Tennozu Isle Art Guide - Exploring 8 Evolving Art Spaces Along the Waterfront

Surrounded by canals and with convenient access to Odaiba, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, Tennozu Isle is known as an artistic neighborhood. It boasts one of Tokyo’s premier art complexes and other art spaces in the vicinity. In this gallery guide, we will focus on galleries within the Terrada Art Complex, as well as introduce other art spaces in the 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.

Approximately a 10-minute walk from Tennozu Isle Station, which is serviced by Tokyo Monorail and TWR Rinkai Line, you will see two buildings with a solid and dignified grey exterior - that is the Terrada Art Complex. To transform Tennozu Isle into a hub for artistic and cultural activities, Terrada Art Complex I opened in 2016, followed by the opening of Terrada Art Complex II in 2020. As of December 2022, more than 15 galleries are gathered here.

The operating company, Warehouse TERRADA, is inseparable from the development of Tennozu Isle. Founded in 1950, the company primarily engages in storage services for items such as wine, art, and film. However, aiming to make Tennozu Isle a hub for artistic and cultural activities, Warehouse TERRADA. has expanded its operations beyond the traditional scope of a warehouse company.

This time, we will introduce mainly the galleries within Terrada Art Complex I. First, let’s take the robust elevator unique to warehouses up to the 5th floor!

Kosaku Kanechika

Kosaku Kanechika, located on the 5th floor, is a gallery that opened in 2017. Collaborating with artists active in the field of contemporary art, such as Aoki Yutaka, Junko Oki, Takuro Kuwata, Ataru Sato, Chikashi Suzuki, Noritaka Tatehana, Fumiko Imano, Kyusetsu Miwa, Dan McCarthy, and Ruby Neri, the gallery explores various mediums like photography and ceramics.

During the author’s visit, there was a solo exhibition by Junko Oki titled Yoretsure Motsure, featuring a style that expands the meaning of embroidery as an expressive technique. For those interested in this unique approach, there is a photo report (only in Japanese) on the exhibition “Junko Oki: Revealed Things” at the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura Annex.

Also on the 5th floor is Scai Park, opened in 2017 by Scai the Bathhouse, which operates galleries in places like Yanaka and Roppongi. Here, you can appreciate new works by affiliated artists such as Lee Ufan, Kohei Nawa, and Anish Kapoor and pieces held by Scai, all through glass windows. Please note that entering the space is not possible.

Anomaly

Next, to the 4th floor. Anomaly, which denotes phenomena and individuals that cannot be explained by logic or common sense and signifies irregularities and deviations, is a gallery established in 2018 through the merger of three galleries with over ten years of experience: “Yamamoto Contemporary,” “Urano,” and “Hashimoto Art Office.” The affiliated artists include Noe Aoki, Takahiro Iwasaki, Motohiko Odani, Kohei Kobayashi, Natsuko Sakamoto, Ushio Shinohara, Takuro Tamayama, Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group, Miyuki Tsugami, Kosuke Nagata, Tatzu Nishi, Ishu Han, and Go Watanabe, among others, with a focus on artists active in the field of contemporary art.

The gallery not only hosts exhibitions but also engages in unconventional and more independent activities such as talk sessions, performances, and theatrical performances. According to Ms. Tsujimura, a staff member, “We aim to create a cultural and rich environment that doesn’t fit into the existing gallery framework by continuously experiencing small changes every day.”

Additionally, on the 4th floor, the Tomio Koyama Gallery Tennoz opened in 2022. Having a space in Roppongi as well, this gallery features works by artists such as Kishio Suga, Hiroshi Sugito, Mika Ninagawa, and Richard Tuttle, offering a new venue for art enthusiasts.

Takuro Someya Contemporary Art

Moving on to the 3rd floor is Takuro Someya Contemporary Art. This space originally opened in 2006 in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, and relocated to Terrada Art Complex I in 2018. In 2022, the gallery underwent an expansion and renewal. The gallery represents artists such as Kenjiro Okazaki, Enrico Isamu Oyama, Rafael Rozendaal, Ryoichi Kurokawa, Goro Murayama, Mayumi Hosokura, Shuhei Ise, and Mai Yamashita + Naoto Kobayashi.

