2 Your daily stroll --- earthen clay

The Asakura Sculpture Museum is currently under long-term conservation work and is due to reopen in March, 2013.

http://taito-culture.jp/culture/asakura/japanese/asakura_introduction_01.html

It isn’t just the two-storied black exterior, reminiscent of a sculptor’s earthen clay that makes the Asakura Sculpture Museum an absolute must-see.  Just peer down from the top story to the gardens below.  Truly magnificent!  Although there’s no place to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea, the fusion of East and West in architectural design perfectly expresses the author’s feelings, making it a place to free yourself from the grind of everyday life. 

Find the most perfect place to stop-off on your daily stroll.

1 Your daily stroll -- contemporary art

Find the most perfect place to stop-off on your daily stroll.

The Hara Museum

http://www.haramuseum.or.jp/generalTop.html

I’d like to tell you about a delightful little gallery which for me is the ultimate spot in just an ordinary residential area to pop in on and rest my weary feet.  As soon as you step into the entrance, you know this place has its own uniquely special character.  The building itself is as charming a scene as the garden on display.  The modern white color becomes the most perfect space in which to house the spectacular collection of contemporary art, and you’ll no doubt have trouble tearing yourself away from the relaxing greenery in the courtyard café.     

3 Different styles of ‘shakkei’

The juxtaposition of two very different styles of ‘shakkei’ can be appreciated also with this renowned Kyoto garden.

Roppongi Hills

Map 　http://www.roppongihills.com/en/facilities/　

Shugakuin Imperial Villa 　http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

2 City Shakkei

Struggling to find a little greenery in the city?  Think again.

Who would have thought a high-rise building could look so beautiful in this modern-day replication of ‘shakkei’. 
Roppongi Hills

Map 　http://www.roppongihills.com/en/facilities/　

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/view029.html

1 About Shakkei

Shakkei is a Japanese word meaning ‘borrowed scenery’.  It describes the traditional practice of Chinese and Japanese gardening, and pertains to the technique of incorporating the existing natural landscape in the composition of a garden.  With this technique, both the background and foreground scenery of the garden become integrated, thereby creating a truly majestic and spacious sense of landscape. 

2 Extravagant gift

In Japan each family owns a family crest, which represents the lineage, heritage and status of each family.  The beautifully decorated Shibusawa family crest can be found throughout the memorial site in the form of a Kashiwa Oak tree leaf on the stunning stained glass feature window and ceramic plates.  It is artwork that would leave any modern-day craftsperson breathless in rapture.

The wooden cottage is hidden within a grove of trees and displays a delightfully chic yet harmonious blend of East and West in the use of chestnut wood materials.  The cottage was custom built and although only contains one room, it was evidently completed with great care and detailed thought in its ample space and at-home furnishings, including the charming fireplace and window frames.  The cottage is a perfect replica of a sophisticated and luxurious resort villa.

For further details, please visit the Shibusawa Memorial Museum website;

http://www.shibusawa.or.jp/english/museum/about.html

1 Extravagant gift

What to get that rich friend who has everything?

                How about the extravagant gift of a building?

The Bankoro Cottage and Seien Bunko Library were built in honor of Eiichi Shibusawa and his extraordinary achievements in the business world of Japan.  An esteemed elderly gentleman, a connoisseur who took a liking not only to the greatness of things but also the delicacy in fine details, he often used these buildings to entertain his many important Japanese and international guests.  It isn’t difficult to cast your imagination back to high society of the early 20^th century when peering at this delightful example of Japanese architecture.  Access to inside the buildings is open to the public on Saturdays only.

For further details, please visit the Shibusawa Memorial Museum website;

http://www.shibusawa.or.jp/english/museum/about.html