Ginza and Marunouchi Art Guide - Visiting 11 Spots from Longstanding Galleries to the Latest Art Spaces

Ginza has flourished as the central area of Tokyo since before the war, with its prominent department stores along the main street. On the other hand, Marunouchi is known as one of Japan’s leading business districts, with Tokyo Station serving as a central transportation hub. This guide will introduce galleries and art museums centered around these two adjacent areas. We will start from the vicinity of Shimbashi Station, pass through the Ginza area, and explore the route that leads to the Marunouchi area.

It’s recommended to log in on the web version or follow the venues on the TAB app if you are interested. The app will notify you via push notifications about the opening and closing of exhibitions at those venues.

Check here for a list of area-specific art guide articles in Tokyo.

Shiseido Gallery

Shiseido Gallery is located inside the Shiseido Ginza Building, facing the Ginza 7-chome intersection. Opened in 1919 as a “display space” in the Shiseido cosmetics department in Ginza, this gallery is considered the oldest surviving gallery in Japan. Although temporarily closed during World War II, the gallery resumed its activities, and the group exhibition Tsubaki-kai, which was born upon its reopening, has continued to the present day. In the latest eighth edition of Tsubaki-kai, artists such as Hiroshi Sugito, Ryuji Nakamura, Nerhol, Futoshi Miyagi, Aiko Miyanaga, and [mé] participated.

The exhibition space, one of the largest in the Ginza area, has a ceiling height of over 5 meters. The atmosphere changes dramatically with each exhibition, providing a fresh and enjoyable experience each time.

Ginza Graphic Gallery

Just one block away from the Shiseido Gallery is the Ginza Graphic Gallery. Established in 1986 by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., this gallery specializes in graphic design, making it a rare entity in Japan. Affectionately known by the acronym “ggg,” the gallery has hosted solo exhibitions by Kaoru Kasai and Eiko Ishioka, as well as exhibitions featuring award-winning works from the Tokyo TDC Awards 2021, an international graphic design competition.

Graphic design is woven into our daily lives through posters, book designs, packaging, and more. Because of this ubiquity, we may not often take the time to observe and appreciate it truly. By displaying these works as art, the gallery provides an opportunity to recognize the fascinating and valuable aspects of design that exist in our everyday experiences.

Ginza Maison Hermès Forum

The eye-catching glass-block façade of Ginza Maison Hermès leads you to the 8th floor, where you can enter the art gallery called Forum. Since the completion of the building in 2001, the gallery has been organizing exhibitions primarily featuring solo shows by internationally acclaimed artists.

The photo depicts the atmosphere of the Julio Le Parc Exhibition (2021). Le Parc’s large geometric works spanned two floors in the spacious atrium, creating an expansive and liberating impression. The gridded glass blocks, reflecting the colors of the artworks, resembled a mosaic.

In addition to the gallery, there is a reservation-only mini-theater called “Le Studio” on the 10th floor.

Akio Nagasawa Gallery Ginza

Akio Nagasawa Gallery Ginza is located in a building right by Higashi-Ginza Station. Founded by Akio Nagasawa in 2014, this art gallery features works by renowned artists such as Daido Moriyama, Issei Suda, Hajime Sawatari, Eikoh Hosoe, Ko Inose, Sakiko Nomura, Tatsuo Miyajima, Tadao Ando, William Klein, Sarah Moon, and others. The Ginza space primarily showcases works by well-known artists. On the other hand, at Akio Nagasawa Gallery Aoyama in Aoyama, there is a focus on introducing young artists.

Chanel Nexus Hall

Located at the Ginza 2-chome intersection, Chanel Ginza is situated in a prominent area where famous brands gather. Opened in conjunction with the completion of the building in 2004, Chanel Nexus Hall is a space that hosts exhibitions by artists participating in events like Kyotographie (Kyoto International Photography Festival), including notable figures like Guy Bourdin. This space is not only dedicated to exhibitions but also serves as a concert hall, functioning as a platform to support emerging artists in both the fields of art and music.

