Vol.14 半数以上が外国人観光客！『根津美術館』は美術品と庭園の両方に見どころ満載 Vol.14:More than Half of Visitors are Foreign Tourists! Nezu Museum Offers Attractions in Both Art Collections and Garden

マニアック観光地14回目は根津美術館を取り上げます。表参道から10分ほど歩いた位置にある根津美術館は東洋の歴史を感じる美術品が展示される、外国人に大人気のスポットです。決して大きな美術館ではありませんが、ポイントを絞った展示が訪れた人を夢中にさせる魅力的な場所です。また広大に広がる庭園は都会のど真ん中にいることを忘れさせる素晴らしい景色でいっぱい。美術館と庭を両方しっかり見られる時間を確保して、ぜひ訪れてみてください！

For our 14th exploration of niche tourist spots, we feature the Nezu Museum. Located about a 10-minute walk from Omotesando, the Nezu Museum is a popular spot among foreigners, showcasing art pieces that evoke the history of the East. Though not a large museum, its focused exhibits captivate visitors. The expansive garden makes you forget you're in the heart of the city. Be sure to allocate enough time to thoroughly enjoy both the museum and the garden when you visit!

チケットもキュート！魅せる工夫が随所に
Cute Tickets! Ingenious Displays Throughout

根津美術館の外観は竹に囲まれた特徴的なもので、外国人の目から見ると非常に日本らしい魅力的な光景となっています。表参道駅から徒歩約10分の場所にあり、平日の昼間にもかかわらず大混雑。その大半が外国人でした。入場チケットは美術館所蔵の「双羊尊」をモチーフにしたデザインで、とてもキュート。記念に持ち帰りたいと思わせるすてきな演出です。入ってすぐのホールは写真撮影可能な展示エリア。訪問時は仏像が展示されていました。仏像が触れるほどの距離で展示されており、外国人の方が夢中で写真を撮っていました。大きな窓からは庭園の眺めが一望でき、圧巻の景色が広がっていて期待感に胸が高鳴ります。

The exterior of the Nezu Museum is distinctively surrounded by bamboo, creating an attractive scene that appears quintessentially Japanese to foreign visitors. Located about a 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station, it was incredibly crowded despite being a weekday afternoon, with the majority of visitors being foreigners. The entrance ticket features a design based on the museum's "Twin Rams" motif, which is very cute. It's a lovely touch that makes you want to keep it as a souvenir. The hall just inside the entrance is an exhibition area where photography is allowed. During my visit, Buddhist statues were on display. These statues were exhibited at such close proximity that you could almost touch them, and foreign visitors were enthusiastically taking photos. Through large windows, you can see a panoramic view of the garden, revealing a breathtaking landscape that fills you with anticipation.

「THE日本」「THE東洋」を感じさせてくれる貴重な場所
A Precious Place That Evokes 'Quintessential Japan' and 'The Orient'

根津美術館のコレクションは日本・東洋の古美術品が中心で、絵画、書、彫刻、陶磁器など多岐にわたります。2021年末時点で7,613点を所蔵し、そのうち国宝7件、重要文化財91件、重要美術品95件が含まれています。2009年に建てられた本館は、建築家隈研吾氏の設計による和風家屋を思わせる大屋根が特徴的です。地上2階・地下1階の構造で、4棟の茶室を含む17,000㎡の庭園を持ちます。根津美術館は、日本人がみても「THE日本」「THE東洋」を存分に感じさせてくれる場所。外国人の方がとても楽しそうに鑑賞していたのが印象的でした。

The Nezu Museum's collection primarily focuses on ancient art from Japan and the Orient, spanning a wide range of genres including paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, and ceramics. As of late 2021, the museum housed 7,613 items, including 7 National Treasures, 91 Important Cultural Properties, and 95 Important Art Objects. The main building, constructed in 2009, is characterized by its large roof reminiscent of a traditional Japanese house, designed by architect Kengo Kuma. The structure consists of two floors above ground and one below, with a 17,000㎡ garden that includes four tea houses. The Nezu Museum is a place that exudes a strong sense of "quintessential Japan" and "the Orient," even for Japanese visitors. It was particularly impressive to see foreign visitors enjoying the exhibits with great enthusiasm.

庭園は都会にいることを忘れさせるリアルオアシス
The Garden: A Real Oasis That Makes You Forget You're in the City

美術館鑑賞後、多くの来館者が庭園の散策も楽しみます。ここはまさに都会のオアシス！都会にいると信じられないほど広大で、池や茶席、様々な石造物や祠もあります。起伏に富んだ土地をゆっくり散策すると、あっという間に時間が過ぎていきます。四季の移ろいを楽しめる緑豊かな庭園は、美術館鑑賞後の豊かな気持ちをさらに清々しいものに変えてくれる体験になっています。大きな池は豊かな自然と美しい景色を作り出し、訪れる人々を魅了しています。思わず写真を撮りたくなる美しい瞬間にあふれています。

After viewing the museum exhibits, many visitors enjoy strolling through the garden. It's truly an urban oasis! Unbelievably spacious for being in the city, it features a pond, tea houses, various stone structures, and shrines. As you leisurely walk through the undulating landscape, time flies by quickly. This lush garden, showcasing the changing seasons, transforms the already rich experience of the museum visit into an even more refreshing one. The large pond creates an environment of abundant nature and beautiful scenery, captivating all who visit. The garden is filled with beautiful moments that make you want to take photos spontaneously.(laughs).

時間を贅沢に使える さすが美術館の粋な演出
A Luxurious Use of Time: The Museum's Elegant Presentation

根津美術館は、展示はもちろん、2階にあがったところにオープンスペースがあったり、庭園にはガラス張りのカフェ「NEZUCAFÉ」があったりと、時間を贅沢に使える工夫が随所にあります。庭園には茶室もあり、不定期でイベントなども開催されているそうです。忘れていけないのは、入館時のエントランスに続く竹を効果的に使った屋外通路。日本の美を感じさせる粋な演出となっています。

The Nezu Museum offers various ways to spend time luxuriously, not only through its exhibitions but also with features like an open space on the second floor and a glass-enclosed café called "NEZUCAFÉ" in the garden. The garden also includes tea houses, and apparently hosts occasional events. A highlight not to be missed is the outdoor walkway leading to the entrance, which effectively uses bamboo. This serves as an elegant touch that conveys the beauty of Japan.

季節ごとに異なる魅力を楽しめる場所
A Place to Enjoy Different Charms Each Season

根津美術館は、見どころが豊富で1回ではすべてを味わい尽くすのは難しいくらいの場所。特に庭園は、自然が満載で季節・天候などによって異なる顔を見られる場所が随所にあります。美術館内の展示はもちろんですが、それに負けないくらいの魅力が庭園にもあります。四季による移り変わりや、それを見ながら楽しむカフェでのくつろぎの時間など、様々な楽しみ方ができます。ぜひ一度と言わず、何度でも訪れて、その魅力を体感してみてください。

The Nezu Museum is a place with so many attractions that it's challenging to fully experience everything in just one visit. The garden, in particular, is filled with nature and offers different views depending on the season and weather conditions. While the museum's exhibits are certainly impressive, the garden holds its own with equally captivating charms. You can enjoy various experiences here, from observing the changing seasons to relaxing at the café while taking in the views. We encourage you to visit not just once, but multiple times to fully appreciate its appeal.