Japan: North Tokyo

As enthusiasts of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, we felt compelled to visit Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan, originally constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Arata Endo as a Christian girls' school. Despite its modest size, the visit proved to be highly rewarding.











Our next destination was St. Mary's Cathedral, a distinctive 1964 stainless steel construction designed by Architect Tange Kenzo. Despite the overcast weather preventing us from witnessing the stainless steel gleam in the sun, we were still sufficiently impressed.







Choosing the National Museum of Western Art might seem unconventional, but there are several reasons for our decision. Firstly, the building was designed by Le Corbusier: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1321/). Secondly, several key exhibits at the Tokyo National Museum were closed for maintenance during the mid-December period. Lastly, admission was free for John (aged over 65) and 500 yen for me, minus a 100 yen discount by using the 72-hour metro pass (~ $2.8). The return on this small investment was significant.

Third below is a new acquisition: "The Drinking Jug" by Joaquín Sorolla (1904). Fifth below is "Morning on the Siene" by Claude Monet.











We concluded our day at the Tokyo Dome City complex, a multifaceted destination featuring a baseball stadium, shopping mall, for some holiday lights.