“Your Name,” a 2016 animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai that recorded a massive hit with box office revenues exceeding 2.5 billion yen. The National Art Center, located in Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo, has become a pilgrimage site where many fans visit as it plays an important role in the film. This article introduces specific spots that appeared in movie scenes, details of the “Makoto Shinkai Exhibition” held in 2017, and the appeal of the museum without reserve.
What is the National Art Center? The Full Picture of Japan’s Largest-Scale Art Museum
The National Art Center opened in January 2007 as Japan’s fifth national art museum. Located in Roppongi 7-chome, Minato Ward, Tokyo, with a total floor area of approximately 47,960 square meters, it boasts one of the largest scales among art museums in Japan.
Architectural Appeal and Features
Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, this museum is characterized by its undulating glass curtain wall. The fully glass exterior maximizes natural light intake and creates an open space within the building. This unique architectural design is beautifully depicted in the film “Your Name,” adding a refined urban atmosphere to the story.
The interior consists of four floors above ground and one floor below, with an exhibition space of approximately 14,000 square meters. Rather than maintaining permanent collections, the museum specializes in hosting diverse special exhibitions and events, continuously introducing excellent art works from Japan and around the world.
Access Information and Basic Data
Address: 2-22-2 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Nearest Stations:
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line “Nogizaka Station” Aoyama Reien direction wicket exit 6 directly connected (approximately 1 minute on foot)
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line “Roppongi Station” exit 7, approximately 4 minutes on foot
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
*Entry closes 30 minutes before closing time*
Closed Days: Every Tuesday (open if it falls on a holiday or observed holiday, then closed the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission Fee: Special exhibitions vary by exhibition. Admission to the building itself is free.
The National Art Center in “Your Name”
In the film “Your Name,” the National Art Center appears as the location of the restaurant where the protagonist Taki Tachibana works part-time. As a symbol of urban and refined Tokyo, it colors important scenes in the story.
“Brasserie Paul,” Taki’s Part-Time Job Location, as a Model
The Italian restaurant “Brasserie Paul” where Taki works part-time in the film is modeled after “Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musée” on the 3rd floor of the National Art Center.
This restaurant is named after Paul Bocuse, a master of French cuisine, and features a modern, open space with the museum’s undulating glass curtain wall as its backdrop. The film impressively depicts scenes of Taki on a date with his senior Mitsuha Okidome and Mitsuha (in Taki’s body) working there.
Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musée Basic Information:
- Business Hours: Lunch 11:00–16:00 (L.O.), Dinner 16:00–21:00 (L.O.)
- Closed Days: Tuesdays (following the museum’s closure schedule)
- Reservations: Available (reservations recommended, especially on weekends)
- Price Range: Lunch 2,000 yen–, Dinner 4,000 yen–
Pilgrimage Highlights and Viewing Points
The main shooting spots that film fans visit are as follows:
1. View from the 3rd Floor Restaurant Area
The corridor in front of the restaurant overlooks the museum’s internal atrium space, exactly as depicted in the film. A distinctive cone-shaped inverted structure is a popular photo spot.
2. 1st Floor Entrance Hall
The vast atrium and natural light flooding down from above allow visitors to experience the film’s world. The ceiling height and open feeling are breathtaking.
3. Exterior
The undulating glass curtain wall exterior is beautifully depicted in the film. Especially during twilight hours or nighttime illumination, it creates a fantastical atmosphere.
“Makoto Shinkai Exhibition ‘From Voices of a Distant Star to Your Name'” Detailed Report
The “Makoto Shinkai Exhibition ‘From Voices of a Distant Star to Your Name'” held at the National Art Center from November 11 to December 18, 2017, was a large-scale exhibition commemorating director Makoto Shinkai’s 15th anniversary since debut.
Exhibition Overview and Highlights
This exhibition traced 15 years of director Makoto Shinkai’s career from his debut work “Voices of a Distant Star” (2002) to his latest work “Your Name” (2016) with approximately 1,000 valuable production materials.
Main Exhibition Contents:
- Storyboards and Artwork Materials
Storyboards, original drawings, and character designs from each work were displayed chronologically. Visitors could follow director Shinkai’s creative process in detail.
- Background Art Originals
Numerous original background paintings showcasing the greatest appeal of Shinkai’s works. Background artwork from impressive scenes in “5 Centimeters per Second,” “The Garden of Words,” and “Your Name” drew viewers into the world of the films.
- Video Displays
Digests of each work and videos introducing the production process were screened. Including commentary by director Makoto Shinkai himself, the exhibition was packed with valuable information for fans.
- “Your Name” Special Exhibition
As his latest work, “Your Name” featured particularly extensive exhibitions including character design materials, Tokyo and Itomori town backgrounds, and storyboards of key scenes.
- Interactive Displays
Interactive displays recreating impressive scenes from “Your Name” were set up, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the film.
Exhibition Response and Attendance
During the exhibition period, approximately 150,000 people visited, proving the popularity of Shinkai’s works. Particularly coming right after “Your Name” was released, a wide range of visitors from young people to elderly attendees came. Long lines could form on weekends and holidays due to expected congestion.
Exhibition-exclusive merchandise was also very popular, with reproduction artwork and exhibition catalogs among items that sold out early. Catalogs remain available online in some cases and have become highly valuable items as records of the exhibition.
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage: Photography Spots and Etiquette
Recommended Photography Spots
1. Corridor in Front of the 3rd Floor Restaurant Area
The spot where you can most faithfully recreate scenes from the film. Photographing with the cone-shaped inverted structure (actually a passageway descending to the lower floor) as a background captures the film’s atmosphere.
2. 1st Floor Atrium Space
An upward angle reveals the architectural beauty of the museum. The time when natural light streams in (from morning to early afternoon) is especially recommended.
