoyama (1856 - 1911) was once Vice-Foreign Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tokyo University professor, and the President of Waseda University. Ichiro Hatoyama (1883 - 1959) was once Secretary of the Cabinet, Minister of Education, and a Prime Minister. Iichiro Hatoyama (1918 - 1993) was once the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Finance, member of the House of Councilors, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yukio and Kunio Hatoyama are currently members of the House of Representatives.

The home was built by Ichiro Hatoyama, and it was here that he helped form the present Liberal Democratic Party.

There are currently three memorial rooms; one dedicated to Ichiro, another to his wife Kaoru, and another to Iichiro Hatoyama. There are also some lovely sculptures of Kazuo, and his wife, Haruko, in the garden.

Haruko founded what is now Kyoritsu Women's University, and she contributed to women's education for many years. Kaoru Hatoyama became schoolmaster of Kyoritsu Women's University.
The residence has some very beautiful stained glass windows, and a lovely rose garden. I don't think the home is impressive enough to go out of your way to see. But, it is a short distance from Chinzanso, Edogawa Park, and Gokokuji Temple. In combination, they would be a nice sightseeing choice.
Entrance Fees: adults 500 yen, older students 300 yen, elementary and Jr. high students 200 yen. Discounts for the elderly and groups of 20 or more.

Address: Bunkyo-ku, Otowa 1-7-1

It is a 7 minute walk from the 1a exit of Edogawa Station. And, an 8 minute walk from exit #5 of Gokokuji Station.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 16:00 (last entry at 15:30). Closed on Mondays.

54. Museum Review: The Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (Bunkyo-ku)

Located within the premises of the Tokyo Dome, the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is for baseball lovers, especially those with an interest in Japanese baseball. The museum is divided into sections, all dealing specifically with baseball in Japan:

1) Highlights and New Acquisitions
2) Professional Baseball
3) History of Baseball
4) Amateur Baseball
5) Baseball Hall of Fame
6) Special Exhibitions
7) Event Hall - Hands on Baseball Experience
8) Library

Very few of the exhibits are labeled in English, but I was given an extremely thorough pamphlet on my way in.

I don't have much to say about this museum because I do not have any interest in Japanese baseball. It was well put together, exhibits were easy to see,... but I really only recommend this museum to those who like Japanese baseball, otherwise most of the memorabilia has little significance.

Admission: Age 6-15: 200 yen; Adults: 500 yen; Age 65 and up: 300 yen

Hours of Operation:
March - September: 10am - 6pm
October - February: 10am - 5pm

Closed most Mondays and during the New Year's holidays.

Address: 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku 112-0004
*The entrance is located to the right of Gate 21 of the Tokyo Dome.

Phone: 03-3811-3600

They do have an excellent English website: http://english.baseball-museum.or.jp/index.html

49. Museum Review: Setagaya Art Museum

The Setagaya Art Museum, which opened in 1986, claims to give emphasis to art that 'exhibits the quality of naivety'. They also make a special effort to exhibit works from artists living in Setagaya Ward.

'Shinzo Fukuhara: Art and Shiseido' is the current special exhibition, running from September 1 to November 4. The exhibition was very interesting, and larger than I expected.

In the Permanent Collection, 'Gifts from the World of Dreams : Georges Rouault, Odilon Redon, Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Tetsuro Komai' is running from August 11 to December 2.

If you plan to visit this museum, I recommend packing a picnic lunch and taking some time to enjoy Kinuta Koen (park). Famous for magnolia trees, it is a huge park full of grassy lawns, forests, even a bird sanctuary. Bicycles can be borrowed free of charge.

Address: 1-2 Kinuta-koen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0075

About a ten minute walk from Yoga Station on the Tokyu Shin-Tamagawa Line.

Phone: 03-3415-6011

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 18:00. (Opening hours may be extended during certain exhibitions.) It is necessary to enter the building at least 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday falls on a holiday) and the New Year's holiday.

(Both the permanent and temporary exhibition space may be closed during display changes. )

Admission:

Permanent Collection: General 200yen
College and high school students 150yen
Junior high & elementary school students and those over 65 100yen
* Junior high & elementary school students are free on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

For Special Exhibition: Charges are determined separately for each exhibition.

