HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Ueno [2017] Tokyo's Must-See Exhibitions in June & July - Start the Summer with Art!
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[2017] Tokyo's Must-See Exhibitions in June & July - Start the Summer with Art!

[2017] Tokyo's Must-See Exhibitions in June & July - Start the Summer with Art!

Last updated: 28 June 2017

There's hardly a better way to escape Tokyo's summer heat and rainy season than fleeing to a nice, cool museum to bathe yourself in art. From ancient Japanese art to modern photography and the magic of Disney, let's take a look at Tokyo's must-see exhibitions in June & July!

Warriors Based on Novels of Kyokutei Bakin

Warriors Based on Novels of Kyokutei Bakin

Kyokutei Bakin is one of Japan's most famous writers of the Edo period. His masterpiece is Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, often called "The Eight Dog Chronicles" in English. His work, along with many others, have gone far beyond their original medium over time, with many being adapted to kabuki performances or even anime. To honor Kyokutei Bakin's 250th birthday, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art hosts an exhibition of ukiyo-e works that are all about the author's novels.
Masters of the Japanese woodblock print art such as Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Kunisada created numerous beautiful works about Kyokutei Bakin's novels, bringing the colorful world and warriors of the writer to life in their very own way. Experience a piece of creative Japanese history at the Warriors Based on Novels of Kyokutei Bakin exhibition.

Date: June 2 (Fri) to June 25 (Sun)
※Closed on June 5, 12, and 19
Admission: 700 yen

Technique and Expression in Japanese Traditional Art: Decorated Paper

国宝 無量義経 1巻 彩箋墨書 日本・平安時代 11世紀 根津美術館蔵
国宝 無量義経 1巻 彩箋墨書 日本・平安時代 11世紀 根津美術館蔵
百人一首帖 智仁親王筆 1帖 彩箋墨書 日本・江戸時代 17世紀 根津美術館蔵
百人一首帖 智仁親王筆 1帖 彩箋墨書 日本・江戸時代 17世紀 根津美術館蔵

This intriguing exhibition called Technique and Expression in Japanese Traditional Art: Decorated Paper seeks to tear down the barrier of Japanese art often being labeled as rather inaccessible. It is the second exhibition of the series and this time, all eyes are on Japanese decorated paper.
Since ancient times, Japanese writing paper has been decorated with unique techniques, making use of the technology of the time, often the same ones that apply to paintings and prints. What may sound unspectacular at first is actually a world full of intriguing and beautiful designs, allowing you to explore the elegance and appeal of old Japanese books and scrolls. It doesn't matter whether you can read the calligraphy or not - many a Japanese struggles with it just as much. Just let yourself be inspired by the intricate paper decorations.

Date: May 25 (Thu) to July 2 (Sun)
Closed: Mondays
Admission: 1,100 yen

  • Nezu Museum
    • Address 6-5-1, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
      10 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3400-2536

Tombeau Tokyo - Nobuyoshi Araki × Guimet Museum

Tombeau Tokyo - Nobuyoshi Araki × Guimet Museum
Nobuyoshi Araki, "Tombeau Tokyo", 2016, gelatin silver print  © Nobuyoshi Araki / Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery
Nobuyoshi Araki, "Tombeau Tokyo", 2016, gelatin silver print © Nobuyoshi Araki / Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery

Tombeau Tokyo is an exhibition that celebrates one of Japan's most representative photographers, Nobuyoshi Araki. Shown for the first time in Japan, the selection is named after his latest project - Tombeau Tokyo reflects on 50 years of creative work. The photos that make up the exhibition are selected by the master photographer himself and come from France's Guimet Museum, boasting Europe's largest collection of Asian art. Tombeau Tokyo features Nobuyoshi Araki's favorite photographies from the Edo to the Meiji period, as well as both new and classic choice works from the artist himself.
The extraordinaire exhibition takes place in the Chanel Nexus Hall in Ginza and is completely free to enter, so there really is no excuse not to go and be enchanted by one of Japan's most prominent photographers.

Date: June 22 (Thu) to July 23 (Sun)
Admission: free

  • CHANEL NEXUS HALL.
    CHANEL NEXUS HALL.
    • Address 3-5-3, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061

The Art of Disney - Breathing Life into Cinderella, Arielle, and Co.

The Art of Disney - Breathing Life into Cinderella, Arielle, and Co.
©Disney Enterprises, Inc.
©Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Around 500 original drawings, sketches, and concept art showcases the magical history of Disney, carefully selected by the curators to illustrate how a Disney animation comes to life.
The Art of Disney exhibition was already held twice in Japan, but this time, many works are shown for the very first time to Japanese visitors. From the earliest cartoons that Walt Disney created around 90 years ago to the studio's latest masterpiece Moana, look forward to a colorful and magical journey through the history of Disney.
The original sketches of Mickey Mouse look so delicate and detailed, it's hard to imagine that they are that old. Explore the animation technology of each era and discover how the many faces of Disney came to life - this exhibition is a must-see for not only Disney fans, but anyone who wants some magic in their life!

Date: April 4 (Sat) to September 24 (Sun)
Admission: 1,800 yen for adults (19 years and older)
1,200 yen for children and teenagers (from elementary school to 18)
600 yen for small children (from 3 to elementary school)

※Children and teenagers pay 1,100 yen on Saturdays only.

  • National Museum of Nature and Science
    • Address 7-20, Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-8718
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      5 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-5777-8600
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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