Pola Museum Annex

Located near the Ginza 1-chome intersection is the Pola Ginza Building. On the 3rd floor is the Pola Museum Annex. The entire building is centered around the concept of “beauty” in three aspects: “cosmetics,” “art,” and “cuisine.” Despite being referred to as a museum, admission is free. The space primarily hosts solo exhibitions of emerging artists supported by the Pola Foundation and ongoing exhibitions featuring the foundation’s rich collection. Alongside the latest cosmetic products, why not enhance your sense of beauty through art?

Gallery Koyanagi

Next to the Pola Museum Annex is Gallery Koyanagi. Although it officially opened as a contemporary art gallery in 1995, its history dates back to the 19th century when it originally served as a handicraft workshop. Today, it collaborates with contemporary artists from Japan and around the world, including Hiroshi Sugimoto, Sophie Calle, Marlene Dumas, Christian Marclay, Michael Borremans, Mark Manders, Thomas Ruff, Yoshihiro Suda, and Tabaimo.

Regarding the exhibited artworks at the gallery, Atsuko Koyanagi says, “While dealing with contemporary art, we value the universality of expression that is not influenced by the times.”

CADAN Yurakucho

A little away from Ginza Street, let’s head towards Yurakucho. CADAN Yurakucho is a space operated by CADAN, a non-profit industry organization that includes 47 contemporary art galleries nationwide. CADAN has been organizing public events such as lectures and exhibitions, as well as study sessions for its members. The exhibition space opened its doors in 2020. Individual and group exhibitions are planned by member galleries.

Due to the participation of numerous galleries, this space experiences very few closures for exhibition changes. When you are in the vicinity of Yurakucho, be sure to visit this space.

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo

Now, let’s head to the Marunouchi area, situated between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. The impressive red-brick building here is the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo. This museum, a restoration of the original Mitsubishi Ichigokan built in 1894, opened its doors in 2010. The thematic focus of its special exhibitions primarily revolves around modern art from the late 19th to the early 20th century, featuring works by artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Odilon Redon, and Félix Vallotton.

Within the museum is a “Historical Materials Room” where you can experience the history of Marunouchi, creating a sense of connection with the local area. It is recommended to explore the surroundings in addition to enjoying the art.

JP Tower Museum Intermediatheque

Just one block away from the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, inside Kitte Marunouchi, right in front of Tokyo Station, you’ll find Intermediatheque. This facility has been operated collaboratively by Japan Post Co., Ltd. and the University Museum, the University of Tokyo, since 2013. The main building showcases valuable academic specimens accumulated by the University of Tokyo since its establishment.

Professor Yoshiaki Nishino, the director of the museum and a faculty member at the University, states on their website, “Contemporary museums must not only be places that present new insights and expressions derived from their collections. Intermediatheque is an arena for experiments attempting this through the dialogue of various expressive media.” The museum goes beyond a simple display of specimens, aiming to bring new value through research. It might be worth visiting to experience this unique approach firsthand.

Tokyo Station Gallery

Tokyo Station Gallery is an art museum located within Tokyo Station, just outside the Marunouchi North Exit gates. Some parts of its structure remain as they were when the Marunouchi Station building was first constructed in 1914. The museum provides an opportunity to experience the history of Tokyo Station, hosting around 4 to 5 exhibitions per year guided by three pillars: “Rediscovery of Modern Art,” “Railway, Architecture, Design,” and “Invitation to Contemporary Art.” The museum is exceptionally convenient, making it a must-visit during your time at Tokyo Station, whether during train waiting periods or in between shopping sessions.

Ginza and Marunouchi are areas where traditional art galleries coexist with new art spaces in newly constructed buildings. While it might seem a bit exclusive at first glance, taking a stroll around is likely to lead you to artworks that you’ll find appealing. Explore and enjoy art appreciation in the heart of Tokyo.