Day 12/13/14 — Tokyo

During the last three days of the trip, which we spend in Tokyo, we visit several districts in the city.

Ueno Park originated as a temple garden and was turned into a public park by the Western-oriented Meiji government in the 19th century. It is where all the major cultural institutions are located, such as Tokyo National Museum. There, we visit Yoshio Taniguchi’s Hall of Horyuji Treasures and Le Corbusier’s Western Art Museum, with art collection by 20th-century collector Kojiro Matsukata. But as befits any park, there are also quiet spots, Hiroshi Nakamura’s Toshogu Shrine offering a moment of reflection in the bustle.

Two museums dedicated to one artist is architect Kazuyo Sejima’s Sumida Hokusai Museum on the life and work of the important letterpress artist Hokusai, known for the ‘great Wave off Kanagawa’. The museum of Yayoi Kusama gives a deeper insight into the creative evolution of the famous artist.

At the Mori Art Museum, the ‘Sou Fujimoto’ expo has already been announced, for the other museums with temporary exhibitions, the final programme is still pending. Among others, 21_21 Design Sight founded by Issey Miyake is on our radar, known for its design-related exhibitions.

The cityscape and city life in Tokyo is unique and stimulating, so we will also take a stroll along Omotesando Road, a major commercial axis where the creations of several Japanese and international architects are showcased. Here we start at Kengo Kuma’s Nezu Museum and end in Harajuku’s Cat Street, where hip youngsters mingle among tourists and casual passers-by.