Ueno has more than a few spots where art and culture can be enjoyed free of charge. These include the Kuroda Memorial Hall, where you can get your fill of paintings by Seiki Kuroda, known as the father of modern Western-style painting in Japan; the Taito Art Gallery on the first floor of the Taito Ward Office; and even inside JR Ueno Station where a work by ASAKURA Fumio, who led the world of sculpture in Japan, is exhibited. Why not discover your “best place” in Ueno?
Ueno Park is renowned for its impressive array of world-class art and history museums. Kuroda Memorial Hall is one such hidden gem, tucked away in the northwest corner of the park. Dedicated to painter Seiki Kuroda, the memorial hall boasts a permanent collection of works that are undoubtedly familiar to Japanese students from their school textbooks. Erected in 1928, the building is an elegant surviving example of early Showa era architecture, and provides an ideal setting for enjoying Kuroda’s beautiful work to its fullest. Best of all, the price of admission is free. With a coffee shop on site, Kuroda Memorial Hall is the perfect spot to relax after a morning in the park, and enjoy a moment of quiet decadence.
The Taito Ward Office is a familiar presence for all residents who call this charming old corner of Tokyo home. Whether inquisitive about tourist information or the subtleties of sorting the recycling, no question is too small for the friendly staff. However, not even many locals may be aware that the ward office also houses a unique art gallery on its first floor. True to the ward’s slogan, “Ueno: A Global Capital of Culture,” the Taito Art Gallery is a verdant cultural oasis, hidden in plain sight.
ASAKURA Fumio is a sculptor well known for such major works as “Grave keeper” and the portrait sculpture of “OKUMA Shigenobu”, founder of Waseda University. The sculptor loved cats and continued to work based in Yanaka. He certainly left his mark in Ueno. Let us go find ASAKURA’s work that can be seen in and around Ueno.
