Your ultimate art visiting map in Japan
travel tips for picture book lovers and illustrators when visiting Japan
hello my friends, I have traveled to Japan this summer and had a very inspirational trip. I always want to share my wonderful experience for all the picture book lovers. however due to my super busy commission schedules, (yes, I got to deliver two books in September) , this post just lay in my head for several months. luckily , I got wrapped up most heavy part of commission and now get some free time, no chit chat, let’s start to roll!
Where to find the hottest exhibition ? where to buy coolest picture book with limited budget? what are some of the museums you don’t want to miss?
Picture book LOVERS buying map
Every time I travel to a new city, I will try to find the local book store, and go directly to their picture book section. This is the area you will have no language barriers. Japanese picture book industry is so developed. Each year Chinese publishing house compet to buy tons of Japanese picture books copyrights, so I always know their high standard qualities. here are some places I recommend you visiting
IF you want to buy new book
This is the book shop I have visited, They have seasonal exhibition for picture book artists, so I think it is quite worth going. not only you can find picture books, but also you will be able to find some original art work there! they have lovely art prints as well as fluffy toys from the famous picture book titles.
STORE’S Name: BOOK HOUSE CAFE
https://bookhousecafe.jp/
address: 〒101-0051 東京都千代田区神田神保町2-5 北沢ビル1F
IF you are on budget
ok, as a poor broken artist and a book lover, I figure the best solution for me is to visit local second hand book store. where to find one in Japan? you just go to the metro station:神保町 Jimbocho Station(Hanzomon Line) . This whole street is called the second handed book street. You will be able to find so many surprises! and good news is the Book house cafe is on the same street, So you can have it all in one place.
most of the second hand book store are along the street, here is a particular one that specialized in old second hand picture books. IT IS ON THE 5th FLOOR!!!. it is my luck that I spot their tiny poster and decided to go upstairs. I don’t know the name of book store or the exact address, but If you decide to go, find this elevator on my photo, and go to 5th floor! I am sure you will be happy. here are all the goodies I find. and btw, I love love love this illustrator called 赖川康男，I bought so many of his second hand picture books. if my suitcase allows me to buy more, I probably will.
Exhibition visiting map
I have to say, Japan has all kinds of cool exhibitions! especially in Tokyo. if you don’t know it yet, Check this website for their latest gallery shows.
www.tokyoartbeat.com
I was soooo lucky that at that time, 横须贺museum is exhibiting 荒井良二 Arai Ryoji’s original art work. I am so drawn into his way of drawing, so free and so relax! it is definitely a treat for the eye.
Other exhibitions seems so attractive, But I don’t get time to visit every single one, so I bring back some posters.
Art Museum/Library map
here are three museums I recommended you !
Tokyo national museum
https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
It is big! and they exhibit the japanese artistic in a very organized way. you can find one place to just show samurai suits, tea related object, beautiful clothing. and they have some fun interactive activities for you, for example: make an Ukiyo-e stamp prints by yourself
International Library of Children's Literature
https://www.kodomo.go.jp/english/info/index.html
they don’t allow to take photos, but trust me, if you are a picture book lover or an illustrator, come there! they have special exhibition just for picture books. by the time I was there, they exhibited some of the oldest japanese picture book, and you see how the industry developed from the very beginning.
Kyoto international manga museum
https://kyotomm.jp/en/
can you believe it ! Manga has its own museum, if you love manga, be sure not to miss this one. of course you can read your favorite manga there , and they have tons of original art !
moments in Japan
There are so many beautiful moment in Japan, I have mad a short Vlog, music credit comes from one of the music band in the festival, unfortunately I don’t know their name!