46. Museum Review: Suntory Museum of Art (Roppongi)

Recently moved to its new location in Tokyo Midtown, the Suntory Museum of Art has been around since 1961. It's theme has always been based on 'Art in Life'. Their collection of over 3000 pieces includes lacquer ware, ceramics, paintings, glass, textiles, metal works, and more. Everything is 'connected to Japanese life', including their famous collection of hairdressing articles.

The museum entrance is located on Midtown's 3rd floor. Once tickets have been purchased, visitors are sent up an elevator to the 4th floor. The exhibition rooms have black walls, high ceilings, wood floors, black benches, and dim lighting. Leading down to the 3rd floor is a beautiful wood and glass staircase which is back lit by light seeping through a wall of vertical wood boards. The ceiling in this room are two stories high. I was impressed with the design and 'feel' of the museum.

(Sept. 1 to Oct. 21) The exhibition that I saw was called 'Biombo', the name for Japanese folding screens in Spanish and Portuguese. Some of the screens exhibited had been gifts to foreign governments, others came from private collections. They were some of the most magnificent and unique screens that I had ever seen. I cannot recommend this exhibition strongly enough!

Future exhibitions:

(Nov. 3 to Dec. 16) National Treasure: Choju-Jinbutsu-Giga Emaki (frolicking animals and figures), four famous screens from Kosanji Monastery in Kyoto and related articles.

(Dec. 23 to Jan. 14) 'Wa-mode' - the elegant costumes of Japanese women

(Jan. 26 to Mar. 9) Works of Toulouse-Lautrec, a leading Parisian artist from the late 1800's.

The museum was larger than I expected, and the exhibit was superb. I would definitely recommend the museum for those who visit Tokyo Midtown.

On the 3rd floor, beside the ticket desk, is a small museum shop and also a cafe. The cafe is run by 'Fumuro-ya', an establishment from Kanazawa that dates back to 1865. They specialize in 'Kaga-fu' (Kaga style wheat-gluten cakes) which were originally a meat substitute for Buddhist priests.

Address: Tokyo Midtown Gardenside 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku 107-8643

Hours of Operation: Sundays, Mondays, and National Holidays 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday to Saturday 10:00-20:00
Closed on Tuesdays, New Year's Day, and during exhibition preparation periods. If Tuesday is a national holiday, it is closed the following day.

Admission varies by exhibition. Free admission for junior high students and younger.

43. Museum Review: Okura Shukokan Museum (Minato-ku)

Kihachiro Okura, a collector of Buddhist artwork established the Okura Shukokan Museum of Fine Arts to hold and display his treasures. Kihachiro was a weapons dealer in the mid-1800's. He later founded the Okura zaibatsu, and the Tokyo University of Economics. He was also one of the main investors for the original Imperial Hotel. His son, Kishichiro Okura, was the president of the hotel during the 1920's and 30's. Kishichiro also developed the Okura hotel chain, and he collected many 'Nihonga' (modern Japanese painting), which were added to the museum collection.
Opening in 1917 as Japan's first private art museum, the Okura Shukokan houses over 2,000 works of art. Built on land that was formerly the Tokyo residence of the Matsudaira feudal lord of Naebashi, the building itself was designed by Chuta Ito and is a nationally registered cultural property.

Although I find the building itself absolutely beautiful, I think 800 yen is too much to charge for an exhibition of this size. The museum has two floors, and each floor is a large room with art around the edges. The exhibition I visited was called "Longing for Asia", and it included many Buddhist statues, a few Chinese paintings, and a selection of pottery. Although I'm sure the items are historically significant, I didn't find the exhibit that interesting.

Fortunately, I didn't have to pay the entrance fee as this museum is free with the Grutt Pass. I would definitely recommend visiting the museum if you have the pass. Perhaps a future exhibition will be more interesting (the next one focuses on hanging scrolls), and the building is definitely worth taking a look at.

There is also a path that runs around the museum. Large sculptures, lanterns, Buddhist statues,... are on display and it is not necessary to pay in order to view them. Guests of the Okura Hotel, which is right in front of the museum, can visit the museum for free.

Address: 2-10-3 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Phone: 03-3583-0781

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 16:30 (last entry at 16:00)

Closed on Mondays (except when Monday is a national holiday, then it is closed the next day) and for the New Year's holidays.

