Overview
Metropolitan Tokyo's smallest residential enclave, Komae City sites quietly between the Tama and smaller Nogawa rivers. It's size means there are only a small handful of art locations. Still, there is a bit of real life history here and the local art spots are properly local, each with a curious twist to them. Here is an introduction to these locations in Komae City and how to reach them.
Gallery Hechi
A nice little example of Komae's approach to art spots is Gallery Hechi. Offering up hand-crafted dyed textiles that include kimonos robes, obi belts and fabric bags. Combined with this hands-on art space is the small tea house. The gallery's tea ceremony performances more than welcome beginners while at the same also making available some originally designed utensils like cups, whisks and pots used for the tea ceremony.
A 4-minute walk from Kitami Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
Muikara Minkaen
A living museum, the Muikara Minkaen is actually an old residence that dates back to the old Edo period. Saved from demolition by the city's residents, a multi-year restoration project ended up giving the building some much needed new life. A beautiful nagayamon gate sits at the entrance while the building itself features a thatched roof, traditional design features and an easy display of old feudal straw making equipment inside. Closed Mondays.
A 9-minute walk from Komae Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
Orangerie Collection
A decidedly unexpected surprise is Orangerie Collection. A gallery showcasing European antique prints and rare books from the 16-19th century isn't what the average visitor would expect from a little location like Komae, but there you go. Several exhibitions are held throughout the year that focus on the botanical and natural history worlds as seen by European artists of the time. There is also a picture mounting and framing service on offer.
A 9-minute walk from Komae Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
