Definitely recommended for foreigners! The National Art Center, Tokyo
The National Art Center, Tokyo is a popular tourist spot that many people visit when they come to Tokyo. Roppongi, where the National Art Center is located, is a bustling area with shopping spots, gourmet restaurants, bars, and clubs, and is also a popular area for foreign tourists. However, there are many foreigners living in Japan who have not yet toured Tokyo's sightseeing spots.
In this issue, we will introduce the highlights and attractions of the National Art Center, Tokyo, a representative museum in Tokyo, in an easy-to-understand and detailed manner for both tourists and residents in Japan. We will also include information on how to access the museum, hotels in the area, and recommended sightseeing spots, so please be sure to read this article to the end. The National Art Center, Tokyo is the center of Tokyo's art scene, and we have compiled a wealth of information to help you enjoy your visit to the National Art Center, Tokyo to the fullest.
To book a trip to TokyoExpediais recommended!
The hotels near the National Art Center, Tokyo are also attractive, so please check them out as well. Let's take a look at the charms of the National Art Center, Tokyo!
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What is the National Art Center, Tokyo?
The National Art Center, Tokyo is a fascinating art museum that not only exhibits works of art, but also the building itself. Since its opening, the National Art Center, Tokyo has attracted domestic and international attention as a temple of contemporary art, and as one of Tokyo's representative cultural facilities, the National Art Center, Tokyo offers us a wide variety of artistic experiences. Its exhibition space is among the largest in the world. Encounters with valuable works of art that can only be seen here will stimulate the senses of visitors.
The National Art Center, Tokyo is not limited to exhibits alone. The architecture of the museum itself is highly regarded as a work of art. The original design, composed of glass and concrete, is overwhelming to the eye.
History of the National Art Museum
The National Art Center, Tokyo opened in 2007.
The museum is located between Roppongi and Nogizaka, in an area with a lot of nature, and has one basement floor and four floors above ground, covering an area of 30,000 m2, with 14,000 m2 of exhibition space.
It is the only national art museum that does not have a collection, but plays an important role in promoting art by holding a variety of special exhibitions and public exhibitions.
The museum is also notable for its architecture.
The National Art Center, Tokyo has attracted a great deal of attention because it was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan's leading contemporary architects. It has received numerous awards, including the Good Design Award and the International Architecture Award, and is attracting international attention.
The concept is "an art museum in the forest," and the beautiful curves of the undulating glass curtain wall and the conical front entrance are distinctive features that give the building a very unique appearance.
The atrium lobby, with its wide use of space, offers a view of the surrounding plants, trees, and flowers, giving visitors the feeling of being in a forest.
It is a museum that fits in with the modern age, taking into consideration not only comfort and individuality, but also safety measures, resource conservation, and barrier-free access.
The National Art Center, Tokyo Basic Information
The following is a summary of basic information you should know when actually visiting the National Art Center, Tokyo. Please check in advance how to access the museum, the various fees, the opening hours, etc., so that you can enjoy the museum smoothly on the day of your visit.
Especially at the National Art Center, Tokyo, where there are many special exhibitions and publicly solicited exhibitions, it is important to plan according to the crowds and the time required to visit. The number of visitors varies between weekdays and holidays, so be sure to keep in mind the best days and times to visit.
Access
The National Art Center, Tokyo is surrounded by Roppongi Station, Nogizaka Station, Aoyama Reien and Tokyo Midtown. It is very convenient and easy to access as it is close to the stations and directly connected from Nogizaka.
The National Art Center, Tokyo is conveniently accessible by train, but can also be reached by bus or car from the city center. The museum is located about 1 km from the Iikura ramp on the Metropolitan Expressway, so it is possible to visit the museum by car. There is no parking available, so you will need to park at a nearby coin-operated parking lot.
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station, Exit 6 of the ticket gate for Aoyama Reien (directly connected to the museum)
- 5 min. from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station, Exit 4a
- 4 minutes from Exit 7 of Roppongi Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line
The area around the National Art Center, Tokyo is a pleasant town to stroll around. On a fine day, please take a stroll around the perimeter of the museum.
Reference:Location map｜THE NATIONAL ART CENTER TOKYO
Ticket
Ticket purchase methods and ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition or event. Advance reservations may be required, so it is necessary to check the official website or sales site of the exhibition you are interested in. Depending on how crowded the exhibition is, tickets may not be sold on the day of the exhibition, so be sure to gather information in advance.
Free public exhibitions and other events are always being held, so please check the official website below for exhibitions and events that may be of interest to you. Discount coupons and gift campaigns are also offered from time to time, so don't miss out on any special deals.
We recommend that you check the official website and SNS accounts for the latest information before visiting the museum. To fully enjoy the National Art Center, Tokyo, do not neglect to prepare in advance!