Admission: Free for hotel guests
Prices vary depending on the exhibition.
Currently (Sept. 07): Adults: 800 yen. College & High School students & those over 65: 500yen.
Junior school students & younger - free

http://www.okura.com/tokyo/info/shukokan.html

**Free with the Grutt Pass 2007 (#28).

42. Museum Review: Shinjuku Historical Museum (Shinjuku)

The Shinjuku Historical Museum is a dedicated to the history of Shinjuku Ward. There are artifacts and pottery from archaeological digs, art depicting Shinjuku in the Edo period, writings by famous people born in Shinjuku,... If for no other reason, visit this museum to see the huge model of Shinjuku as a post town in the Edo era. It was fantastic! I was also impressed by the life-sized Edo era store, trolley car, and a re-creation of rooms from a Japanese home.There is also a small garden outside the museum, a historical library, and an auditorium that can be rented by the public when not in use.Unfortunately, there is no English information. Luckily, many of the exhibits are enjoyable and understandable without translation.

Admission: 300 yen, elementary and Jr. high students 100 yen.

Address: San-ei-cho 22, Shinjuku-ku

7 minutes walk from Yotsuya Sanchome or Akebonobashi Station.

Phone: 03-3359-2131

Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 17:00, closed on Mondays.

http://www.shinjukuku-kankou.jp/english/map_index.html

**Free with the Grutt pass 2007 (#37)

39. Museum Review: MOT - Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Koto-ku)

I have never been a fan of museums with 'contemporary' in their titles because they are usually full of abstract art (of which I am not a fan). I made the decision to visit MOT because of a special exhibition of art by Kazuo Oga, the man behind the stunning animation art in 'Princess Mononoke', 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'Totoro',... It was a good decision.
I was pleasantly surprised by this museum. Located in a part of town not known for its architectural design, this is a beautiful building. Huge white rooms lit by natural skylights are mixed with natural wood and massive stone blocks. I agree with the museum's brochure that says 'the space itself is part of the art'.

The temporary exhibition gallery was also much larger than I expected. There were hundreds of examples of Kazuo Oga's art, spread out over two entire floors. In addition, there were films, places to take your photo with blown up copies of some of his work, a Totoro origami workshop,... I thought it was well worth the 1,100 yen exhibition fee.
With everyone viewing Oga's work, the permanent collection gallery was practically empty. Along with the standard abstract work that I do not really appreciate, there were a number of very interesting exhibits and displays that I did find very interesting. And, the museum has a number of pieces by famous foreign artists (Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein,...)

Currently the star attraction is a monstrous (and monster filled) work called 'Myth of Tomorrow' by Taro Okamoto. A very bizarre abstract, the sheer size of the piece was impressive. There are also many outdoor sculptures in the museum grounds.

In addition to the museum exhibitions; there is a restaurant, cafe, museum shop, art library, Internet cafe, and AV Gallery.

I would recommend a visit to this museum, even if your only purpose is to check out the architecture. Visit on a day the weather is nice and have a picnic in just outside in Kiba Koen (park).

**Advice concerning special exhibitions at any Japanese museums: Do not, under any circumstances, visit a special exhibition right when it opens or right before it closes. Also, don't visit on a Sunday or national holiday. Even Saturdays are mobbed. I arrived 15 minutes after the museum opened on a Thursday, there were already hundreds of people crammed into the exhibit, all of them lined up to look at each and every piece. As it was early, I just skipped the first two rooms and things thinned out. Unfortunately, this only works if you arrive just after the museum opens.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30).

Closed on Mondays (the next day if Monday is a national holiday).

Admission for the permanent collection: Adults - 500 yen, University students - 400 yen, High school and adults over 65 - 250 yen. Jr. high students and younger are free.

There are discounts for groups over 20.

Address: Metropolitan Kiba Park, 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku 135-0022

Phone: 03-5245-4111

Access: There are a number of subways stops nearby (Kiyosumi-shirakawa, Kiba, Kikukawa,...). There are also buses from Tokyo and Kinshicho Stations, and paid parking is available.

Website: http://www.mot-art-museum.jp/

**Free entry to the permanent collection with the Grutt Pass 2007 (#41).

**Grutt Pass also has a discount coupon for special exhibitions.

38. Museum Review: Basho Museum (Koto-ku)

Matsuo Basho is one of Japan's most famous poets; he is credited with establishing the present form of haiku, and for helping haiku become accepted as a major literary genre.

A small museum was opened in 1981 to exhibit artifacts related to Basho and to other writers of haiku. The museum was built on land that once held a cottage that Basho used as the base for his journeys around Japan.

