The "Art Triangle Roppongi":
The National Art Center, Tokyo - The Suntory Museum of Art - The Mori Art Museum

Roppongi in central Tokyo is home to a couple of striking new museums that are collectively familiar as the "Art Triangle Roppongi" The National Art Center, Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum and the Suntory Museum of Art inside Tokyo Midtown offer discounts if you visit them all, and you can also pick up a copy of the Roppongi Art Triangle Map that they publish.

Designed by the internationally renowned architect, Kisho Kurokawa, the undulating glass façade of the National Art Center, Tokyo is extremely impressive. Since the center has no collection of its own, the focus is entirely on special exhibitions and educational programs, and the Art Library serves to collect and disseminate information related to art. There is also a restaurant, several cafés and a museum shop, so why not check it out?

The Suntory Museum of Art, which has a traditional Japanese tea room, is in “Tokyo Midtown,” a soaring skyscraper with particular attention to art and design. This building is a complex facility that includes hotels, offices, shops and restaurants and was designed by a range of architects from both Japan and abroad. As well as the Suntory Museum of Art, it is also the home of the design museum 21_21DESIGN SIGHT, created by the world-famous fashion designer Issey Miyake and the architect Tadao Ando; and the Design Hub, which primarily focuses on product design.

By the way, another fun idea is to participate in an "Ubiquitous Art Tour" around the various art objects that are placed out in the buildings and in the landscape garden behind the complex. With the help of a "Ubiquitous Communicator" terminal, you can walk around and look at things at your own pace. There are several courses, ranging from around 40 to 120 minutes, and the guide is available in five different languages (Japanese, English, French, Chinese and Korean). Ask at the Plaza Information counter for further information.

Mori Art Museum is located on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower skyscraper in Roppongi Hills, 250 meters above sea level. It is a museum that reflects the special urban flavor of Tokyo through highly ambitious exhibitions at the very edge of contemporary art. The ticket also includes admittance to the breathtaking viewing platform Tokyo City View, and since the museum, gift shops and cafés stay open until 10 PM (except on Tuesdays), you get the chance to enjoy the night view of Tokyo in the bargain.