[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan (Updated Jul)

🕊️ Experience quiet inspiration at Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, the Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan Located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Ikebukuro, the Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan offers a serene and beautiful atmosphere that feels almost like stepping into another country. Designed by the American architectural master Frank Lloyd Wright, this building uniquely blends Art Deco and Prairie Style aesthetics 🌿. When you visit, you'll be captivated by the harmonious interplay of straight and curved lines in its architectural beauty. The natural light streaming into the building creates a soothing ambiance, making time feel as though it flows more slowly. It's a perfect spot for couples to relax or for individuals to deeply appreciate the architecture. 📍 Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station's Metropolitan Exit 🎟️ Travel Tips: Advance reservations are recommended for interior tours. On café operating days, you can enjoy tea inside the building ☕. If you're an architecture enthusiast, don't miss the guided tours!

Nestled in a quiet residential area away from the hustle and bustle of Ikebukuro, the Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan stands as a serene testament to the genius of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1921 as a school for girls, this building is a prime example of Wright's iconic "Prairie Style" and was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1997. Highlights: - A striking exterior made of Oya stone and windows with geometric patterns - A spacious hall featuring Wright's original design sketches - Interiors that preserve the atmosphere of the era, including wooden furniture and fireplaces Access: Just a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station's Metropolitan Exit. Nearby attractions include Seibu and Tobu department stores, making it easy to combine shopping with your visit. Recommended Experience: Enjoy a quiet moment in the building's café space with a cup of tea. Admission is free (advance reservation required), and special guided tours are available during events for a fee.

Today, we introduce Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan, located in Tokyo. Situated in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, this historic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as tours, tea, and events. Below, we provide details on access, highlights, and tips for visiting. 🏛 Building Overview and History • Designer: Frank Lloyd Wright (basic design), Shin Endo (detailed design) • Year of Construction: 1921 (Taisho 10) • Features: Incorporates Wright's "Prairie Style," emphasizing horizontal lines. The extensive use of wood and bricks creates a warm, harmonious space with nature. • Auditorium: Expanded in 1927 (Showa 2) under Shin Endo's design and designated as an Important Cultural Property along with the main building in 1997. 🚶 Access Information • Address: 2-31-3 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo • Nearest Stations: • JR "Ikebukuro Station" Metropolitan Exit, about a 5-minute walk • JR "Mejiro Station," about a 7-minute walk • Parking: None (public transportation is recommended) 🕰 Tour and Usage Information • Regular Tours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) • Night Tours: Every third Friday of the month, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM) • Holiday Tour Days: About once a month, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) • Closed Days: Every Monday (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, and irregular closures • Admission Fees: • Tour only: 500 yen • Tour with tea: 800 yen (includes coffee and sweets) ☕ Tea Room and Events • Tea Room: The dining hall within the building operates as a tea room, allowing visitors to relax in Wright's designed space. Check the official website calendar for operating days. • Events: The auditorium hosts various events such as concerts, seminars, and weddings. 📝 Visiting Tips • Advance Confirmation: Some areas may be inaccessible due to private rentals or events, so checking the official website's tour calendar in advance is recommended. • Photography: Photography is allowed inside, but please be considerate of other visitors and ongoing events. • Nearby Attractions: Around Ikebukuro Station, you can also visit tourist spots like Sunshine City and Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan is a rare spot where you can experience the architectural beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is especially recommended for those seeking a quiet time or interested in architecture.

#springwander The remains of the school building of "Jiyu Gakuen" that was built in 1921) and used until the relocation in 1934. The building, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, an architect who worked on the Imperial Hotel, is evaluated as an excellent modern architecture and is also designated as an important cultural property of the country. Preservation and restoration of ageing buildings were carried out as well as designated as cultural properties. In addition to reinforcement and waterproofing measures, the colour of the joinery is also reproduced by referring to the literature of the time. In addition to the central building designed by Wright and the auditorium built by Shin Endo, a disciple of Wright, the mural of the 10th anniversary of the school that was hidden under the wall was also restored.