Unfortunately, to enjoy this museum, you must be able to read Japanese fluently. Most of the displays are haiku, but there are no English translations.
There is a small garden outside the museum. If you are in the neighborhood, walk up through it to the riverside, then take a short walk to the left. There is a nice memorial to Basho with good views of the Sumida River and some of the river's famous bridges.

Hours of Operation: 9:30 - 17:00. Closed on Mondays and from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4.

Address: Tokiwa 1-6-3, Koto-ku. About 7 minutes walk from Morishita Station on the Oedo Shinjuku Line.

Phone: 03-3631-1448

**Free entry with Grutt Pass 2007 (#40)

36. Museum Review: Edo-Tokyo Museum (Sumida-ku)

If you've ever traveled by boat up the Sumida River to Asakusa, you probably caught a glimpse of this huge, strange-looking museum. The building is actually modeled after a traditional warehouse with elevated floors. If you haven't visited it yet, make sure that you do!

The Edo-Tokyo Museum, as the name indictes, is all about the history and culture of Tokyo (once called 'Edo'). The exhibitions are excellent, and most are labeled in English. Many even have lengthy explanations.

What makes this museum so special is that it combines regular exhibits with lots of life-sized recreations; elaborate models, and a number of 'hands-on' exhibits.

Upon purchasing your ticket outside on the main (3rd floor) terrace, take the escalators up to the 5th floor. As soon as you enter the permanent exhibition space, you must walk across a replica of the original Nihonbashi (bridge). Looking down from the bridge, visitors can see life-sized replicas of a traditional Japanese theater and one of Tokyo's first Western style buildings. It is all quite impressive.

Across the bridge is 'The Edo Zone', with miniture recreations of Edo Castle and the city plan of Edo (and, of course, much more). Downstairs, 'The Edo Zone' continues with topics like: commerce, culture, daily living, amusement quarters,...

Also downstairs is 'The Tokyo Zone' which focuses on the changes that the city underwent during the 1900's - topics include: the industrial revolution, the Great Kanto Earthquake, Air raids and black markets,...

Keep an eye out for special exhibitions as well. If it is on the 5th floor, there is no extra charge. But if it is on the first floor, visitors must pay extra.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes within the museum grounds, but re-entry to the museum on the day of purchase is also ok (but make sure you get a 're-entry' ticket before you exit). I recommend trying one of the local 'chanko-nabe' restaurants nearby. The food of Sumo wrestlers, it is a very hearty and delicious stew. Many places offer a lunch serving for around 1000 yen.

If you are interested in a guide, portable English audio equipment is free (with a 1000 yen refundable deposit) or try one of the volunteer English guides. It is best to call ahead and make a reservation or they might not be available.

If I had to recommend only one museum to foreigners visiting Tokyo, this would be my choice. Even for those with short stays, it is a great way to familiarize oneself with this great city. For those with a bit of time, expect to spend at least half a day here.

Hours of Operation: 9:30 - 17:30, Saturday 9:30 - 19:30.
Closed on Mondays except during Sumo tournaments in the Kokugi-kan. When Monday is a holiday, closed the next day. Also closed from December 28 to January 1.

Admission: Adults: 600 yen, University students: 480 yen, Jr. high and high school students: 300 yen, and adults over 65: 300 yen. *There are discounts for groups of 20 or more.

**Elementary school children and younger are free. Jr. high & high school students who are residents of Tokyo are also free.

Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku 130-0015. Just outside Ryogoku Station.
Paid parking is available.

Phone: 03-3626-9974

Website: http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/

**Free entry with Grutt Pass 2007 (#39), + discount ticket for special exhibitions.

34. Museum Review: Tobacco & Salt Museum (Shibuya)

Located right in the middle of Shibuya, I've walked by the 'Tobacco and Salt Museum' many times and never even realized it was there. It was founded in November 1978 by the Japan Tobacco and Salt Public Corporation (the predecessor of Japan Tobacco Inc.) which monopolized the production and sale of tobacco and salt.

Upon entry, I was extremely surprised that the place was full of kids. Who takes their children to a tobacco museum? Obviously, lots of Japanese people do. I will admit that with the exception of the glorification of smoking tobacco, it is an interesting and informative museum.

There are four floors to the museum. On the 1st floor is the reception desk, auditorium, lounge corner, and museum shop. On the 2nd floor, the route of tobacco is traced around the world, and the history of tobacco in Japan is presented. There is almost no English, but the displays are really interesting. We enjoyed the cigarette packet designs, and the life sized re-creation of a traditional Japanese tobacco store from the Edo era.

