Asakura Museum of Sculpture

A museum of Sculptor Asakura famous for his cat statuette but interesting to see for those who love Japanese Kawara-tile house architecture and the inner court Japanese garden of carp pond, with the rooftop balcony garden and the view from it!!

A gem. The best 500 yen spent. Came across it while exploring the Yanaka district. While small it was tranquil with a zen-like garden in the middle which was the highlight. There was an english speaking docent that explained about the history of the place.

Walk through this beautiful building and marvel at Asakura’s life and legacy! This was such a beautiful, contemplative space, and we really enjoyed taking our time and meandering through the museum. Photos are not allowed inside (except for in one room), which made us connect with the art and the history so much more. Would absolutely recommend!

This place is a little treasure and being further away from the main tourist attractions it doesn't get the footfall. Quite a few of his Sculptures on display, he liked doing nude ladies, but I would come her for the beautiful house alone. Alot of old cedar wood was used internally. Being a beutiful Spring day the rooftop garden was open to provide a view of the surrounding area. Only several places where you can take photos including the roof top garden.

Not very big but interesting museum of the interesting artist. Plus cats ;)

We went to the Asakura museum around 10am. I think there were like 5 other guests, so it didn't feel crowded at all. The staff was super friendly. I really appreciate that and I am thankful for it. They helped us with everything. Sadly, the garden on the rooftop was closed due to the rainy weather, but I personally didn't mind as i was able to see the beautiful garden 'on the first floor'. 🩷 Also, a kind tour guide guided us through the first floor. He was very kind and spoke English so well! I am really happy that he was there. The museum itself is great for everyone. If you're not a big fan of sculpture, then you can enjoy the beautiful combination of Japanese and western architecture and the other way around. Luckily, I am interested in all of this, so I was extremely satisfied. The sculptures and the house are so beautiful. There are small details around the house, like a little butterfly or fake wood haha. Also, you can see the Tokyo skytree from the third floor. It's not allowed to take photos around the museum, only on the special floor with the cat sculptures and on the blue photo carpet. But I think that they don't have the carpet outside all the time. The carpet was out when I arrived but it was gone when I wanted to leave the museum, so please follow the guidance about this. I really think I'll visit again during my Japan trip. I really really recommend visiting.

This is a lesser known art museum in the Yanaka Area, and albeit not being that famous, it was surprisingly worth the visit. Asakusa is a Museum that’s built in the former residence and studio of the Sculptor Artist, Asakura. So the building consists of his studio, which now houses some of his art, and his private house. However, as Asakura was also Sensei of the neigbouring Art University, some parts of it also was his teaching ground. I visited as the studio architecture looked beautiful from the pamphlets, and it really was. But what I didn’t realize was that the house was also just as beautiful. The studio used big archers and made use of light perfectly, while the house provides an intimate viewing of the center garden. An amazing example of Japanese architecture all out. The sculptures themselves are beautiful, a great example of portraiture and monument sculpting, which follows the western tradition. Asakura himself prides himself as being exact so that beside his studio he has an impressive book room with an immense collection he would use as inspiration. Notably also his studio is made out of concrete, mainly to accommodate a big machine in the middle of his studio from which he can get his sculpture up and down (because he used to have to take ladders to go to the top of his sculpture but as he ages, he was afraid that he won’t be able to do that anymore, so he installed this in his studio). Impressive is also his rooftop garden which is way too early for his time. Very beautiful and poetic. The only downside is that we are not allowed to take pictures in the building.

If like me you love small house museums, this one should not be missed when visiting Tokyo. Helpful English signage or inexpensive audio tour available—helpful volunteer docents also offered free personalized tour to me when there. Beautiful home and interesting to learn about this artist. No photos allowed except in two places. Surrounding neighborhood(s) has lots of great food and shopping so can definitely make a half day or more in this area.