The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Wow, I had no idea what to expect, but if you are a fan of paintings, then this place will wow you. Japanese paintings have such a distinct ~ sort of ~ cartoon influence? The colors and textures were unlike anything id ever seen. You can also blaze through in an hour. Highly recommend!

Great museum. I'm not familiar with the artists and their works, but I had a great time walking around this museum and viewing all the different kinds of art. I loved sitting in the room called "A Room With A View", amazing views of the imperial palace grounds.

Since 1952, the first cultural institution in Japan dedicated to the preservation of creative works, has continued to expand its grounds and unique collection of priceless treasures. Strolling through the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) offered us a brief journey through time. The works range in topics from the days of feudal warlords to the rebuilding years of peace, growth, and prosperity. The exhibition includes everything from delicate silk works that depict the love of nature, a prevailing cornerstone of Tokyo culture, to oil paintings of the industrial age and military buildup of the Imperial Japanese Army. Contemporary prints and sculptures using wood, metal, and bright acrylic elements are bold, playful, and innovative, while also provoking thought. Each work is a personal expression by the greatest artisans in Japan’s history. My favorite was Kannon Bodhisattva Riding the Dragon by Harada, Naojiro, painted in 1890. Listed as a National Important Cultural Property, it is a long-term loan from Gokokuji Temple. This stunning masterpiece is the jewel of the museum and a defining moment of my visit. The colors are vibrant and match well with the gleaming gold frame. The years since its creation have not lessened its visceral impact. In stark contrast, a work called Two Stains No. 2 by Enokura Koji, created in 1976 and composed of silkscreen and waste oil, is boring and unimaginative. It sparks conversation, but does that make it art? I am not sure what two poo-like blotches on an empty canvas are supposed to mean on a deeper construct? Occam's razor states that the simplest explanation is likely the truth. This might lead some to think that his dog created the work by accident. If this hypothesis is true, should the “canine Picasso” get credit on the artisan name plaque instead of Koji? I don’t think it will transcend time like Riding the Dragon.

Great art museum. Saw the Kanzan exhibit and the permanent exhibit 2000円 total. Amazing art. Kanzan exhibit had audio guide for 800円。 Overall a great experience. The building isn't an architectural marvel like other art museums though.