Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex
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Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex

4.1
·163 reviews·Kamakura, Japan

A small but impactful museum showcasing Japanese modern art and affordable art books, designed by Masao Masao.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex

Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A small but impactful museum showcasing Japanese modern art and affordable art books, designed by Masao Masao.

4.1
(163 reviews)

"Small but very nice, got to know some Japanese artists."

Vertical photo
TIP

📚 Affordable Art Books

Don't miss the book section on the 1st floor; art books are incredibly cheap, often costing less than the admission ticket!

🗣️ Limited English Info

While the art is excellent, English interpretations are scarce. Consider a translation app or a quick online search for context.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Goya Artworks

Goya Artworks

Explore thought-provoking prints by Goya, offering a unique artistic perspective. Small but impactful.

Japanese Modern Art Collection

Japanese Modern Art Collection

Discover a curated selection of Japanese modern art, including installation, sculpture, painting, and prints.

Art Books & Publications

Art Books & Publications

Browse an affordable collection of art books, featuring European and Japanese artists, on the first floor.

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Planning Your Visit

Kamakura Day Trip Essentials

Kamakura is a popular day trip from Tokyo, easily accessible by train in under an hour. Plan your visit to include key attractions like temples, shrines, and the scenic coastal train ride. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like the bamboo garden.

Museum Visit Tips

The Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex is small but offers a unique glimpse into Japanese modern art. While admission is affordable, be aware that English interpretations may be limited. The book collection on the first floor is a hidden gem, offering art books at great prices.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for art book browsing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇯🇵 Tokyo day trip idea. The seaside town of Kamakura is the perfect Tokyo day trip, full of restaurants, cafes, temples and a picturesque coastal train ride. You can get to Kamakura easily by train from central Tokyo in just under an hour. #kamakura #japan #japantok #japantravel #tokyo #tokyodaytrip #tokyotravel #tokyotrip
@lukemcameron
745.2K likes • 6.4M views

📚 Affordable Art Books

Don't miss the book section on the 1st floor; art books are incredibly cheap, often costing less than the admission ticket! Reddit

🗣️ Limited English Info

While the art is excellent, English interpretations are scarce. Consider a translation app or a quick online search for context. Reddit

📍Kamakura, Japan 🇯🇵 #japantrip #kamakura
@lovemari.japan
247.9K likes • 1.6M views
アニメ聖地の春が美しい🌸🚃𓈒𓂂𓏸 📍Kamakurakoukomae Station / Kamakura🇯🇵 🗾鎌倉高校前駅 現在のアニメ聖地の春🌸🚃𓈒𓂂𓏸 昨年から、人気アニメに登場する「スラムダンク踏切🏀」こと鎌倉高校前駅近くの踏切脇に、春に咲く花が植えられています。花が満開になると、江ノ電と花と海の絶景が見られますよ🌼🥰 ホテルの予約は緑色の位置情報のタグから📍‪🟢🏨 Spring in the current anime holy land🌸🚃𓈒𓂂𓏸 Since last year, flowers that bloom in spring have been planted beside the railroad crossing near Kamakurakokomae Station, also known as the "Slam Dunk Railroad Crossi...
@matcha_film
123.6K likes • 1.7M views

📸 No Photography Allowed

Be mindful that photography is generally not permitted inside the museum. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Small but Mighty

The museum is compact, so allow ample time to appreciate the details without feeling rushed. Reddit

🏝キレイ🌅✨💖 #kamakura #enoshima #kanagawa #japan
@70davislita
102.5K likes • 698.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📚 Affordable Art Books

Don't miss the book section on the 1st floor; art books are incredibly cheap, often costing less than the admission ticket! Reddit

🗣️ Limited English Info

While the art is excellent, English interpretations are scarce. Consider a translation app or a quick online search for context. Reddit

📸 No Photography Allowed

Be mindful that photography is generally not permitted inside the museum. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Small but Mighty

The museum is compact, so allow ample time to appreciate the details without feeling rushed. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(163 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex to be a small but nice venue showcasing Japanese modern art and Goya's prints. While the affordable admission and excellent art book collection are highlights, the lack of English interpretation and the museum's compact size are noted drawbacks. It's best suited for those with a specific interest in modern art or seeking budget-friendly art books.

"It was designed by 大高正人
That's good architecture but a bit small museum I think.
I mean it was a little boring…"

Piiirooo

"Goya’s artworks are exhibited right now. They were interesting, thought-provoking but they were all small prints lined up in just one room which was smaller than I had expected. But yeah that kind of aligned with what I paid for (150yen for students with ID)."

Poonnada Praesangeim

"I have visited twice. Always excellent with Japanese modern art. I wish for more English interpretation, even just a sheet with the piece number or something that could be pulled up on our phones."

