In Japan, the incorporation of Western literary figures or meanings into architectural design stems from the active adoption of Western culture during Japan’s modernization period (the Meiji and Taisho eras), as well as the integration of international architectural styles after the war. This fusion sometimes takes the form of direct decorative references and sometimes a deeper translation of spatial concepts.
Classic sculptures in the forecourt of The National Museum of Western Art in Ueno
1. #Rodin’s The Gates of Hell
Literary source: Dante’s Divine Comedy, Inferno
2. French master sculptor **Emile-
Antoine Bourdelle (a former assistant to Rodin)**, Hercules the Archer
HerculestheArcher)
: Depicts the Greek mythological hero Heracles shooting monstrous birds.
Incidentally, being able to see works by both master and student echoing each other in the museum forecourt is an artistic scene in Ueno that is well worth stopping to appreciate.
◎Also located in Ueno Park, in the sunken pool (a moat-shaped landscape feature) at #Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, directly across from The National Museum of Western Art.
3. A work by the renowned American female sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973), #Diana (Diana
Mythological background: Diana (Roman mythology: Diana/Greek mythology:
#Artemis) is the goddess of the moon and the hunt, as well as the guardian of chastity and forests
The National Museum of Western Art | Review by Norton Liang
Other Reviews by Norton Liang
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
This entirely new walk-through attraction lets you experience how the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films were made. It is the first of its kind in Asia and the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
The studio has faithfully recreated classic sets and props from the movies, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into the magical world.
As soon as you enter, you’ll be drawn to
🪄Hogwarts Great Hall
The huge dining hall, with banners from all four houses hanging overhead, recreates the classic entrance ceremony and banquet🥳 So captivating🤩 You have to pretend you’re a student at the Ministry of Magic and dine there🍽️ to experience it!I thought it would be boring🥱 but it turned out to be a huge wave of nostalgia.
The adults were having even more fun than the kids😚
It’s not just the gift shop that’s appealing.
There’s also:🪄The Hogwarts Express and Platform 9¾
🪄Diagon Alley
🪄🌳The Forbidden Forest: The lighting and set design create a great atmosphere. This area is exclusive to Tokyo and can’t be seen in London;🧙♀️Unique interactive experiences🧙🏻
🪄Quidditch experience
🪄Green screen flying experience
🪄Moving portraits and more,There’s also the world’s largest Harry Potter store, offering more than 7,000 items, including clothing, wands, and magical props. Many items can be customized.
The transit stations around the studio are also filled with a magical atmosphere.
Toshimaen Station: The platforms at Seibu Railway’s Ikebukuro and Toshimaen stations have been specially renovated to create a strong Harry Potter theme, making them perfect for taking commemorative photos. -
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Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO
Located in "KITTE," a commercial facility just steps away from JR Tokyo Station, Japan's largest terminal station, this is the flagship store of the popular outdoor brand "Snow Peak."
Snow Peak camping⛺️ and outdoor fans have to make a pilgrimage here. The Snow Peak Cafe next door is also packed with Japanese locals dining there🍽️ The curry🍛 was unexpectedly😳 delicious😋—what a surprise! After getting tired from shopping, it’s very relaxing to have a meal and a cup of coffee here😎 The Onitsuka Tiger store in the same building has a glass window where you can photograph Tokyo Station from a different angle.
Highly recommended—a lesser-known spot. -
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Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
Located just a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum offers easy access to a rich cultural experience. The striking red-brick building is a faithful reconstruction of the original Mitsubishi Ichigokan, first built in 1894 and designed by British architect Josiah Conder, known for landmarks like Ueno Museum and Rokumeikan.
Charming 🤩, eye-catching architecture 🏘️ Architecture lovers should definitely visit.
Perfect for a leisurely walking route. Have a cup of coffee here, see an exhibition 🎭, and continue on toward Tokyo Station.
A route that’s well worth taking your time to explore. -