[Ikebukuro: A hotel where you can play the piano and a morning walk to Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan] After staying at Otomari Ikebukuro on a winter day before Christmas, I visited the nearby Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan in the morning. Records of the educational curriculum that values ​​the seven liberal arts subjects, which fosters rare creativity and active problem-solving skills in this country, were on display. During the Taisho era, when this private educational institution was founded, there was Taisho democracy, the rise of the women's suffrage movement, and women's participation in society through employment in cities, and efforts were made to improve the social infrastructure. There was also the Great Kanto Earthquake, and it was a short period of peace in which the people were allowed a little joy, excitement, and economic growth between the two world wars. The enthusiasm of the teachers at that time was conveyed. 🏛️Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 🕰️Opening hours: 10AM–4PM (check the official website calendar for monthly details) 📍Location: 2 Chome-31-3 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021 What impressed me most was the auditorium with light pouring in from the windows on one side, the Hebrew frescoes created by the students at the time, the hexagonal chairs, the fireplace, the heavy flooring, and the warm atmosphere of the dining room. 『Architecture | Myōnichikan Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan was built in 1921 (April 15, Taisho 10) as a school building for Jiyū Gakuen, founded by the couple Hani Motoko and Yoshikazu, and was designed by the American master Frank Lloyd Wright. It was Endo Arata who recommended Wright to the Hani couple for the construction of Myōnichikan. Endo, who worked as an assistant to Wright, who had come to Japan to design the Imperial Hotel, introduced his friend Hani and his wife to Wright. Wright, who resonated with the couple's educational philosophy, designed Jiyu Gakuen based on their desire to "fill a simple exterior with excellent thoughts." ' From the official website 'Before visiting: Request for cooperation in viewing manners Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan is a building that will be carefully protected for the future as an important cultural property of the country. It is open to the public so that many people can visit, learn about, and appreciate the building. When visiting, please observe the following and cooperate so that everyone can enjoy viewing and using the building while protecting it. ─◎ No food or drink can be brought in. (Only plastic bottles with tightly closed lids are allowed for drinks to stay hydrated)─◎ Open flames are strictly prohibited. Smoking is prohibited on the premises, both indoors and outdoors. Smoking on the street is also prohibited by Toshima Ward ordinance. ─◎Please refrain from the following actions when taking photos. ・Photographing people and items that are not related to the appreciation of the building (including publication papers, acrylic stands, stuffed animals, and other character goods) ・Videography ・Use of tripods and selfie sticks ・Photographing for commercial purposes such as photography classes and publication in books is not permitted, even if you are visiting for personal reasons. ・When uploading images to social media, please be considerate of the privacy of other visitors. ─◎Please refrain from entering the lawn. ─◎If you are bringing small children, please hold their hands and keep an eye on them. There are many glass windows and steps, which can be dangerous. ─◎Please refrain from coming by car. (Except for reserved cars when using the facility)─If you see any actions that are prohibited, staff will call out to you. 』 Meals during your stay in Ikebukuro In a city as big as Ikebukuro, there are mountains of restaurants. If you are alone, you can skip izakayas and restaurants. For example, you can get takeout deli at TOBU Ikebukuro around the station and eat it at your accommodation. 🥗🍱🍙Kitano ACE TOBU Ikebukuro Supermarket 🕰️Business hours: 9AM-0AM 📍Address: B2F, Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, 1 Chome-1-25, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021 LUMINE Ikebukuro 📍Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021 Recommended bakery: Boul'ange Tobu Ikebukuro 🍞🥐Takase Ikebukuro Main Store 🕰️Business hours: 9AM–9PM 📍Address: Takase Central Blg, 1 Chome-1-4 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013 Enjoy a grand piano all to yourself in a private room 🎹 ONPAKU Ikebukuro 🎹🎵 ONPAKU Ikebukuro Each room is equipped with a YAMAHA or KAWAI grand piano or upright piano, a water supply, and a kitchen, making this an apartment suitable for musical instrument lovers and performers. Reservations can only be made through the methods provided on the official website, live streaming is possible, and the official website also lists the instruments and volume that can be used. Please observe etiquette and make sure you have an environment where you can play the piano 24 hours a day. 🎹 ONPAKU Ikebukuro 📍Address: 2 Chome−24−7 Rashi Class Ikebukuro, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021 #Spring 0 yen trip #Domestic travel strategy #Tokyo trip #Accommodation report #Tokyo business trip tokyo ikebukuro