Roberta Marsh

What People Like

Affordable admission
Great art book selection
Interesting Japanese modern art

What People Dislike

Limited English interpretation
Small museum size
No photography allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kamakura is easily accessible from Tokyo by train, typically taking under an hour. The Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station is a common route, and it's covered by the JR Pass. TikTok+1

Once in Kamakura, the Enoden Line offers a scenic coastal train ride and connects many popular spots. Walking is also a great way to explore the town. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Kamakura offers a refreshing escape from the city with its temples, shrines, beaches, and unique atmosphere. TikTok+2

Some visitors manage to squeeze in both Kamakura and Yokohama as day trips from Tokyo, but it can be a packed schedule. TikTok

Following a recommended route, as shown in some travel guides, can save time and ensure you see the must-visit locations efficiently. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, with student tickets costing around 150 yen with an ID. Reddit

Student discounts are available with a valid ID. Reddit

Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum. Reddit

It's generally recommended for children who are advanced in their appreciation of art, as the exhibits might not hold the attention of all kids. Reddit

The annex features a variety of modern Japanese art, including installation, sculpture, painting, prints, books, postcards, and posters. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Goya artworks are a highlight, offering thought-provoking prints. The collection of Japanese modern art and the art book section are also highly recommended. Reddit+1

English interpretation is limited, so it's helpful to have a translation app or do some prior research on the exhibited artists. Reddit

The museum is quite small, which allows for a focused and intimate viewing experience. Reddit+1

This exhibition explores various art mediums used to tell stories during the 1960s, offering an interesting perspective on artistic expression. Reddit

The first-floor book collection is a standout, offering a wide range of European and Japanese art books at very reasonable prices. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex is generally recommended for families with children who have an advanced appreciation for art. Reddit While the exhibits can be thought-provoking, the museum's small size and limited English interpretation might not hold the attention of younger or less art-inclined children. Consider it for a brief, focused visit if your children have a genuine interest in modern art. For a more broadly engaging family experience in Kamakura, focus on the temples, the beach, and the scenic train rides. TikTok+1

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a fantastic find for budget travelers! The admission fee is very low, and the art book collection on the first floor offers incredible value, with books often costing less than the ticket price. Reddit This makes it an excellent way to engage with art and culture without a significant expense. When exploring Kamakura itself, many of the natural sights and temples are free or have nominal entrance fees, making the entire area budget-friendly. TikTok+1

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex offers a unique opportunity to discover Japanese modern art, including Goya's prints and various other mediums. Reddit+1 The curated collection, though small, is well-presented. The real treasure for many is the extensive and affordable art book selection, providing a chance to acquire valuable resources at a fraction of the usual cost. Reddit Be prepared for limited English explanations, but the art itself speaks volumes. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Kamakura's Charm

Kamakura is a coastal town renowned for its temples, shrines, and a picturesque train line. It's a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, offering a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Visitors often highlight the scenic Enoden Line, which provides stunning views of the coastline and passes by iconic spots like Kamakurakokomae Station, famous for its appearance in anime. TikTok+2 The town is also known for its vibrant flower seasons, with hydrangeas being a particular draw in early summer. TikTok

Beyond the main attractions, Kamakura offers a relaxed atmosphere with numerous restaurants and cafes. For those seeking a unique natural experience, the Hokoku-ji Temple's bamboo garden is a peaceful retreat, though it can get crowded on weekends. TikTok The town's charm extends to its beaches and the opportunity to catch beautiful sunsets, making it a versatile destination for various interests. TikTok+1

When planning your Kamakura visit, consider the time of year for specific seasonal beauty, like the hydrangeas or the vibrant spring flowers near Kamakurakokomae Station. TikTok+1 Weekday visits are generally recommended to avoid the peak weekend crowds at popular sites. TikTok

The Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex Experience

The Museum of Modern Art Kamakura Annex, designed by Masao Masao, is a compact yet significant venue for Japanese modern art. Despite its smaller size, it hosts interesting exhibitions that provide insights into various artistic movements and artists. Visitors often appreciate the affordability of the admission fee, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

A notable aspect of the annex is its collection of art books on the first floor. These books, featuring both European and Japanese artists, are sold at remarkably low prices, often less than the entrance ticket itself. This makes the museum a great spot for art enthusiasts looking for affordable publications. Reddit However, it's important to note that English interpretations for the artworks are limited, which might require visitors to do some prior research or use translation tools to fully appreciate the exhibits. Reddit Photography is also prohibited within the museum premises. Reddit

While the museum might be considered small by some, its curated selection of installation art, sculpture, painting, prints, and books offers a concentrated dose of modern artistic expression. It's a place that can be particularly rewarding for those who enjoy exploring art at their own pace and discovering lesser-known Japanese artists. Reddit+1

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