Tokyo Art Scene: Free Galleries in Roppongi Worth The Visit

Roppongi is home to large and established art museums including the famous Mori Art Museum and The National Art Center, Tokyo. However, these trips often demand hours of your time. Those looking for short stops during their weekend plans or lunch breaks should consider visiting these free galleries.

Roppongi might not be the first area you think of for art excursions, but the business and nightlife district is home to many galleries. While these galleries can be limited in space, most can be accessed free of charge and are located near each other, making them an excellent addition to a weekend stroll or between lunch dates. Savvy Tokyo has gathered four Roppongi galleries you can visit for free this April.

“Emma Webster: The Dolmens”

© Photo by Nadila

Just three minutes from Roppongi Station is Perrotin Gallery, founded by French gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin. With seven galleries scattered around the world including Paris, New York and Hong Kong, the Tokyo branch was established in 2017 to support contemporary artists in bringing their work into the eyes of the public. This month, Perrotin Tokyo will exhibit works by painter Emma Webster.

© Photo by Nadila

Through this series of works, the Los Angeles-based painter expresses a sense of intimacy and security in squeezing vast landscapes into the small spaces of the canvas. Being subject to Webster’s brushes are plants, rows of trees and animals. Despite the subject matter, Webster’s paintings are eerie and dark as she explores the use of dramatic lighting and liminal spaces.

Webster utilizes an interesting sketching process in which she uses virtual reality to construct landscapes she wants to paint. Technology presents Webster with the ability to create her own world, but it is through her hands and brushes in which these sceneries manifest. 

“Keijiro Kai: Clothed in Sunny Finery”

© Photo by Nadila

After a visit to Perrotin, head over to the second floor of the Piramide building, where you can find Zen Foto Gallery exhibiting photography works by Japanese photographers. This month the featured artist is Fukuoka-born Keijiro Kai with his series “Clothed in Sunny Finery” which depicts images of naked men participating in a traditional festival.

© Photo by Nadila

Kai frequents festivals, sporting rituals and other events that draw in a crowd of people for his source of photography. His work embodies the physical movement of people and the underlying violence that seeps in crowds; “Clothed in Sunny Finery” is no exception. 

Located next to Zen Foto Gallery is a Kisho Mwkaiyama exhibition at Yutaka Kikutake Gallery and “Die Young Stay Pretty,” a curated contemporary art exhibition at Kotaro Nukaga Gallery.

Cerith Wyn Evans Exhibition

© Photo by Nadila

Neighbors to the Piramide building is complex665, a three-story establishment that houses three galleries. The Taka Ishii Gallery, located on the third floor, opened in 1994 as a space spotlighting international contemporary artists. Throughout April, the gallery will highlight Welsh sculptor and filmmaker Cerith Wyn Evans.

Potted plants are scattered throughout the exhibition space and extend to the balcony, showing off the installation against sleek buildings. The star of the exhibit is “Elective Affinity,” which shines among the greens and browns of the potted plants.

© Photo by Nadila

The luxurious interior of the gallery and the balcony overlooking the urban landscape of Roppongi contrast the installations. Visitors can roam the exhibition spaces and enjoy close-ups of the plants and the pots.

“Ai Teramoto: Our Eyes, The Light Source”

© Photo by Nadila

Tsutaya is a renowned Japanese bookstore chain that can be found even in the crevices of Tokyo. Some larger and fancy-looking ones now offer spaces to sit down for a coffee or read books. The Tsutaya branch in Roppongi provides two floors of books, relaxation areas, and a small gallery space. Featured in Tsutaya’s gallery this month are works by Tokyo-based artist Ai Teramoto.

© Photo by Nadila

Teramoto’s illustrations often depict young people in stylish clothing. Her characters embody youthful vibes, but the poker face and the sparkling, three-pupiled eyes pierce through paper to translate a sense of ominousness. 

Visitors are encouraged to browse the store’s diverse collection of DVDs, books and magazines. Inside the bookstore is a Starbucks Coffee where you can find people hanging out with friends or with a cup of coffee accompanying their reading session.

Based in Roppongi are also several museums worth the visit for those who wish to spend a little more time walking around artworks. The famous Mori Art Museum in the high-rise towers of Roppongi Hills are famous for themed exhibitions. Those interested in Japanese antiques and traditional art can visit the Suntory Museum of Art or Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum. For those who prefer being surrounded by greens can visit 21_21 Design Sight located in Midtown Garden.