Sightseeing can be tiring in the heat of summer. In this feature, we're highlighting an excellent spot to beat the Tokyo heat: the Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza, one of Tokyo's most upscale and bustling districts. This unique museum combines art and aquatics, featuring displays of light, sound, and scent that celebrate traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the changing seasons, all centered around various goldfish. This summer, the museum hosts the Summer Art Aquarium, a stunning goldfish festival running for just 90 days. The Gorgeous Goldfish Festival showcases rare goldfish species, making it a must-see event from June 28 to September 25, 2024.
Fun Facts about Goldfish and Summer in Japanese Culture
Goldfish are a staple at many summer festivals (夏祭り, natsu matsuri) in Japan. One popular activity is Kingyo Sukui (金魚すくい), where participants use a delicate paper scoop to catch goldfish from a pond. This activity is especially loved by children.
In Japan, goldfish symbolize summer and freshness. Having goldfish in your home or garden during the summer adds a sense of coolness and tranquility. Additionally, goldfish are considered auspicious animals in Japanese culture.
Goldfish frequently appear in Japanese art, including paintings, cartoons, and summer-themed decorations. Their popularity soared during the Edo period when goldfish keeping became a widespread hobby.
Exhibition Highlights
The Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is not just an aquarium; it's a fusion of art and aquatic storytelling. This exhibition highlights the beauty of traditional Japanese culture, using goldfish to create an immersive and tranquil experience that lets visitors escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Let's dive into some of the captivating displays featured in this event.
Goldfish Corridor (金魚の回廊)
As you enter, you'll be welcomed by rows of goldfish tanks arranged in a seemingly endless space. The area is adorned with traditional Japanese patterns and dim lighting, creating a serene atmosphere as goldfish swim gracefully in the illuminated tanks. This installation evokes the feel of corridors in traditional temple and shrine architecture.
Ginza Mantoro (銀座万燈籠)
This serene zone is bathed in soft lighting, with Japanese lanterns hanging to form a tunnel reminiscent of the lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Prefecture. These historical lanterns, collected by the museum, bring a touch of ancient Japan to the heart of downtown Tokyo.
Goldfish Collection (金魚蒐集)
Featuring goldfish in a round jar, this display includes dozens of sponges and plants arranged beautifully. The exhibit is illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights that highlight rare goldfish species, allowing viewers to appreciate these beautiful creatures from various angles.
Goldfish Waterfall (金魚の滝)
Multi-tiered waterfall walls shimmer in soft light, with water flowing quietly. As you walk behind the cascading water, you'll see goldfish seemingly dancing in front of you, reflecting the harmony between the fish, glass, and flowing water.
Goldfish Stone Lantern (金魚の石灯籠)
This installation features stone lanterns commonly found in Japanese shrines and temples. Made from granite, a stone associated with Japan, these lanterns are transformed into goldfish tanks, with the fish swimming inside, creating a flickering light effect.
A Show of Kingyo (新金魚品評)
Goldfish swim elegantly in low, rectangular tanks. The side decorations use kimono obi (belts), enhancing the display's aesthetic. This exhibit showcases the endless possibilities of goldfish art.
Oiran Belt Dance (Obimai) (花魁帯舞)
Inspired by the lively lines of the kimono obi (belt) and the traditional "oiran" goldfish bowl, this exhibit features goldfish illuminated by lantern light. The combination of light and atmosphere evokes a magical Japanese setting. It has a powerful feel and grandeur.
Goldfish Bamboo Forest (金魚の竹林)
Goldfish swim gracefully amidst pillars of water and light bubbles, mimicking the tranquility of a bamboo forest. The light changes color. This display combines the serene beauty of a bamboo grove with the graceful movement of goldfish.
Tenku Rium (天空リウム)
Imaginary flowers bloom in the sky, creating a fantastical aquarium scene. Goldfish swim gracefully among the changing lights, which move in sync with the music, making this one of the exhibition's highlights.
Inome Rium (猪目リウム)
The heart-shaped inome design, used since ancient times in Japan to ward off evil and bring good luck, is incorporated into this display. The boar's eye pattern window transforms into a tank where goldfish swim amidst changing lights, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
Oiran Flower Dance (Hanamai) (花魁花舞)
This work features intricately woven fish jars and flower arrangements atop "Oiran" aquariums. The elegant space filled with flowers and goldfish offers a luxurious and captivating experience.
Ukiyo-e Utagawa Kuniyoshi Collection (歌川国芳コレクション)
The museum showcases over 20 works by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a renowned ukiyo-e artist from the late Edo period. These pieces, featuring goldfish and carp, are a treat for fans of traditional Japanese art.
So what did you think of this amazing exhibit? The Art Aquarium Museum GINZA offers a mesmerizing blend of art and aquatic life that brings traditional Japanese culture to life in an innovative way. Each exhibit creates a unique atmosphere that transports visitors into a world of beauty and tranquility. Whether you're a fan of traditional Japanese art or simply looking for a refreshing escape from the summer heat, the Summer Art Aquarium is a must-visit event.
Details
Admission: Purchased online beforehand: 2,500 yen; Same-day ticket: 2,700 yen
Period: June 28 to September 25, 2024
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Website: https://artaquarium.jp
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C6zYoEopVfWDRgT57
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