Written by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler
Tokyo is home to hundreds of art museums, so going on an art museum stroll is definitely not a problem. However, deciding which one is suitable for spending an afternoon (or even a whole day) might not be so easy. The atmosphere is probably the most important factor. At the art museums we visited, from the exhibitions to the cafés and other facilities, there was a wonderful feeling of wanting to stay a bit longer—an ideal recommendation for a slow-paced Tokyo trip.
The underground floor of the WATARI-UM Museum’s shop “On Sundays.” (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Watari-Um Museum—An Extraordinarily Thoughtful Museum Born from an Old House
Starting from Omotesando, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the WATARI-UM Museum, which appears in a wonderfully unique way on a triangular plot of land. Before arriving here, many people don’t know what the name “Watari-Um” means. It wasn’t until meeting Mr. Hiroshi Watari that it became clear: “Watari” is the Japanese pronunciation of “和多利,” and “Um” is “Museum” spelled backward with the first two letters reversed, forming the name.
In fact, the museum is located on the site of Mr. Watari’s former residence. Mr. Watari said that his whole family loves art. They invited the renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta to build this small yet futuristic-looking museum on the original site of the Watari residence, conceptualized as an “architectural sculpture.”
The museum shop “On Sundays” is absolutely worth a visit. From the first floor to the basement, the space resembles a bookstore and features a wide selection of goods sourced from around the world and other art museums. On the large wall in the basement, there is now an exquisitely arranged display of umbrellas—a British premium handmade umbrella brand called Fox. Mr. Watari said this is also part of an exhibition concept, with the display changing once a month.
Although it’s a small museum, the WATARI-UM Museum attracts quite a few visitors. The elevators connecting the various floors are constantly bustling with people. The nearest subway station is Jingūmae Station on the Tokyo Metro line, and its location, not on a major shopping street, requires a bit of searching to find.
【Info】
Address: 3-7-6 Harajuku, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)3-3402-3001
Website: www.watarium.co.jp
The versatile exhibition spaces used throughout the WATARI-UM Museum. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Hara Museum ARC—Enjoying a Weekend in a Comfortable Mansion with a Garden
For many, Shinagawa probably brings to mind “a busy, bustling major train station!” But just a 10- to 15-minute walk away, through the lush greenery of the Mitsubishi Group property, Odakyu Gotenyama, the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art (Hara Museum ARC), tucked away in a quiet residential alley, suddenly comes into view.
This was originally the residence of the prominent businessman Haruji Hara. Haruji Hara served as chairman of Tokyo Gas, Japan Airlines, and Tokyo Chikatetsu (Tokyo Metropolitan Subway), among other positions. With such an illustrious background, his residence also reflected exceptional taste. The architect in charge was Jin Watanabe (responsible for the main building of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno and the iconic Wako Building in Ginza), who employed a simple Bauhaus style, creating a sense of balanced, rational modernism for visitors approaching the museum entrance through the courtyard.
The interplay of light and shadow from the staircase and windows on the second floor creates a subtle scene. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Built in 1938, the structure was repurposed in 1979 under the current director, Haruo Hara—grandson of Haruji Hara. After adjusting the interior spaces, it became a private museum focusing on contemporary art. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Hara Museum underwent renovations. The museum staff told us that the main upgrade was the installation of a new lighting system to better integrate with the indoor environment. The fireplace in the exhibition rooms and the curved glass seating area in the sunroom on the first floor all evoke the feeling that this was once a lived-in family space. The second-floor exhibition hall was originally the owner’s living room. Ms. Nakamura, who gave us a tour, said that before the land reclamation of Tokyo Bay, you could see the sea from here—Mr. Haruji Hara certainly had a discerning eye for location selection.
The view framed by the glass doors resembles a painting. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Sitting in the art café (Café d'Art) and gazing at the courtyard—admiring the beautiful lawn and the scattered sculptures placed upon it—is an absolutely essential experience when visiting the Hara Museum. Whether reflecting on the exhibitions and artworks you’ve just seen or simply enjoying the rare tranquility of Tokyo’s urban landscape, it’s a fantastic travel moment. The café also offers a variety of distinctive culinary offerings, such as signature cakes inspired by the museum’s character, or its Wednesday night Champagne Evenings. On weekends, they even serve picnic baskets (Garden Basket) that include a bottle of wine, sausages, salad, and dessert—highly recommended and great value. If you’re looking for a relaxing art museum experience in Tokyo, the Hara Museum will definitely surprise you.
【Info】
Address: 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)3-3445-0651
Website: www.haramuseum.or.jp
Be sure to try the lunch set at the art café if you have time. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
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