Overview
There is no shortage of creativity here in Chuo City Ward with the city's museums and galleries coming at almost a dime a dozen, particularly contemporary art galleries. From quirky kites, historical treasures and modern aesthetics, the city abounds with quality. Here is an introduction to just some of the museums and galleries of Chuo and how to reach them.
Ginza Graphic Gallery
Heading towards 400 exhibitions, the Ginza Graphic Gallery has been showcasing some of the very best in Japanese graphic design since the early 1980s. Focusing on contemporary aesthetics and culture, the gallery's exhibitions of both Japanese and international artists are all the more accessible courtesy of the free admission fee.
A 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on the either the Ginza or Hibiya lines.
Kite Museum
A haven for independence and quirkiness, the tiny Kite Museum sits on the 5th floor of the Tameikan restaurant building. Literally overflowing with thousands of different kites, anyone interested in the personal will not only love the dedicated intimacy of this pocket-sized labour of love flying high as a museum, but also the miserly JPY200 admission fee.
A 2-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station on any of the Ginza, Tozai or Asakusa lines.
Mitsui Memorial Museum
With over 4,000 works from the private collection of the Mitsui family, the location of the Mitsui Memorial Museum in the heritage listed Mitsui Honkan Building easily justifies the JPY1300 admission fee. Along with famous calligraphic pieces, a stunning replica of the Jo-an tea ceremony room is one of the many highlights.
A 1-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station on either the Ginza or Hanzomon lines.
Shiseido Gallery
Famous for being the launching point for many up and coming artists, the Shiseido Gallery has been exhibiting works for over a century. Thought to be the oldest continually exhibiting gallery in the country, the works here are all decidedly modern and contemporary. The free admission makes a visit even easier.
A 4-minute walk from Ginza Station on the either the Ginza or Hibiya lines.
