Posted on May 17th, 2025

Day 2 in Tokyo – Tradition, Art, and a Glimpse of the Future

📍 May 17

Our second day in Tokyo was a journey through tradition, art, and modern innovation—starting with the tranquil charm of Shibamata, diving into the world of ukiyo-e at the Hokusai Museum, and ending high above the city lights in Roppongi.

🌿 Morning in Shibamata: Classic Cinema & Japanese Heritage

We began our day in the peaceful suburb of Shibamata, a neighborhood that feels like a countryside retreat within the city. Our first stop:

🎥 Tora-San Museum & Yamada Yoji Museum

These twin museums celebrate:

• Tora-san, the beloved character from a long-running Japanese film series
• Yamada Yoji, the acclaimed director behind the films

Even as first-time visitors unfamiliar with the characters, we found the exhibits nostalgic and atmospheric.

🏡 Yamamoto-Tei: A Garden Retreat

Just a short walk away, we visited Yamamoto-Tei, a traditional Japanese house surrounded by a serene garden. Highlights included:

• A tranquil koi pond and manicured greenery
• Tatami rooms blending Taisho-era Japanese and Western architecture
• A quiet moment sipping green tea and enjoying traditional sweets while seated on the floor, facing the garden

Travel & Info:

• 🚆 Getting there: JR + Keisei Line from Shinjuku to Keisei-Takasago (~¥400), then 10-min walk
• 💴 Yamamoto-Tei Admission: ¥100
• 🕘 Opens: 9:00 AM

🖼️ Afternoon with Hokusai: The Master of the Great Wave

After a casual stop for ice cream, drinks, and a delicious local lunch (fried rice, dumplings, ramen), we headed to Sumida Ward to visit:

🌀 Sumida Hokusai Museum

Dedicated to the legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, best known for The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

Inside, we explored:

• Original sketches and woodblock prints
• Exhibits showcasing Hokusai’s innovative techniques and lifelong artistic evolution

Notable subway moments en route:

• A "women-only" car during weekday mornings
• A train decorated entirely with Thomas the Tank Engine—a delightful surprise and a nostalgic moment for me as a parent

Visitor Info:

💴 Admission: ¥400

🕓 Open until: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Sumida Ward, Tokyo

🌇 High Above Tokyo: Strange Futures at Mori Art Museum

As the day transitioned to evening, we made our way to Roppongi Hills for two unforgettable experiences:

🖼️ Mori Art Museum

This contemporary museum had a strong futuristic theme, with a focus on:

• AI-generated artwork
• An Afrofuturism exhibit—interesting in concept but a bit confusing in execution
• Abstract installations that ranged from thought-provoking to slightly creepy (according to my daughter)

🌆 Tokyo City View Observation Deck

We timed our visit just right to watch the sunset over Tokyo Tower and the sprawling cityscape—truly breathtaking.

Info:

💴 Admission (Museum + Observatory): ¥2,000

🚇 Getting there: From Sumida to Roppongi via Toei Oedo Line

🌃 Evening in Shinjuku: Screens and Reflections

We returned to Shinjuku, and I couldn’t help but notice how absorbed everyone on the train was—every single person lost in their phone screen.

Dinner was at McDonald’s, a less-than-memorable choice, but a familiar way to end a full and varied day.

Final Thoughts

From timeless gardens and classic film nostalgia to cutting-edge art and futuristic city views, Day 2 in Tokyo was a richly layered experience. Even the oddities—a themed train car or an underwhelming fast food dinner—were part of the adventure.