Reference:Exhibitions and Events｜THE NATIONAL ART CENTER TOKYO
Open Days & Hours
The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with admission until 30 minutes before closing time.
Basically, the museum is closed on Tuesdays and during the year-end and New Year holidays. If Tuesday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Tuesday and the following weekday will be a substitute holiday.
Weekday evenings are often relatively empty, and are recommended for those who wish to view the exhibition at a leisurely pace.
In addition, closing dates are subject to change due to exhibition changes, etc., so be sure to check the latest information before visiting the museum. Please check the opening information of the National Art Center, Tokyo and plan your visit accordingly.
Reference:Opening Hours｜THE NATIONAL ART CENTER TOKYO
Four ways to enjoy the National Art Center, Tokyo
Exhibitions are not the only way to enjoy the National Art Center, Tokyo. The museum also has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and museum stores. Visitors can enjoy the museum all day long, taking a break from viewing art and picking up souvenirs.
Even if you do not have a ticket for the exhibition, you can use the restaurant, café, and museum store. We recommend taking a short break while enjoying the atmosphere of the museum.
1. special exhibitions
The National Art Center, Tokyo does not have a collection, but it does hold major exhibitions of masterpieces from around the world.
Each exhibition is unique, including special exhibitions of famous foreign museums and renowned artists, allowing visitors to encounter masterpieces from around the world without having to leave Japan.
Reference:The National Art Center, Tokyo Official Website / Special Exhibition
2. public exhibition
At the National Art Center, Tokyo, visitors can enjoy numerous public exhibitions. In addition to contemporary art and fine art exhibitions, the National Art Center, Tokyo also has public exhibitions of calligraphy and ink painting, which are highly recommended for foreign visitors. The famous Nika Exhibition can also be seen at this museum.
Most of the public exhibitions are free to visit, so we encourage you to visit a variety of exhibitions. Please check the official website from time to time for exhibitions of interest to you, both temporary and public exhibitions.
Reference:The National Art Center, Tokyo Official Website/Public Call for Entries
3. cafe/restaurant
- Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musee
The first restaurant opened in Japan by Paul Bocuse, a world-renowned master of French cuisine. The concept is "traditional Lyon cuisine. Enjoy authentic French cuisine from 2,640 yen for lunch.
- Salon de te Ronde
The restaurant is located on the top floor of a huge circular column, hence the name ronde (circular). A wide variety of sandwiches and cakes are served on the open circular floor.
- Cafe Coquille
This casual café is located in the atrium on the first floor. The glass curtain walls ripple like coquilles (shells), allowing bright light to stream in, making this café the perfect place to take a break.
- Cafeteria Carré
The cafeteria is a square (kare) space integrated with the first floor lobby through a stairwell from the basement floor. The Japanese-inspired menu includes a wide variety of dishes such as hashed beef, soups, and sandwiches. The beef bowl is especially popular among foreign customers.
Reference:The National Art Center, Tokyo Official Website / Cafes and Restaurants
4. museum store
One of the pleasures of visiting an art museum is the limited-edition merchandise available at the Mi Museum Shop.
At the museum store "Souvenir from Tokyo" at the National Art Center, Tokyo, you will find goods that directly reflect the passion of artists and designers from around the world.
Please take a look at all of our products, some of which are unique to Japan.
Reference:The National Art Center, Tokyo Official Website / Museum Shop
3 hotels near The National Art Center, Tokyo
There are many stylish hotels in the area surrounding the National Art Center, Tokyo, and accommodations range from designer hotels to luxury hotels. How about staying at one of the hotels in the area to relieve the fatigue of viewing the artworks at the museum?
If you are visiting for sightseeing, please check out the hotels near the National Art Center, Tokyo. You are sure to find your favorite lodging!
1. candeo hotels tokyo roppongi
This hotel is located approximately 650 meters from the National Art Center, Tokyo. On the top floor, there is an open-air bath with a view overlooking the big city and a sauna. This is one of the hotels that foreigners should try, as it offers a different kind of stay in the middle of the city. Please enjoy the Japanese bath culture while gazing at the starlit sky in this hotel where you can feel the attention to detail in the interior design.
For more information,click here!
2. rem Roppongi
This business-type hotel is located approximately 470 meters from the National Art Center, Tokyo. As the concept of the hotel is "Bedroom," every effort has been made to ensure a comfortable sleep. The original bed, rain shower, and amenities are mainly designed to relax you. Why don't you experience a good sleep like never before?
For more information,click here!
3. roppongi hotel s
This adult retreat hotel is located approximately 500 meters from the National Art Center, Tokyo, and close to Tokyo Tower. The stylish hotel, renovated from a building more than 40 years old, has received the Good Design Award. You can choose from affordable standard plans to premium plans suitable for longer stays, depending on your schedule.
For more information,click here!
