We headed to Kanazawa chasing a photo from its Higashiyama-Higashi-Chaya district. While it is a tourist destination for the Japanese. International tourists, if they leave Tokyo, usually head to to Kyoto. Kanazawa is an amazing city and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art one of the best museums in Japan. A trip here is well worth the 4-hour bullet train from Tokyo
Revisiting this post, we realize that here in Japan we had our fist encounter with the amazing artist Olafur Eliasson. Who we later connected with in an amazing way at London’s Tate Modern and his amazing exhibition In Real Life.
Near said Kenroku-en, the pleasing circular structure of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art floats above the landscape. Built in 2005, by architects Kazuyo Sejima+Ryue Nishizawa of the architectural prize-winning architect studio SANAA, this 113m diameter steel frame and reinforced concrete building is home to a fantastic rotating collection. We had a lovely time exploring and marveling at the play of sight and sound – a theme that re-appeared throughout.
For other amazing things in Kanazawa be sure to check out the Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District, the superbly maintained Kanazawa Castle, and the Kenroku-en gardens.
Kanazawa’s 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a startling revelation. One could find themselves surprised by finding one of the best museums in Japan in this small city. We highly recommend the trip.
As a bonus, the 21st Century Museum is surrounded by several of Kanazawa’s famed porcelain shops.
Visitor Info: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
(81) 076.220.2800
1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8509, Japan
www.kanazawa21.jp
Open Hours:
10:00 – 18:00 Daily
