Mori Art Museum

Constructed by building tycoon Minoru Mori. Mori's stated vision was to build an integrated development where high-rise inner-urban communities allow people to live, work, play, and shop in proximity to eliminate commuting time.
Well, I'm not a mall person so head directly up to the top and check out the family's private run contempoary art center which is always impressive, edgy and inspirational!

This is their mission:
1. To present diverse forms of artistic expression, regardless of genre.
2. To assemble a collection of high-quality contemporary art from Asia.
3. To pioneer a new kind of art museum that is intellectually stimulating as well as friendly and readily accessible to the public.
4. To contribute to the growth of an audience for contemporary art, and to help invigorate the art industry.
5. To work freely with local entities, exploring new possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration.

YES!

http://www.mori.art.museum/eng/index.html


When you get museums tickets you also get a free trip to the impressive observation deck with the tallest view of Tokyo.
And hang out in one of the sky lounges or bars to cleanse you mind after! It's a must.

MOT (Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo)

A total muse see for all design and architecture lovers!
The MOT is inconveniently located but well worth the trek if you're a fan of the avant-garde (you'll pass the Fukagawa Edo Museum, described below, on the way, so you may wish to visit both). This modern structure of glass and steel, with a long corridor entrance that reminds me of railroad trestles, houses both permanent and temporary exhibits of Japanese and international postwar art in rooms whose sizes lend themselves to large installations.

Asakusa area

One of the only places to see traditional Tokyo.
Get of the metro, do your souvenir shopping here
through the alley of small street boutiques,
reasonable prices, candy, cookies, geisha accessories,
kitty phone jewlery, they have it all!
Head for the end and see the beautiful temples (best at night)
and while your at it grab a dinner at
http://www.monjyayaki.com/

Gallery of Horyuji Treasures

This hidden gallery is tucked away at the left side of the main building. I just fell in love with with simple and beautiful building. Either before or after a visit to the National Gallery it's a must to take out some time for this gem. The collection inside has a few interesting pieces all from the Hōryū-jiTemple in Nara. I must admit that I was stunned by the collections of ancient buddhas from the Asuka period (ca. 552-ca. 650) and the presentation, lines of glass vitrines with one Buddha in each in a dim lit room.
The main part of the Tokyo National Museum is also quite fantastic if you as fascinated by samurais and ancient kimonos (last image).

http://www.tnm.go.jp/en/

Retail bliss! Omotesando hills

If it's rainy, check out the super designed shopping mall at Omotesando.
The retail design are just beautiful. They know what they are doing.
Respect.
..
http://www.omotesandohills.com/english/