4 Sightseeing Spots around the National Art Center, Tokyo
There are many other attractions in the area surrounding the National Art Center, Tokyo. Since you are here, why don't you visit the surrounding sightseeing spots in addition to the National Art Center, Tokyo? Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Tower, and other popular Tokyo spots are all within walking distance from the National Art Center, Tokyo.
The area around the National Art Center, Tokyo, where you can enjoy art and walking around town, is a perfect area for sightseeing in Tokyo. Here we pick up four sightseeing spots in the neighborhood of the National Art Center, Tokyo!
1. Roppongi Hills & Mori Art Museum: approx. 10 min. walk
Roppongi Hills is a large complex representing Tokyo. With stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and other facilities, it is a spot where visitors can enjoy themselves all day long, and on weekends it is crowded with many people.
Roppongi Hills is also home to the Mori Art Museum, a contemporary art museum. Art lovers should not miss this museum, as it offers a different kind of contemporary art than the National Art Center, Tokyo. Roppongi Hills, where you can walk around town and enjoy art at the same time, is a great place to visit in combination with the National Art Center, Tokyo.
| Business Hours | Roppongi Hills Store 11:00-21:00, Restaurant 11:00-23:00 ▼Mori Art Museum Mon, Wed-Sun 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:30), Tue 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) |
| closed day | Mori Art Museum during the exhibition change period (none at Roppongi Hills) |
| admission fee | No admission fee at Roppongi Hills; at Mori Art Museum, varies depending on the exhibition. |
| Access | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station, 3 min. walk from Exit 1C (directly connected via concourse) |
Reference:Roppongi Hills,Mori Art Museum
2. Yamatane Museum of Art: 15 minutes by cab
The Yamatane Museum of Art is an art museum focusing on Oriental art. Visitors can enjoy a collection of Japanese paintings, Chinese calligraphy, tea ceremony utensils, etc., which has a completely different atmosphere from that of the National Art Center, Tokyo.
The building is the main building of the Yamatane Museum of Art, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Japanese-style architecture that evokes a sense of history is one of the highlights of the museum. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Japanese art, why not check out the Yamatane Museum of Art in addition to the National Art Center, Tokyo?
| Business Hours | 10:00-17:00 (admission until 16:30) |
| closed day | Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following Tuesday), exhibition change periods, year-end and New Year's holidays |
| admission fee | Varies depending on the exhibition. |
| Access | 10-minute walk from Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line |
Reference:Yamatane Museum of Art
3. Tokyo Tower: 20 minutes by train
Tokyo Tower is a well-known symbol of Tokyo. Although it is a little far from the National Art Center, Tokyo (about 20 minutes by train), it is well worth a visit.
The observatory offers a breathtaking view of the Tokyo cityscape. During the day you can look down on the hustle and bustle of the city, and at night you can enjoy the sparkling night view. When it comes to sightseeing in Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is the place to be! Be sure to visit in conjunction with the National Art Center, Tokyo.
| Business Hours | Main Deck▶︎ 9:00-22:30 (last admission 22:00) Top deck▶︎ 9:00-22:15 (last admission 21:30-21:45) |
| regular closing day | Top deck may be closed due to inclement weather or other reasons. |
| admission fee | Main Deck▶︎ Adults 1,200 yen, high school students 1,000 yen, children 700 yen, etc. Top deck▶︎ Adults 3,000 yen, high school students 2,800 yen, children 2,000 yen, etc. *Web reservations are cheaper than the above admission fees. |
| Access | 5 minute walk from Akabanebashi Exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line |
Reference:Tokyo Tower
4. Meiji Jingu Shrine: 20 minutes by train
Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, is an urban oasis of greenery, with 100,000 square meters of grounds lined with trees over 100 years old, making it a spot where one can feel a sense of nature.
Meiji Jingu Shrine is crowded with many worshippers during Hatsumode, but is very quiet on weekdays and early in the morning. If you want to refresh your mind, you can take a short walk from the National Art Center, Tokyo to Meiji Jingu Shrine, where you will have a refreshing time.
| Business Hours | Free to visit (South and North gates open from sunrise to sunset) |
| regular closing day | open every day of the year |
| kindergarten enrolment fee | free |
| Access | 1 minute walk from "Harajuku" station on JR Yamanote line and "Meiji-jingumae" station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line. |
Reference:Meiji Shrine
summary
In this issue, we have focused on the attractions of the National Art Center, Tokyo, as well as information on sightseeing in the surrounding area. Roppongi, where you can fully enjoy art and walking around town, is a recommended area for sightseeing in Tokyo. We hope you will use the National Art Center, Tokyo as a base from which to experience the charms of Roppongi.
Visiting museums is a wonderful experience that stimulates the senses. Foreign residents in Japan are also encouraged to visit. You are sure to discover new discoveries and impressions through art. Please visit the National Art Center, Tokyo and rediscover the charm of Tokyo!
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