Step into Taro Okamoto’s World: Sensing Artistic Energy at the Memorial and Art Museum

Art is an Explosion!”
When you hear those words, many of you probably picture Okamoto’s distinctive sculptures and his bold use of color. Taro Okamoto was one of Japan’s foremost avant-garde artists of the 20th century, and his works and philosophy continue to captivate audiences today.
In this article, I’ll introduce a walking course that lets you experience Okamoto’s art at two locations: the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum in Aoyama, Tokyo, and the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. As you explore the pieces on display at each venue and visit nearby highlights, why not immerse yourself in Okamoto’s uniquely creative world?
Let’s set off together on a stroll filled with fresh discoveries and inspiration—feeling all the while the power of Okamoto’s message that “living itself is an art.”

About Taro Okamoto

Taro Okamoto (1911–1996) was one of Japan’s foremost avant-garde artists. Widely celebrated for his bold philosophy, “Art is an Explosion!,” he became known for his uniquely inventive forms and daring use of color. Born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Okamoto was immersed from childhood in the energy of nature and life—experiences that profoundly shaped his later artistic vision.
As a young man he went to Paris to study, where he was inspired by pioneering movements such as Surrealism and Cubism. After returning to Japan, he unleashed one groundbreaking work after another, shattering established conventions in the Japanese art world. His most iconic pieces include the Tower of the Sun, the symbol of Expo ’70 in Osaka, and the mural “Myth of Tomorrow,” created in Mexico in 1968 and revived at Shibuya Station in 2008. These masterpieces continue to captivate people across

Today’s Spots: Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, Taro Okamoto Museum of Art

Indulge in Art in Aoyama: Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

The Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, preserves and opens to the public the very space where Okamoto lived and worked. This building served as his home and studio for about 42 years, during which he created many of his most inventive works—an environment that still pulses with his creative energy.

Explore Taro’s World in Kawasaki: Taro Okamoto Museum of Art

The Kawasaki City Taro Okamoto Museum of Art is located in the city where Okamoto was born, offering a chance to enjoy his unique and diverse creations. Nestled in the lush natural surroundings of Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, the museum brings together Okamoto’s paintings, sculptures, and designs all under one roof. The exhibitions vividly convey his energetic artistic vision and the creative spirit behind his work.

Encountering Taro’s World in Aoyama: The Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

The nearest station is Omotesando on the Tokyo Metro. From Exit A5, walk along Aoyama-dori toward Shibuya, then turn left at the Minami-Aoyama 6-chome intersection. As you enter the peaceful streets, the museum’s distinctive architecture soon comes into view. It’s roughly an eight-minute stroll from the station, with stylish cafés and boutiques en route—ideal for a leisurely walk.

Inside, shoes are not allowed. At the reception desk, you’ll switch from your outdoor shoes into slippers. This simple act of changing footwear is part of the immersive experience, inviting you to step directly into Okamoto’s personal world.

Atelier and Salon

The atelier, the heart of the museum, is the very space where Taro Okamoto carried out his creative work. In the airy, double-height room, canvases bearing traces of paint and unfinished sculptures stand exactly as he left them, allowing you to feel the raw energy of his artistic process up close. In the salon—once used as the reception room—you’ll be greeted by a life-size mannequin of Okamoto himself. Walking through this space feels as if you’ve stepped directly into his world of creation.

Garden

The museum’s garden is filled with lush tropical plants, creating a jungle-like atmosphere. Scattered among the greenery are sculptures such as “Young Sun,” offering visitors the delight of a treasure hunt as they explore. In this garden—where Okamoto’s bold sculptural forms harmonize with nature—each step brings the joy of discovering a new artwork.

Special Exhibition Room

On the second floor of the museum is a Special Exhibition Room where themed shows rotate regularly. You’ll find not only a diverse range of Taro Okamoto’s works but also pieces by artists he influenced—so every visit brings fresh discoveries and inspiration. This ever-changing space offers new perspectives on his art and is highly recommended even for repeat visitors.

Within walking distance of the museum, you’ll also find shopping destinations like Omotesando Hills and Spiral, as well as stylish cafés and boutiques lining Aoyama-dori. After soaking up Okamoto’s art, why not continue your stroll through the vibrant Aoyama neighborhood?

Expanding Taro’s World in Kawasaki: The Taro Okamoto Museum of Art

From Odakyu Line Mukōgaoka-Yūen Station, exit through the South Gate and walk straight through the rotary toward Ikuta Ryokuchi Park. It’s about a 17-minute walk from the station, but you can also take the Odakyu Bus (bound for Senshu University-mae) from the South Gate stop, get off at “Senshu University-mae,” and then walk approximately 8 minutes to the museum.

With over 1,800 paintings, sculptures, and design pieces, the museum lets you trace the trajectory of Okamoto’s creative journey. In the permanent galleries, you can take your time with his signature works, while the special exhibitions—rotating four times a year—offer fresh perspectives on his art world.

The museum’s iconic centerpiece is the approximately 30 m-tall sculpture “Tower of Mother,” distinguished by its organic form. Set against the verdant backdrop of Ikuta Ryokuchi’s woodlands, its presence is utterly overwhelming. Created as Okamoto’s tribute to his mother, this outdoor work can be freely viewed up close.

It symbolizes Taro Okamoto’s multifaceted creative activities, spanning from paintings to sculptures and even design. As you navigate the labyrinth-like permanent exhibition space, enjoy the “fragmentary encounters” it offers.

Ikuta Ryokuchi is a sprawling, hilly park encircling the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art, where scattered attractions explore themes of history, science, and nature. About a five-minute walk from the museum, you’ll find the Kawasaki Municipal Japanese Folk House Museum, an open-air museum showcasing relocated and restored Edo- to Meiji-era farmhouses. Here you can tour thatched “magariya” and other traditional homes or take part in hands-on indigo-dyeing and pottery workshops.

Also nearby is the “Kawasaki Science Museum of Space and Greenery,” featuring a planetarium, and the Masugata Plaza & Observatory, perched on a gentle hill with views that stretch as far as Tokyo Skytree on clear days. In May and June, the Shobu-en Iris Garden bursts into bloom with colorful water irises.

Because the park’s walking paths wind up and down the hills, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing, stay well-hydrated, and protect yourself from the sun. Allow plenty of time to wander at your own pace and savor both the scenery and the cultural sites.

In Tokyo, beyond the Minami-Aoyama and Kawasaki locations we’ve introduced, Taro Okamoto’s works are scattered throughout the city. For example, there’s “Young Clock Tower” in Ginza and the “Myth of Tomorrow” mural along the Shibuya Station passageway. Encountering these pieces unexpectedly as you stroll through the streets is part of the fun of urban exploration. Alongside the walking route we’ve proposed, be sure to seek out these additional spots and experience Okamoto’s energetic world in every corner of Tokyo.

Taro Okamoto Memorial Hall and Taro Okamoto Museum of Art official website

Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum official site

Please be sure to check the official website before your visit.
The official website of the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum is here.

Taro Okamoto Museum of Art Official Site

Please be sure to check the official website before your visit.
The official website of the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art is here.