Overview
Home to a series of small scale locations with a much broader international appeal than is given credit for, Arakawa City Ward manages to surprise with history, literature, the origins of modern anime art and private art creations. Here is an introduction to some of the museums and galleries of Arakawa and how to reach them.
Akira Yoshimura Memorial Museum of Literature
Part of Yuinomori Arakawa, a cultural centre complete with library and free WI-FI, the Akira Yoshimura Memorial Museum of Literature is dedicated to internationally acclaimed writer, Akira Yoshimura who was from the area. Located on the second floor, this free museum is a gentle look at the famed writer.
A 3-minute walk from Arakawa-Nichome Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.
Arakawa Furusato Bunkakan
Helping residents understand and appreciate the history of their area, the Arakawa Furusato Bunkakan is a cultural museum working alongside the Minami-Senju Library to exhibit archaeologically and historically-based works. The museum's permanent exhibition features zones going all the way back to the ancient past.
A 10-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station on the JR Joban Line.
Gallery Hiroumi
A small exhibition gallery, Gallery Hiroumi is very much a case of quality over quantity. Only ever featuring uniquely talented artists, the gallery has held exhibitions for kaiju monster sketch artist, Takuma Asai, the impressive sculptures of Yoshiki Masuda, ceramic work by Taro Maruyama and even the curious paper cup art of Emi Yanaihara.
A 5-minute walk from Minowabashi Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.
Nurie Museum
The Nurie Museum is dedicated to the works of colouring sheet artist Kiichi Tsutaya. Opened on weekends with some 200 coluring books on display, admission is only JPY500 and is a favourite of anime fans who will see in the works the origins of the modern anime style. Visitors can also to try their hands at Japanese-style nurie drawing and colouring.
A 7-minute walk from either Machiya-nichome or Higashi-sanchome stations on the Toden Arakawa Line.