The photo shows an exhibition scene from Enrico Isamu Oyama’s solo exhibition Epiphany, where he reinterprets the technique of aerosol writing for artistic expression. Oyama gained attention for his work with the mawashi (loincloth) of Yokozuna Terunofuji. In the exhibition space, where exposed concrete is prominent at key points, Oyama’s sharp lines blend well, creating a striking impression.

Kotaro Nukaga

On the same floor, Kotaro Nukaga opened in 2018. The gallery space features a design by architect Kentaro Ishida, who previously worked at the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. Over the years, the gallery has hosted exhibitions by artists such as Inka Essenhigh, Kyoji Takubo, Yuichiro Tamura, Yuichi Hirako, Nir Hod, Tomona Matsukawa, Tomokazu Matsuyama, Keita Morimoto, Carlos Rolón, and others.

In 2021, Kotaro Nukaga (Roppongi) also opened within the Piramide Building in Roppongi. So, when visiting Roppongi, you might consider stopping by there as well.

Kodama Gallery

Also, on the 3rd floor, there is the Kodama Gallery. Since its opening in 1999, this gallery has been operating with the concept of promptly and actively discovering young artists and overlooked talents, sending them into the market. The gallery represents artists such as Ryusuke Ito, Maoya Kishi, Gaetan Kubo, Kei Sato, Daisuke Suzuki, Mitsuo Miyazaki, Mayuko Wada, and others. Originally based in Osaka and Kyoto, the gallery currently has a space in Tokyo’s Tennozu area.

Maki

Maki, established in 2003, opened its space in Omotesando in 2014 and in Tennozu in 2020. The gallery has two spaces on the first floors of Terrada Art Complex I and II. Primarily dealing with works of artists active in the global contemporary art scene since the post-war period, the gallery has recently hosted exhibitions featuring artists such as Mungo Thomson, Miya Ando, and exonemo.

Utilizing the expansive exhibition space on the first floor of both buildings, the gallery not only regularly holds solo exhibitions but also allows visitors to enjoy collection exhibitions curated by the owner couple. Until 2025, there is a permanent installation of Tennis Court Drawing by Los Angeles-based artist Jonas Wood.

At Terrada Art Complex II, there are various galleries, including a viewing room by Taka Ishii Gallery, T&Y Project, The Anzai Gallery, Sokyo Atsumi, Mu Gallery, Yukikomizutani, and more. There are still many galleries to explore. Why not take the opportunity to discover your favorite gallery?

After leaving TERRADA ART COMPLEX, head towards Tennozu Isle Station. As you walk around the station area, you should be able to find public art along the canal, outdoor spaces, and building entrances.

WHAT Museum

On the way from Terrada Art Complex to the station, on the right-hand side, you will find WHAT Museum, a space opened in 2020 by Warehouse TERRADA, showcasing valuable artworks entrusted by artists and collectors. The facility name, Warehouse of Art Terrada, implies the opportunity to “glimpse” collections that are typically stored in warehouses and not readily accessible. In the past, they have hosted diverse exhibitions such as Touchable! Architectural Models Exhibition and Oketa Collection “Yes You Can: The Strength of Life through Art.”

WHAT Cafe

Close to WHAT Museum, WHAT Cafe is a facility that exhibits and sells artworks by young contemporary artists. The spacious area, covering 800 square meters, is quite impressive. The facility operates under the concept of “Art is...” and hosts themed exhibitions. During each rotation, where all artworks are replaced, the intention is to provide artists with more opportunities to showcase their work and visitors with the chance to encounter a diverse range of artworks. Given the integration of the cafe space with the exhibition area, you can enjoy a cup of tea while exploring your favorite pieces.

In the direction towards the station from WHAT Museum, you’ll also find the facility Pigment Tokyo, which has four aspects: Lab, Museum, Academy, and Shop. The structure features beautiful curves inspired by Kengo Kuma’s image of bamboo blinds, and your attention will be captivated by shelves displaying rare traditional painting materials.

How was it? It would be a great idea to visit with friends and explore art pieces or take your time appreciating artworks at an art complex, searching for your favorites. Do consider visiting Tennozu Isle, a place evolving alongside art.