Tokyo's Art Scene

The gallery is a real artistic veteran – it was opened in mid 1990s and mainly showcases Japanese and underground Asian artists.

Based in the renovated high school this artistic space now offers exhibitions, workshops, concerts and movie night. Young artists can join their residence program – for Y 230,000 a month they get accommodation, a studio and support to arrange a exhibition in Tokyo.

It's an apartment in Okuno residential building where anyone can show his or her art for a weekly rent. Though it will hardly interest classic art lovers, it's friendly and original. The best place to visit is week-end – it's opening time and visitors are treated to sake and Japanese pastry.

Created by iconic fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando this space is a fusion of arts, fashion and computer technology. Artists involved in exhibitions are often Miyake and Ando themselves as well as their friends.

The beautiful boutique designed by Italian Renzo Piano has art on the 8th floor – works from Art Basel and other major exhibitions. They also have movies, but you should book tickets in advance.

The place is small but trendy and is promoting young artists, some of them like the famous Polka Dots artist Yayoi Kusama are big names now. The gallery's latest obsession is media art and interactive installations. Next door, you’ll find Wako gallery and two floors up – a photo gallery where you can buy some great contemporary art books.

Once this gallery was a bathhouse and now hosts contemporary art. The place is small but has quite a reputation – it showcases the best avant-garde artists and is part of all major art fairs and biennale events.