Take a break from the daily grind

Many busy urbanites may find it hard to make time for a few hours of quiet art appreciation. That’s where the National Art Center, Tokyo’s hospitality services come in. In addition to strollers that can be borrowed for free at the main reception desk on the first floor, the Center offers a bilingual (English and Japanese) childcare service. Please see Childcare Service for more information.

Once at the NACT, visitors are encouraged to take in the art, architecture, and atmosphere at a leisurely pace. In keeping with the vision of Kisho Kurokawa, the Center’s designer, the focus on calm and relaxation extends to the tiniest details. For example, the see-through elevators that travel between the lobby and the upper floors do not have “close doors” buttons, which are otherwise common in Japan—a subtle suggestion not to worry so much about the passing of time.