#Tokyo Attractions Tokyo Jiyu Gakuen Myeonghwan attractions guide 🏛 Tokyo Jiyu Gakuen Meijikan, a building designated as an important cultural property, is undoubtedly a highlight of Tokyo. It was designed and built in 1921 by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his disciple Endo Arata, and was originally used as the school building of Jiyu Gakuen. Today, this classic Prairie School building is an important historical and cultural attraction, open to the public and used as a venue for events and exhibitions. Here is my detailed guide, which I hope will help you better explore this fascinating building. 1. Architectural Features 🏠 The Tomorrow Pavilion is divided into four interrelated building blocks, with geometric lines visually staggered in layers. The main building is centered on a double-height hall with tall windows facing the flat and open enclosed garden, allowing the space to extend horizontally, fully demonstrating the design characteristics of the Prairie School. It is particularly worth mentioning that Wright replaced the stained glass windows with religious meanings with wooden window frame decorations with geometric patterns, which not only reduced the construction cost but also added a touch of geometric aesthetic charm. The central dining room is one of the most distinctive spaces in the school. The symmetrical wooden structure and chandelier design combine the aesthetic expression of geometric lines with Japanese wood craftsmanship, and the detailed depiction allows the traditional technology to be continued. 2. Visit highlights 👀 Main Hall Windows 🪟: When the weather is good, the windows of the main hall are a major attraction. Tall windows fill the interior with natural light, contrasting with the flat, open grounds. Geometric window frames 🪟: Wright’s unique wooden window frame decorations with geometric patterns are a major feature of the building and are worth savoring. Central Restaurant 🍽: Now it is a place to drink coffee. The symmetrical wooden structure and chandelier design express the aesthetics of geometric lines to the fullest. The coffee and desserts here are very good, especially the cookies, which have received a lot of praise. Auditorium 🎭: Although it was added later, it also incorporates the design concept of the Prairie School and is an ideal place for holding various activities. 3. Visiting Instructions 📋 Opening hours 🕒: 10:00-16:00 (closed on Mondays). There may be weddings on weekends. Please check the official website for specific times. Reservation method 📞: Visiting this building requires an appointment in advance, and there are some time limits. Please be sure to make a reservation on the official website and confirm the visiting time. Ticket price 💵: The ticket price for the tour is moderate, and if you want to enjoy coffee and dessert, you will need to pay extra. Other activities 🎉: Various activities and exhibitions are often held here. Please pay attention to the official website information to avoid missing out on exciting content.

#TokyoItinerary Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan is located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It is a historical building that combines educational ideals with modern architectural aesthetics. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1921, the building is considered one of the surviving classic Wright buildings in Japan. As a former girls' school, Jiyu Gakuen Mingrikan is full of family atmosphere and humanized design, and still retains its sense of history and unique artistic atmosphere. The beauty of architecture and humanized design🏛️🌿 The Jiyu Gakuen Mingri Pavilion is famous for its unique U-shaped architectural structure. The three buildings surround a green courtyard, which makes people feel peaceful and comfortable as soon as they step in. Wright cleverly combined natural light and geometric shapes in his design, filling the entire space with soft light and shadow effects. The wooden structure and window design inside the building give people a harmonious atmosphere of integration with nature. It is a must-see attraction for tourists who love architectural art. Fusion of history and culture📚🎨 As an important cultural property, Jiyu Gakuen Mingrikan is not only a holy place for architecture lovers, but also often hosts various exhibitions, lectures and concerts, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural background behind this building. In particular, the classrooms and conference rooms inside the building have retained their original appearance. Visitors can see the educational scenes of the past here and feel the enthusiasm for pursuing the concept of free education. A relaxing urban oasis 🍂☕ The courtyard of Jiyu Gakuen Mingrikan and the surrounding green space are also a good place for tourists to relax. After visiting the building, you may enjoy a cup of coffee in the open-air seating area in the courtyard and quietly appreciate the perfect combination of architecture and nature. The tranquil atmosphere here allows people to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of inner peace. Whether you are interested in modern architecture or want to learn about the history of Japanese educational philosophy, Jiyu Gakuen Meijikan is a rich and unique experience that is worth exploring in depth on your Tokyo itinerary.