Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum

Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Review

A wonderland of sculpture both playful and profound, the installations and extensive outdoor facility embrace you with the nuances of Noguchi's creativity. The sensitivity and expressiveness of the Japanese-American sculptor are so potent here in his former studio and home that you'll feel as if he's giving the tour himself. The site holds hundreds of his works in stone and other media, although the emphasis tends away from the paper sculpture with which Noguchi is most often associated abroad. Officially visitation requires at least two weeks' advance reservation by mail or fax, but the rules are not as strict as they sound. Phoning ahead will usually get you admitted, but if you do make arrangements in advance, you may be able to meet with an English-speaking curator. The museum is a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Yashima Station, or go two stops farther on the Kotoden Shido Line to Kotoden Yakuri Station before hopping a cab or walking for 20 minutes. Note that the museum closes August 13 to 16 and December 29 to January 5 annually.