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Ōta Memorial Museum of Art: A Journey Through Ukiyo-e

Discover the enchanting world of ukiyo-e at the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art in Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku district.

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The Ōta Memorial Museum of Art, nestled in Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku district, is a sanctuary for ukiyo-e enthusiasts. Founded in 1980 by Seizo Ota V, the museum showcases a vast collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period. With rotating monthly exhibitions, visitors can explore the captivating world of ukiyo-e and its cultural significance.

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Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the current exhibition theme and schedule, as they change monthly.
  • The museum is small, so plan for a visit of one to two hours.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Harajuku's trendy streets and nearby Meiji Shrine.
  • Discounts are available for students; children under 15 enter for free.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Ōta Memorial Museum of Art is easily accessible by public transport. Take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Line to Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station. From Exit 5, it's a short 3-minute walk. Alternatively, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station; it's a 5-minute walk from the Omotesando Exit. Tokyo Metro tickets cost between ¥180 and ¥330 depending on the distance. JR train fares from Shibuya to Harajuku are between ¥120-¥250. Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient travel on all public transport.

  • Walking

    From JR Harajuku Station, take the Omotesando Exit and walk down Omotesando Street towards Meiji Street. Turn left just past the Softbank cellphone store; you'll see the museum sign at the corner. From Meiji-jingumae Station, take Exit 5 and walk straight on Omotesando Street. Turn right just before the Softbank cellphone store. The museum is a short walk down this side street.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Shibuya. A short taxi ride from Shibuya Station to the Ōta Memorial Museum of Art typically costs between ¥4,000 and ¥4,800 and takes approximately 7 minutes. Taxi fares in Tokyo start at ¥730 for the first 1-2 kilometers, with additional charges of ¥280 for every 280 meters. Note that fares increase late at night (10 PM - 5 AM).

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Discover more about Ōta Memorial Museum of Art

The Ōta Memorial Museum of Art is a distinguished museum dedicated to the art of ukiyo-e, the Japanese woodblock prints that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868). Located in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo, the museum was established in 1980 to display the extensive collection of Seizo Ota V, a businessman and avid art collector. Ota's collection comprises over 14,000 ukiyo-e pieces, including works by renowned artists such as Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Kitagawa Utamaro. Ukiyo-e, meaning "pictures of the floating world," depict various aspects of Edo-period life, including kabuki actors, beautiful women, landscapes, and scenes from everyday life. The museum's collection is known for its excellent state of preservation, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistry and cultural context of this important art form. The museum rotates its exhibitions monthly to protect the delicate prints and offer a diverse viewing experience. Each exhibition focuses on a specific theme or artist, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of ukiyo-e. The museum also offers educational programs, including lectures and workshops, to further enhance visitors' appreciation of ukiyo-e and Japanese art. The building itself is designed to evoke a traditional Japanese atmosphere, providing a serene and contemplative space for viewing the art.

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