The 3rd floor focuses on Japanese and foreign salt; production, natural forms,... The 4th floor is a special exhibition hall for a constantly changing series of exhibitions on themes relating to tobacco and salt. There were some science experiments going on there when we visited.Should you take your kids to this museum? I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. But, for adults wandering around Shibuya (especially smokers), it is an interesting and inexpensive way to spend an hour.

Entrance fees: 100 yen, 50 yen for children high school age and younger

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry 17:30). Closed on Mondays. If the Monday is a national holiday, closed the next day. Also closed Dec. 29 through Jan. 3.

Address: Jinnan 1-16-8, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041

The museum is close to Parco on Koen-Dori (street), just across from the Tobu Hotel

Phone: 03-3476-2041

http://www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum/Welcome.html

33. Museum Review: Shinagawa Historical Museum (Shinagawa-ku)

The Shinagawa Rekishikan (Shinagawa Historical Museum) collects and preserves materials that pertain to the culture and history of Shinagawa, and also preserves the city archives. In addition to the museum itself, there is a traditional Japanese tea room, a study, and a Japanese-style garden.
The museum is not very large, but the presentation of exhibits is excellent. Unfortunately, there are no English explanations. It is best to visit this museum with someone who can read Japanese. If you live in the Shinagawa area, it is worth 100 yen just to relax in the garden.
Admission: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
Free for senior citizens who are 70 years of age or older and for those who are disabled.
*There is a separate fee for special exhibit periods.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:30), closed on Mondays, national holidays, during the year end/New Year holidays, and for exhibition renewals.

Address: 6-11-1 Oi
Phone: 03-3777-4060

Directions: A one minute walk from the Kashima Jinja-mae bus stop, taking the Tokyu bus headed for Ikegami or Kamata from JR/Tokyu/Rinkai Oimachi Station. Or, a 10 minute walk from the Sanno Kitaguchi (North Exit) of JR Omori Station. There are also paid parking lots within easy walking distance.

31. Museum Review: Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography (Meguro-ku)

The Metropolitan Museum of Photography is hidden behind the Yebisu Garden Place Tower. If you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't notice it. That said, you should set out to visit this museum!

Exhibits change continuously, so it is important to check the website. I was there to see two exhibits: 1) Tokyo seen by Magnum Photographers - an excellent collection of Tokyo photographs, taken by famous foreign photographers (1000 yen).
2) Yoakemae - a collection of photos taken during the final years of the Edo Period (1603-1867) and the first half of the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912). 180 photographs, mostly portraits and scenes. For those interested in Japanese history, this exhibit was especially great (500 yen).

This is an excellent photography museum. As a history and photography enthusiast, this is the museum that I will visit more often than any other in Tokyo.

Each exhibit is priced differently, usually between 500 yen and 2000 yen.

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography
Yebisu Garden Place, Mita 1-13-3, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0062

Phone: 03-3280-0099

Hours of Operation:
10:00-18:00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday)
10:00-20:00 (Thursday, Friday)
Closed on Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a national holiday), and New Year's holiday.

Admission Fees: Varies depending upon exhibition or screening.
*Elementary school children and younger are usually free. Check at the information counter.

The museum is located in Yebisu Garden Place.

Transportation: 7 min. walk from east exit of JR Ebisu Station, via the Sky Walk.
7 min. walk from the bus stops at Ebisu 1-chome and Ebisu 4-chome (the #87 Shibuya - Tamachi route city bus).

http://www.syabi.com/

**Free entry to certain exhibitions with Grutt Pass 2007 (#24)

28. Museum Review: Miraikan (Odaiba)

The Miraikan is my favorite new discovery, what an excellent museum! Mirai means future, and the Miraikan is Tokyo's 'National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation'. The building itself is gorgeous, and it is filled with an overwhelming amount of stimulating scientific information.

There are exhibits on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th floors, and on the 6th is a dome theater, 'Gaia'. The showpiece of the museum is the large globe, suspended from the ceiling, made of a million LED's. The 1st floor exhibition space is currently under renovation.

The 3rd floor exhibits are divided into two topics: 'Inovation & the Future' and 'Information Science & Technology for Society'.

