[Ikebukuro: A hotel where you can play the piano and a morning walk to Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan]
[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