Every spring, Tokyo’s historic sites and parks are shrouded in a faint pink carpet, attracting millions of viewers who want to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. For those looking for a unique culturally enriching way to experience the cherry blossom season, the National Museum of Modern Art, the annual spring season at Tokyo (Momat) is not to be missed. With a superb description of cherry blossoms, the exhibition could have been enjoyed with real things – located near the Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi Moat, Momat is located in one of Tokyo’s main flower viewing areas, allowing for the fusion of art and nature.
This year’s event, titled “Spring comes to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo: Flowers in Japanese Art,” It will be held from March 13 to April 6. Japanese masterpieces featuring cherry blossoms will be exhibited Exhibition room on the third floor. Well-curated gorgeous folding screen, reels and one The kimono welcomes spring to arrive through the shades of various pink petals. Highlights include Kawai Gyokudo’s “Separate Spring”, a little-known folding screen, a designated national important cultural property, Kikuchi Hobun’s “Rain Rain on Yoshino Mountain” and many other works of art with the theme of spring. A temporary seating area will also be established in the museum’s front garden, offering special Hanami–Theme bento and drinks are available as takeaway.
A world-class museum with one of the most popular cherry blossom views in Tokyo
As Japan’s first national museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo is one of the city’s most cherished cultural treasures. It has an extensive collection of modern and modern art from the late 19th century to the present, and consists of over 13,000 Nihonga (Japanese style painting), block prints, sculptures and more. The museum is close to the Imperial Palace, Kitanomaru Park and Chidorigafuchi, promoting its rich history, tranquil atmosphere and rich natural beauty.
Chidorigafuchi, in particular, is known for its amazing aura of cherry blossoms in the spring. A lush sidewalk lined with hundreds of cherry trees on the moat of the Imperial Palace, which escaped the ethereality from the bustling city. Renting a rowboat to glide under the blush-colored canopy is also a popular activity for locals.
Appreciate the cherry blossoms in Japanese art
Cherries are selected from the museum’s wide variety of valuable artworks, and the exhibition includes eight Japanese-style paintings with spring themes, folding screens, hanging scrolls and kimono. A must-see work is Kawai Gyokudo’s “Separate Spring” (1916), a folding screen depicting falling cherry blossom petals falling on the Nagatoro Canyon in Saitama Prefecture. The masterpiece was designated as an important cultural property of the country in 1971 and is known for its movement toward gradual seasonal transitions, flowing waters and local life.
Another folding screen on the exhibition is “Beautiful Rain on Mount Yoshino” (1914), which captures the beauty of rain-soaked cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino – a historic paradise of cherry blossoms in Nara Prefecture. Contrary to the mist texture and soft tone of “Rain on the Yoshino Mountain”, Funada Gyokuju’s “Flowers (Pictures of the Night)” (1938) brings a vibrant pink and Krimson tree, full of vitality. Atomi Gyokushi’s “Sakura Scroll” (1934) Another method is adopted to encapsulate the spirit of spring, and more than 40 kinds of cherry blossoms are introduced in detail.
On four designated dates During the Spring Festival (March 13-27, April 2 and 3), the museum will provide exhibition highlights with English-speaking tour guides, with four to six works themed on the spring. Tours are free, museum admission is not required. The 30-minute meeting will be held at 10:30 AM and 12 PM on each date.
Experience the traditional Hanami picnic
In the museum’s spacious front yard, a seating area will be set up for visitors to enjoy the traditional Hannami experience. While admiring Japan’s iconic pale pink cherry trees, you can indulge in the beautiful Hanami Bentos, drinks and other takeaway foods offered by L’Art Et Mikuni, the museum’s upscale French and Italian fusion restaurant.
During the event, the spring-themed pop-up shop in the first floor entrance hall will feature original merchandise decorated with cherry blossom patterns. Limited edition collection includes Furoshiki – Traditional Japanese wrapping cloth – stationery, magnets, etc. Many of these projects exhibit floral artworks.
Participate in other world-class exhibitions
In addition to the Spring Festivalyou can also browse other exhibitions that will be exhibited in the museum at the same time. There are two exhibitions with overlapping dates: “Klint’s Hilma: Beyond“(March 4th to June 15th) and “Mom Collection Highlights: Feminism and Dynamic Images” (February 11 to June 15).
More information
Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art
Come to Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art in Spring: Flowers in Japanese Art
3-1 KITANOMARU KOEN, CHIYODA-KU, Tokyo 102-8322
How to get here
Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art is a 3-minute walk from Takebashi Station exit 1B on the Tozai line.