The 5th floor exhibits are also divided into two topics: 'Life Science' and 'The Earth Environment & Frontiers'. There is an in depth focus on 'green' technology.
I am not going to even try to describe what you'll see. You just have to go there for yourself. If you have any interest in science, you'll be here all day. Even if you hate science, you'll probably change your mind after one visit to the Miraikan.

Extremely knowledgable volunteers are on hand to explain all of the displays and to help with the interactive exhibits. I do not know if they speak any English. But, no matter, everything in the museum is explained in depth, in both Japanese and English.
I would recommend this museum for Jr. high students and older, the subject matter was quite sophisticated. I saw some college students picking the brains of the volunteers, one young woman was taking pages of notes! That said, the elementary school kids that I saw were also really enjoying themselves. Especially in the robot making department above!

Reservations are required for the 112 seat dome theater. Pick up a numbered ticket at the ticket machine on the 6th floor. As soon as you arrive in the museum, go straight to the 6th floor and pick up a ticket. I was very disappointed that we were unable to get a reservation, the movie topics looked really interesting. This museum is a 'must see', and its location make it easy and fun to visit. With so many other things to do in Odaiba, it is a great 'day trip' within Tokyo.

Address: 2-41 Aomi, Koto-ku
Phone: 03-3570-9151
Open 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays (except for national holidays)

Admission: Adults 500 yen, children 200 yen (18 and under)

Nearest station: Telecom Center station on the Yurikamome line (A four-minute walk in the direction of Odaiba and the Fuji TV building)

English website:
http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/index_e.html

**Free entry with Grutt Pass 2007 (#45)

27. Museum Review: National Art Center, Tokyo (Roppongi)

The National Art Center, Tokyo is Japan's first national art museum without a permanent collection. It is the largest exhibition space in Japan with 14,000 square meters, and a total floor space of 48,000 square meters. There are 12 exhibition rooms, and a library with over 50,000 publications. It is a facility especially designed for exhibitions organized by curators and exhibitions presented by artist associations.
It was designed by the famous Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa (who is currently running for governor of Tokyo). The curved front is based on "computer-rendered rhythmic images formed by mountains and the seashore." The idea was to balance nature and high technology. For example, glass lets in natural light, but an energy saving design cuts solar heat and UV rays.
Each exhibition is priced separately. I visited the exhibition, 'Paris du monde entier : Artistes étrangers à Paris 1900-2005'.

This exhibition introduced more than 200 works of art from the collections of the Centre Pompidou. The exhibit is said to "explore the significance of artists' activities associated with Paris in the history of modern and contemporary art". I thought it was an excellent exhibit. There were so many works that I was a little overwhelmed, but at least I felt as if I had gotten my moneys worth. This exhibition runs until May 7th.
Admission: Adults 1500 yen, University students 1000 yen, High school 800 yen, free for Jr. high and younger.

Even if you have no interest in art, go and visit the museum. Have a snack or coffee in one of the three cafes, or lunch in the restaurant. Currently there is a free exhibition on Kisho Kurokawa's architectural designs. Although it was all in Japanese, it was fascinating. You do not need to pay anything to enter the building itself, only to enter individual exhibition rooms.

The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558
03-5777-8600

Hours of Operation: Most of the exhibitions (and the cafes) are open from 10:00 - 18:00, with last admission at 17:30. Exhibitions organized by The National Art Center stay open until 20:00 on Fridays. The art library opens from 11:00 - 18:00 and the restaurant is open from 10:00 - 22:00. The facility is closed on Tuesdays (unless a national holiday, then closed the next day) and during the New Year's holidays.
Access: Chiyoda Line - Nogazaka Station, exit 6 is directly linked to the center.
Hibiya Line - Roppongi Station, 5 minute walk from exit 4A.
Toei Oedo Line - Roppongi Station, 4 minute walk from exit 7.

Website:
http://www.nact.jp/english/index.html

22. Museum Review: Asakura Choso Museum (Yanaka)

Fumio Asakura (1883 - 1964) was a pioneer of Japanese modern sculpture. The building which houses the Asakura Choso Museum was his own studio and residence. It took almost seven years to complete in 1935.

Yanaka is my favorite Tokyo neighborhood. If you come to explore the area, make a stop at the museum. Asakura-san's sculptures are excellent, I especially liked his collection of cats. But again, I was more interested in the building itself. Half traditional Japanese and half modern, I just really enjoyed being able to wander around as if it were my own.
If you do visit, make sure to go up to the rooftop garden. There are good views of Yanaka from here, and also a nice overhead view of the Japanese garden the residence is built around.
This is a small museum, but if you are in Yanaka for sightseeing, I do recommend stopping here.

