Yamatane Museum of Art
Five things to do at
Rooted in centuries-old techniques and materials like ink, mineral pigments, and silk or paper, Nihonga captures the essence of Japan's cultural and historical narratives. These artworks often depict scenes from nature, religious text, historical events and everyday life, reflecting the aesthetics and values of different eras.
Nihonga from the Meiji period, for instance, reveal Japan's struggle to balance modernity and tradition as it opened up to the West. The delicate brushwork and symbolism in these paintings offer insights into the cultural shifts and societal concerns of the time. Through its detailed and expressive portrayal of Japanese life and landscapes, Nihonga serves as a visual record, preserving the rich historical and cultural heritage of Japan for the future generations.
Explore Japan's history and culture through the lens of Nihonga
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Japanese art has been shaped by numerous influential artists who have contributed to its development and global recognition. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is perhaps one of the most famous artists, known for his iconic woodblock print series ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’. Although Hokusai primarily worked in ukiyo-e, which isn’t exactly Nihonga per se, his influence on western as well as Nihonga painters is undeniable, as his mastery of natural forms and dynamic compositions helped shape the aesthetics of later paintings.
Yokoyama Taikan (1868-1958) is another key figure who, alongside Okakura Tenshin, revolutionised Nihonga. His works often feature ethereal landscapes and figures, emphasising mood and atmosphere.
Similarly, Hayami Gyoshu (1894-1935) is highly regarded for his constant exploration of new styles of painting and possibilities in Nihonga, which helped open up new frontiers in the genre. His works ‘Dancing in the Flames’ and ‘Camellia Petals Scattering’ are designated as Japan’s Important Cultural Properties.
Uemura Shoen (1875-1949), on the other hand, is a pioneering female artist in a male-dominated field. She is renowned for her exquisite portraits of women, often infused with a sense of grace and elegance. Her work blends traditional Japanese beauty with a modern sensibility, making her one of Nihonga's most respected artists.
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Because the museum rotates its exhibitions frequently, they are often curated to match the current season. In spring, you might encounter works by Okumura Togyu, whose delicate paintings of cherry blossoms capture the fleeting beauty of this iconic season. His works, often rendered in soft pinks and whites, evoke the ephemeral nature of life and the gentle awakening of spring. These pieces are often displayed during the cherry blossom season, offering viewers a serene and contemplative experience that resonates with the natural world outside.
As summer arrives, the museum might feature the blue-hued landscapes of Higashiyama Kaii. His depictions of shorelines, mountains and other bodies of water capture the peaceful essence of summer, providing a sense of calm and introspection. These works offer a poignant reminder of the enduring beauty of nature, even amidst the frenetic pace of modern city life. By aligning the display of these works with the season at the time, the Yamatane Museum creates a harmonious dialogue between the art and the environment, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of Nihonga.
Most museum café offerings are limited to bog-standard sandwiches and caffeinated beverages, but this is far from the case at the Yamatane Museum of Art. Situated by the floor-to-ceiling windows near the museum's entrance, the café is a brightly lit space where you can enjoy tea, wagashi and other desserts in a casual setting.
A particular highlight is the wagashi (traditional Japanese dessert) and matcha tea set, which includes a freshly whisked bowl of rich ceremonial matcha and a wagashi piece of your choice. The wagashi selection here changes with the exhibitions and is created by specialist artists who craft the sweets to resemble elements in the featured artworks on show .
If you see a particular artwork you like, chances are you’ll find some handy stationery featuring that piece on a folder cover or bookmark at the museum’s gift shop. But beyond the museum’s original selection of themed merchandise, the shop also offers a handful of fun knick knacks to enhance your living space and lifestyle.
These include three-dimensional magnets shaped like cats or flowers that can be used as card or picture stands on your desk or bedside table, or foldable wooden bag handles that you can attach to a tenugui cloth to make a DIY purse. Other pocket-sized delights include tiny glass charms of turtles and other creatures that symbolise good luck.
The term ‘Nihonga’, meaning ‘Japanese painting’, was formed in the late 19th century during Japan's Meiji era (1868-1912) as a response to the influx of Western art techniques and styles. Artists sought to preserve traditional Japanese aesthetics, techniques and materials, such as ink, mineral pigments and silk, while also adapting and evolving to incorporate some Western influences.
Today, Nihonga remains prevalent, and beautiful works from the past to the modern day can be found across Japan. However, few museums offer a Nihonga collection as remarkable as that of the Yamatane Museum of Art. Founded in 1966 by Taneji Yamazaki with a substantial collection of precious artworks, the Yamatane Museum is located in Hiroo, just 10 minutes from Shibuya Station by bus or taxi.
Due to the fragile nature of Nihonga works, which cannot be exposed to the external environment for prolonged periods, the museum does not have a permanent display. Instead, it exhibits different selections from its collection through five or six exhibitions per year. In addition to showcasing world-class art, the museum has numerous features that make it one of Tokyo's most interesting art destinations. Here are five reasons to visit today.
Find out what’s on show at the Yamatane Museum of Art and get your tickets here.
Explore prized Japanese artworks, creative wagashi sweets and nifty stationery at this beautifully designed museum in Shibuya
See featured works by some of Japan's most famous artists
Pick up art merch and nifty stationery at the souvenir shop
Enjoy exhibitions curated to reflect the four seasons
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Try art-inspired wagashi at the museum café
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For the latest exhibition and tickets, check the museum website.
'Divine Spirit: Mt. Fuji' (1952) by Yokoyama Taikan, Yamatane Museum of Art
'Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: Fine Wind, Clear Morning' (c. 1830) by Katsushika Hokusai, Yamatane Museum of Art
'Dancing in the Flames' (1925) by Hayami Gyoshu, Important Cultural Property, Yamatane Museum of Art
Installation view of 'Rising Tide' (1970) by Higashiyama Kaii
'Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: Fine Wind, Clear Morning' (c. 1830) by Katsushika Hokusai , Yamatane Museum of Art
