There are many interesting places in Tokyo you can visit for free.
In this article, I will introduce to you some museums, resource centers and art galleries which you can enjoy for free.
Lots of stimulating art works! “NADiff a/p/a/r/t” (Ebisu)”
A complex art facility spread over B1F～4F. They exhibit artworks of artists from both home and abroad and documents related to modern art. The galleries can be entered without paying any fee except for pay-events. Also, all the books (including expensive books) sold in the store can be read for free.
NADiff a/p/a/r/t
Address: 1-18-4, Ebisu, Shibuyaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 12:00 to 20:00
Fixed holiday: Monday (When Monday is a holiday, the next day will become a holiday)
Access: 6 minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Ebisu Station
TEL：03-3446-4977
Satisfy your curiosity by reading rare academic essays! “INTERMEDIATHEQUE”( Tokyo)
“INTERMEDIATHEQUE” is an academic museum where academic heritages of Tokyo University are gathered. You can enjoy many rare academic documents and items such as samples and stuffed specimens.
Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54580
INTERMEDIATHEQUE
Address: 2, 3F, KITTE, 2-7-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Access: 1 minute on foot from Tokyo Station JR Marunouchi Line, 2 minutes on foot from Nijubashimae Station – Chiyoda Line
Business hours: 11:00 to 18:00 (Friday / Saturday – until 20:00) ※Last entrance – 30 minutes before closing time
Fixed holiday: Monday (When Monday is a holiday, the next day will become a holiday), year’s end and New Year’s holiday and holidays designated by the facility.
TEL：03-5777-8600
Persons who love animations will love this place! “Suginami Animation Museum (Nishiogikubo)”
It is the first-built animation museum in Japan. They introduce the history of animation and the future of animation. You will be surprised by the quality of the services they offer such as voice acting experience and animation theatre.
Suginami Animation Museum
Address: 3F, Suginami Kaikan, 3-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginamiku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (last entrance – 17:30)
Fixed holiday: Monday (When Monday is a holiday, the next day will become a holiday), year’s end and New Year’s holiday
TEL：03-3396-1510
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A large space can be enjoyed. The oldest gallery in Japan,”Shiseido Gallery (Ginza)”
It is the oldest gallery in Japan which was opened in 1919.
They have held more than 3,100 exhibitions under the theme“finding out new beauty and creating new things.” The exhibition space which is 5m high is the largest open space in the Ginza Area! They hold special exhibitions 5 to 6 times per year and are introducing a wide range of art forms centering around modern art.
Shiseido Gallery
Address: 1F, Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building, 8-8-3, Ginza, Chuoku, Tokyo
Business hours: weekdays: 11:00 to 19:00 / Sunday and holidays: 11:00 to 18:00
Fixed holiday: Monday
TEL：03-3572-3901
You will be surprised with the power that the photos have. “Ginza Nikon Salon (Ginza)”
A photo-specialized gallery located beside Nikon Plaza Ginza. Their philosophy of “exhibiting quality works created by pros/amateurs without being influenced by firm’s strategies” which has been protected since 1968 has carried over until this day and the gallery has been producing lots of quality photographers. They hold unique special exhibitions and photo seminars in addition to exhibitions of collected works on a regular basis.
Ginza Nikon Salon
Address: inside Nikon Plaza Ginza, 1F/2F, STRATA GINZA, 7-10-1, Ginza, Chuoku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:30 to 18:30
Fixed holiday: no holiday (except certain days and year’s end and New Year’s holidays)
TEL：03-5537-1469
Lots of rare documents regarding sumo. “Sumo Museum (Ryogoku)”
The museum was founded in 1954 to prevent the dissipation of sumo-related documents. They collect and exhibit lots of sumo-related documents and you can enjoy their exhibitions over and over since they change the content of their exhibition six times per year.
Sumo Museum
Address: 1-3-28, Yokozuna, Sumidaku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00 to 16:30 (last entrance – 16:00)
Fixed holiday: Saturday / Sunday / holidays, year’s end and New Year’s holiday
TEL：03-3622-0366
How did you like our introduction of free museums and galleries in the Tokyo area? Just because its free, it doesn’t mean the quality is poor. Why not visit some of these top-notch museums and galleries, for free.
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Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
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・L/S TEE
・Hat
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・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
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FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group's debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.
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Information
<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
Venue: Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo)Ticket information and additional information will be posted on the official FRUITS ZIPPER Twitter page（@FRUITS_ZIPPER）as it becomes available.
<Release Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER New Single
Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CSKSI
Available on all major music streaming and download sites1. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
2. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ -Instrumental-<FRUITS ZIPPER Tour Information>
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ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
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https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators' collective bala has finally launched for real! The group will release its first single barla on March 8. bala consists of MANON, SUNNY ONLY 1, DAN, and KANO, each with their own global background. The project aims to resonate with Gen Z youth culture and to be a collective of artists that connects hybrid Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. The debut song barla was produced by Shinichi Osawa, who has numerous hits under the name Mondo Grosso. It was co-written by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanella. With Y2K culture making a comeback around the world, the track features the house sound popular in the late 90s which is showing signs of becoming the next musical trend yet again. The groovy dance tune is a perfect theme song for these girls who will lead the next generation of pop culture. <Comment from Shinichi Osawa> “I’m honored to be involved in bala’s debut. The members are super unique, and collaborating with Kenmochi-san for the first time was a dream come true.” <Comment from Kenmochi Hidefumi> “I’m happy to be able to work with the members of bala and Shinichi Osawa. Everyone is so uniquely talented, and this song is filled with everyone's energy and excitement inspired by their long-awaited debut!”
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bala 1st Single「barla」
配信日：2023年3月8日（水）
配信URL：https://orcd.co/barla
【About bala】
東京を拠点に活動するガールズ・アーティストとクリエイターによるコレクティブ・balaは、MANON、SUNNY ONLY1、DAN、KANOの4人からなるクリエイティブ集団。
世界で同時多発的に進行している様々なZ世代ユースカルチャーと共鳴しながら、DNAに組み込まれた日本発のポップカルチャーと融合させたハイブリッドな表現を目指し、グローバルに発信していくことをコンセプトに活動する。
また3Dアバターキャラクター「Barla」を介し、次世代インターネット「WEB 3.0」など、積極的にエッジテックを活用した次世代のクリエイティブにも取り組んでいく。
ポップミュージックのフィールドに限らず、彼女たちの世界観を共有する様々なアーティスト、クリエイターが集うクリエイティヴ・プラットフォームとして機能することで、ポップカルチャーにおける新たなエコシステムへの発展を目指していく。
TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@bala_official_japan
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/bala_official_japan/
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The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.
The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company's 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”
-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!
“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That's what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you're not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”
Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA 16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/
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“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”
Ivy Place
東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15
https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/
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I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!
Dover Street Ginza Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com
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“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”
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Information
Ryo Ogata
In 2021, Ogata began his career as an actor and model.
His upbringing exposed him to dance, English, and art from an early age, helping to craft his current appeal.公式Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/ryokun_39
公式TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@ryoogata -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/