Overview
Surrounded by the waterfront views of Tokyo Bay, Koto City Ward comes complete with history, interactive family learning and a contemporary art scene that places the city firmly on the modern map. Here is an introduction to some of the museums and galleries of Koto and how to reach them.
Ando Gallery
Unobtrusive from the outside, Ando Gallery turns out to be a superb gallery of contemporary art and artists on the inside. Literally down the road from the more famous Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, this gallery, while small, holds its own with the quality of its exhibited works and what's more, it's free.
A 10-minute walk from Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon Line.
Fukagawa Edo Museum
The Fukagawa Edo Museum does a great job of depicting the details of everyday life in the area during the late Edo period. Visitors will be amazed at the full-sized replica of part of an Edo period town that comes complete with alleyways, workshops, stores, and more. In a nod to realism and detail, the museum even has a dog relieving itself on a fire watchtower...
A 3-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon Line.
Gallery A4
With its focus on art related to architecture, Gallery A4 is a unique gallery holding numerous free exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery's contemporary approach sees models, photos, paintings and media all used to engage its visitors. Workshops, too, are offered, giving the gallery a decidedly personal character.
A 3-minute walk from Toyocho Station on the Tozai Line.
Tokyo Water Science Museum
Perfect for travelling families on a budget, the Tokyo Water Science Museum is a free museum by the waterfront full of interactive enjoyment for the kids. With its water guns, underwater observation bubbles and other exhibits, the museum is one of those easy to enjoy attractions that makes travelling with kids a splash of fun.
An 8-minute walk from either Kokusai Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line or Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome Line.
