The number of tourists visiting Tokyo has increased dramatically in recent years. Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s best art and cultural spots. Let’s take a look at some galleries, shops, and music clubs where young people gather to see the latest art.
Cities Where Tradition and Innovation Coexist
The appearance of Tokyo varies depending on where you are. Several places reflect the unique characteristics of the neighborhoods, which are gaining popularity rapidly. Shinjuku is a good example. As a result of the redevelopment, the city’s streetscapes have been redesigned, making it one of the hottest areas right now.
The bar “Decameron” features an art gallery where you can enjoy delicious drinks while admiring artwork. Various people, including artists, are said to frequent the place. As of March 2015, artist Isomura Dan has been appointed to the position of director, so stay tuned for future developments.
BEAMS JAPAN, which is located within walking distance of the “Decameron,” is a place that is dedicated to exhibiting and promoting culture.
Additionally, you’ll find a boombox collection and art galleries there, along with traditional crafts and local goodies. The gallery exhibits and sells art regardless of the artist’s fame. It is, therefore, important to check out the works of the artists you admire.
Did you know that art complexes serve as gathering places for art galleries? Many places in Tokyo have clusters of galleries and museums. Some of these areas include Roppongi and Shinagawa-Tennozu, but recent years have also seen a resurgence of art in Kyobashi, a business district.
The “TODA BUILDING,” which also serves as the headquarters of Toda Kensetsu, is accessible from the Ginza Line Kyobashi Station and JR Tokyo Station. It was established in 2024 as a hub where art and business intersect.
On the third floor, you can see galleries such as Tomio Koyoma Gallery and KOSAKU KANECHIKA, which belong to Yayoi Kusama. On the sixth floor, the CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO showcases various fields such as pop culture, contemporary art, and design, including anime, manga, and music.
The Fusion of Traditional Downtown Culture and Contemporary Art
From the business district, let’s now turn our attention to the downtown area. It’s just under 30 minutes by train from the aforementioned Kyobashi Station and the Sumida Ward. The synergy between the historic buildings and the downtown community is increasing the number of young artists.
The defining feature of this area is undoubtedly its nagaya culture. Overcoming disasters such as the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the 1945 Tokyo air raids, it has developed uniquely. It has the most pre-war nagaya（old style building) remaining in Tokyo, and the Edo-era atmosphere and rich human warmth that still linger in this town set it apart from the rapidly redeveloping neighborhoods of Tokyo.
In Mukojima, artistic activities are thriving in a form that closely aligns with the existing town.
Leading the town’s momentum is the “Sumida Mukojima EXPO.” Since its inaugural event in 2020, it has continued without interruption as a community-focused event, each year featuring a different theme, and will run until this year, 2025.
Last year, in 2024, under the theme of “Flowers and Forests”, various ikebana masters and florists participated, and painters and artists likened old houses to trees with rings, creating a month where flowers seemed to bloom throughout the city by depicting flowers and forests.
At the same event, “Evening Violinist” features a live performance by violinist Ryo Ogata. The project, which serves as a chime to signal 6 pm to the town from the second floor of the triangular row house, is renewing connections with the community.
In this way, Tokyo, the megacity that epitomizes the chaos of a mix of various cultures, from cutting-edge spots to art movements that utilize local history, is a cool and hot metropolis. As a tourist option, why not immerse yourself in the art scene?
In the second part of this issue, we will introduce the latest club scenes in Shinjuku and more.
