Delve into diversity in Daikanyama, one of Tokyo's eclectic collections of artistic enclaves. With an expert guide, a walk around Shibuya's "brooklynesque" neighbor unveils the rich history and many charms of this enchanting area.
Like many other major cities in the world, Tokyo is a metropolis made up of various neighborhoods with different personalities. You can enjoy Tokyo by learning the unique characteristics of each neighborhood, which associates deeply with its history and cultural customs. A 15 min walk from Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, you will find Daikanyama, a peaceful but vibrant area that draws cultivated personnel, stylish models and celebrities for art and fashion inspirations.
Art Front Gallery is well versed in the sophisticated Japanese contemporary art and architecture that can be found in Daikanyama. They consult art for luxury hotels and produce art festivals in Japan. The exclusive walk with Rei Maeda, working for Art Front Gallery, will introduce you to the in-depth stories behind this attractive town. Maeda explains, "Hillside Terrace, is an iconic architecture of this town. " Designed by Fumihiko Maki, a Pritzker Architecture Prize winner who architected 4 World Trade Center in New York, it is a complex of housings, offices, stores, restaurants, and art galleries, gradually built over 30 years. He and the Asakura family, a landowner for generations who shaped Daikanyama, both agreed not to develop the town for exploitation measures. An innovative building at the time which features relaxing open spaces is still a modern building till this day. The beloved iconic urban complex created the character of this neighborhood, as the town nurtured in arts and architecture over time. Art Front Gallery can also prepare a meet with artists featured in the exhibitions and the neighborhood, where you can listen to their stories. Across the street stands DAIKANYAMA T-SITE, a new landmark of the town, which inherits the DNA of Hillside Terrace. The massive stylish bookstore and café suits the region by expanding space with culture, art and modern lifestyle. By understanding the background and history of a place, you will be able to appreciate the charms of the neighborhood even more.
Daikanyama is modern yet simultaneously rich in history, and a representative example is the Kyu Asakura House. This Important Culture Property reflects the designs of the early 1900's. During the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, not a single tile fell down which demonstrates the exquisite techniques of carpenters of that time that constructs buildings without the usage of nails. The admirable family landowner of Daikanyama, Kengo Asakura who still contributes to shape the community, lived here during his childhood years. Art Front Gallery's considerate arrangement of the personal tour by Asakura himself is a precious experience where we encounter another perception of this town. Asakura explains, "My grandfather, who built this house, enjoyed using woods in various ways. The layout of the rooms, size of the windows, structure of the beautiful garden are all unique and interesting". Old Japanese style houses like this seldomly exist in Japan. Through Asakura's personal talk, we can feel the memorable past and learn the unique culture customs of Japan. Why don't you stroll a neighborhood in Tokyo based upon your interests with an exceptional local expert to show you the way around?
