This museum is actually a very unique home that once belonged to a famous artist, making it a must if you've never had the opportunity to visit a traditional Japanese house. Of course, this isn't just any house. Designed by sculptor Fumio Asakura (1883–1964) to serve as his residence, studio, and Asakura Sculpture School, it's a delightful combination of both modern and traditional architecture, restored to reflect how it would have looked in 1955. Probably the most enviable feature is the inner courtyard pond, fed by a natural spring and visible from many rooms in the house. There's a library, his airy studio, and tatami rooms, including one for visitors where they could enjoy the rising sun. On the roof is a garden, where Asakura's students tended vegetables to sharpen their senses. And throughout the house are furniture, antiques, hundreds of orchids, and statues of statesmen, women, and cats (Asakura loved cats; he once had as many as 10). An audio guide, available for ¥200 extra, is worth it for the additional information it gives on everything from the books in Asakura’s library to his statue "Grave-Keeper." Visitors are asked to take off their shoes and wear socks through the museum.
Tokyo› Attraction
Asakura Museum of Sculpture (Asakura Choso-kan)
7-18-10 Yanaka, Taito-ku
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Thurs and Sat–Sun 9:30am–4:30pm
Transportation
Station: Nippori (northwest exit, 5 min.)
Phone
03/3821-4549
Web site
Asakura Museum of Sculpture (Asakura Choso-kan)
Map
7-18-10 Yanaka, Taito-ku TokyoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.