Address: 7-18-10 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001
Tel: 03-3821-4549

Hours of Operation: 9:30 - 16:30, closed on Mondays and Fridays (open if a national holiday and closed the next day). Also closed from December 29 - January 3, and occasionally for administrative purposes.

Admission: Adults: 400 yen, Jr. High and Elementary School Students: 150 yen
*Group discounts available.
*Free with Grutt Pass.

Access: 5 minute walk from the North Exit of Nippori Station. There is not a lot of parking in this residential area.

For more information: http://www.taitocity.net/taito/asakura

**Free entry with Grutt Pass 2007 (#10)

21. Museum Review: The National Museum of Western Art (Ueno)

The National Museum of Western Art was established in 1959 as Japan's premier museum specializing in Western Art. The main building displays pre-18th century paintings and Rodin sculpture. The new wing displays 19th to 20th century paintings, with a focus on French Modern paintings.

I do not have a big interest in Western Art, but I was impressed by this collection. It has some serious works by: Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Miro',... I especially enjoyed the 'old master' paintings, from Europe's late Medieval period through the end of the 18th century. Many were awe inspiring. All the paintings were labeled in Japanese and English.

If you are interested in Western Art, I do recommend this museum. I went on a cold, rainy day. It was a pleasant way to warm up and learn a little bit about some of history's most famous painters. It may not be the best choice for children as it was extremely quiet, and most would become bored rather quickly.

Address: 7-7 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Tel: 03-3828-5131

Hours of Operation: 9:30 - 17:30 (closes at 17:00 in winter, open until 20:00 on Fridays, last admission 30 minutes before closing time). Closed on Mondays (open if a national holiday, closing the next day). Also closed during the New Year's holidays and for exhibition changes.

Admission: Adults: 420 yen, College students: 130 yen, High School: 70 yen.
*Regular admission is free for Jr. High students and younger, and seniors 65 and older.
*Permanent exhibition is free on every 2nd and 4th Saturdays and Culture Day.
*Special exhibitions are charged separately.

20. Museum Review: The Museum of Maritime Science (Odaiba)

The Museum of Maritime Science is a large museum dedicated to ships and everything related to them. The museum itself was built to look like a ship, and there are a number of real vessels surrounding it, some of which can be boarded and explored.

As a woman, I have never had much of an interest in ships. That said, I still enjoyed the museum . My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loved this museum. The first floor exhibits focus on ship history, design, propulsion, shipbuilding, and marine development. There are some excellent replicas of the most famous ships in history.

The second floor exhibits focus on maritime transportation, ships & seaports, ships & fishing, maritime safety, defending the oceans,...

The third floor exhibits focus on Japanese boats. I really enjoyed these as I am interested in Japanese history. There is also a radio-controlled boat corner, and a replica of a ship's bridge.

Outside the museum is the 'Yotei Maru', a ferry that connected Hokkaido and Honshu for over 20 years. Inside the ship are a 'Sea & Ship World' with some exhibits for children, and 'Seikan World', a re-creation of Aomori Station in the late 1950's.

Beside the 'Yotei Maru' is the 'Soya', a cargo icebreaker built in 1938 and used during WWII. Later it was used as Japan's first Antarctic observation ship. I enjoyed this exhibit most as visitors are able to get a feel of how life on board must have been like for the crew.

There are some basic English descriptions, but most are in Japanese. I was, however, given a very serious guide book that had some more detailed information and lots of photos.

The museum is obviously located waterfront, so there are some fantastic views of Tokyo Bay and of the shipyards nearby.
Most daughters would be bored here, but if you have a son, husband, or boyfriend, that is another story. Especially if they have an interest in boats, or even just in things mechanical.

Address: 3-1 Higashi-Yashio, Shingawa-ku, Tokyo 135-8587.
Tel: 03-5500-1111

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 17:00, open until 18:00 on weekends and in summer. Closed Dec. 28 - Jan. 1.

Admission: Adults: 1000 yen, children age 5 - Jr. High 600 yen.

For more information: http://ww.funenokagakukan.or.jp/

Access: Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. To get there, take the Yurikamome Monorail from Shimbashi Station to Funenokagakukan Station (16 minutes). Paid parking is also available.

**Free entry with Grutt Pass 2007 (#44)