Although located near the center of Tokyo, the Inokashira Park Zoo is surrounded by the natural...
The building of The Sumida Hokusai Museum was designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Sejima Kazuyo so that it would appeal to both locals and tourists. By using reflective aluminum and different angles on each side, Sejima not only achieved her goal but created a wonder: a building that both stands out and blends in with its surroundings. What’s inside, though, is even more impressive.
The museum is dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most famous artists who was born and spent most of his nearly 90-year-long life in modern-day Sumida Ward. Hokusai was a woodblock artist and painter specializing in the ukiyo-e genre that focused on cityscapes, urbanites and popular travel destinations. Many visitors to the museum will likely be familiar with his “Under the Wave off Kanagawa, from the series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” and one of the most reproduced images on the planet.
Life-size, high-resolution replicas of Hokusai’s works can be enjoyed in “Education Room－Discover Hokusai－”, which also includes a real-size model of the artist’s atelier and interactive information panels that make for an even more immersive experience. The museum holds about 2,200 original works by Hokusai and his students, and selected pieces are displayed in rotation during special exhibitions.
Location
2-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0014
Direction
By Train: 5-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station A3 Exit
9-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station East Exit
By Bus: 5-minute walk from Toei bus Toei Ryogoku-mae stop
A short walk from Sumida Loop Bus Sumida Hokusai Museum (Tsugaruke Kamiyashiki Ato) stop
By Train: 5-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Ryogoku Station A3 Exit
9-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station East Exit
By Bus: 5-minute walk from Toei bus Toei Ryogoku-mae stop
A short walk from Sumida Loop Bus Sumida Hokusai Museum (Tsugaruke Kamiyashiki Ato) stop
