The Salad Bowl. Vol. IV, No. 11. Nov. 1996. p. 1, 4
Local Spotlights:

Art Galleries in Shizuoka City, Japan


Although Shizuoka is not renown as an art centre, there are a number of galleries here with a wide range of paintings, photos, and sculptures. This article describes five local galleries.

Roman Kan Citizens' Gallery

The tallest building in this eastern Shizuoka City faces the Hinode Wharf. On the 14th floor there is a spacious gallery. About ten exhibits a year are displayed here. Recent exhibits have included calligraphy, local photography, sumie, and S-PULSE soccer paraphernalia.

An incentive to visit this gallery is its splendid view of Shizuoka Harbor: not only can one see the entire city's waterfront, but also much of the Suruga Bay. This facility is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

ADDRESS:
TEL:
ADMISSION:
Minato-machi 2-Chome, 10-15
0543-53-2311
Free.

Marine Bldg. Gallery

The 7th floor of the Shizuoka Marine Bldg. has occasional displays by local artists. On the 8th floor an attractive stain glass mural by Nakayama Susumu illuminates the wall. If you don't mind the metallic fumes from a canning company next door, you can also enjoy a splendid view of Shimizu Harbor from the observation lounge an the top of this building. Check which way the wind is blowing before ascending.

ADDRESS:
TEL:
ADMISSION:
Hinode-cho 9-25
0543-53-2311
Free.

Nihon Daira Bitjutsukan

Near the summit of the Nihon Daira is a structure which looks like a low-budget version of a Disneyland castle, with gaudy turrets and giant windows. Some visitors might suspect is a baronial mansion or love hotel. This architectural incongruity is in fact a coffee shop gallery claiming to be a museum. With about nine different exhibits a year, recent displays of European porcelain, ethnic textiles, and Christmas knickknacks have been offered here. Many of the items on display are for sale. Open from 11:00 to 21:00, overpriced full course meals and cake sets are also available here. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the dining window.
ADDRESS:
TEL:
ADMISSION:
Nihon Daira
0543-35-1131
800 yen.

Shimizu Bunka Kaikan Galleries

The second floor of the Shimizu Civic Centre features two spacious galleries which vary their displays each week. Recent exhibits have included ikebana arrangements, miniature stone landscapes, oil paintings, and photographs. A three minute walk south of Sakurabashi Station, this facility is open from 9:00 to 17:00.
ADDRESS:
TEL:
ADMISSION:
Sakurabashi 7-1
0543-54-1311
Free.

Hangaro Kanan Gallery

Just five minutes west of Kusanagi Station along the Minami Kansen drive, the Toda Bookstore has a corner devoted to contemporary art. With works ranging from 3,000 to 600,000 yen, a wide variety of artists are presented here. Parking space is available and in the basement of this structure an art studio offers painting classes.
ADDRESS:
TEL:
ADMISSION:
Nakanozato 1-2-11
0543-48-5824
Free.

- Tim Newfields

The Salad Bowl Homepage
copyright 1996 by Tim Newfields and the Shizuoka City Int. Assoc.
www.tnewfields.info/sb/art.htm