3. Exterior (Front Entrance)
The full vista of the undulating glass curtain wall can be photographed. The contrast with blue sky on clear days is beautiful, and the magic hour at twilight is also recommended.
Photography Notes and Etiquette
At the National Art Center, enjoy photography while following these rules:
- Photography is prohibited in special exhibition rooms: Without special permission, photographing displayed artworks is not allowed.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited: Only handheld photography is permitted to avoid inconveniencing other visitors.
- Flash photography is prohibited: For artwork protection and consideration of other visitors.
- Commercial use is prohibited: Personal commemorative photography is allowed, but commercial shooting requires prior permission.
- Consideration during busy times: Avoid prolonging your stay at popular spots; share the space with a spirit of cooperation.
Complete Guide to In-Museum Cafés and Restaurants
Besides “Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musée,” known as a pilgrimage site, the National Art Center has several attractive dining facilities.
Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musée (3rd Floor)
Features:
A brasserie named after Paul Bocuse, master of French cuisine. You can enjoy authentic French cuisine in the museum’s open space.
Recommended Menu:
- Lunch Course (appetizer, main, dessert): 3,500 yen–
- Paul Bocuse Special Hamburger: 2,800 yen
- Seasonal Pasta: 2,200 yen–
Atmosphere:
The refined space exactly as depicted in the film. Perfect for date dining. Lunch time on weekends is crowded, so reservations are recommended.
Salon de Thé Rond (2nd Floor)
Features:
A unique café located within the cone-shaped space on the 2nd floor. Positioned at the apex of the inverted cone, it offers a strange sensation as if floating in the air.
Recommended Menu:
- Afternoon Tea Set: 3,800 yen
- Cake Set: 1,500 yen–
- Original Blend Coffee: 650 yen
Atmosphere:
An architecturally very unique space, also popular as an Instagram-worthy spot. Perfect for taking a break during art appreciation.
Café Coquille (1st Floor)
Features:
A casual café easy to use. Offers a wide range of menus from light meals to sweets.
Recommended Menu:
- Sandwich Set: 1,200 yen–
- Pasta Lunch: 1,500 yen–
- Cake Set: 1,000 yen–
Atmosphere:
Casual and easy to enter, usable even by those dining alone. Takeout is also available, and meals can be enjoyed in the museum’s courtyard.
The Appeal of the National Art Center: Exhibitions and Event Information
Diverse Special Exhibitions Throughout the Year
The National Art Center has no permanent exhibitions and hosts diverse special exhibitions year-round. From domestic and international masterpieces to contemporary art, a wide range of exhibition genres can be enjoyed.
Notable Past Exhibitions:
- “Makoto Shinkai Exhibition” (2017)
- “Alphonse Mucha Exhibition” (2017)
- “The Louvre Exhibition” (2018)
- “Christian Dior, Dream of Couture” (2022)
- “Matisse Exhibition” (2023)
Ticket Purchase Methods and Congestion Avoidance Tips
Ticket Purchase Methods:
- Day-of Tickets: Purchase at the museum’s 1st floor ticket counter
- Advance Tickets: Official website, convenience stores, play guides, etc.
- Online Tickets: Date-designated e-tickets (recommended)
Congestion Avoidance Points:
- Weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded
- Right after opening (10:00–11:00) or before closing (17:00 onwards) are ideal times
- For popular exhibitions, advance purchase of date-designated tickets is strongly recommended
- Congestion tends to ease on rainy days
Free-to-Access Spaces
Even without viewing special exhibitions, visitors can enjoy the museum’s architecture and atmosphere. The 1st floor entrance hall, cafés, and museum shop are accessible free of charge. Those whose sole purpose is “Your Name” pilgrimage can visit without paying for exhibitions, freely exploring the interior and visiting photography spots.
Enjoying Surrounding Tourist Attractions
The Appeal of the Roppongi Area
The Roppongi area where the National Art Center is located has many other appealing spots.
Roppongi Hills (approximately 7 minutes on foot):
From the observation deck “Tokyo City View,” you can see spectacular views of Tokyo. The Mori Art Museum is also housed here, allowing you to enjoy art exploration.
Tokyo Midtown (approximately 5 minutes on foot):
A complex facility combining shopping, dining, and art. The Suntory Museum of Art is also located here, with a combined ticket for the three museums also available as the “Roppongi Art Triangle.”
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT (approximately 3 minutes on foot):
A design-specialized facility designed by architect Tadao Ando. Special exhibitions focused on design are held here.
Combining with Other Tokyo “Your Name” Pilgrimage Sites
“Your Name” Tokyo pilgrimage sites to visit along with the National Art Center:
Shinjuku Gyoen (approximately 15 minutes by train):
The important scene where Mitsuha and Taki reunite. Especially during cherry blossom season, the film’s atmosphere is strongly felt.
Yotsuya Suga Shrine (approximately 20 minutes by train):
Famous stairs used in the film’s poster. The most popular pilgrimage site among many fans.
Shinanomachi Station Area (approximately 20 minutes by train):
Appears in scenes where Taki, Tsukasa, and Okidome search for Mitsuha.
Yoyogi (approximately 25 minutes by train):
The area where Taki’s home is depicted.
Deepening Knowledge of Makoto Shinkai’s Works
The Importance of “Place” in Director Makoto Shinkai’s Works
In Makoto Shinkai’s works, “place” is not merely a background but a crucial element that tells the story. By meticulously depicting real locations, viewers can immerse themselves more deeply in the film’s world.
The reason the National Art Center was chosen for “Your Name” is because of its architectural beauty and its status as a place symbolizing urban and refined Tokyo. In visually expressing the appeal of Tokyo where Taki lives, this museum’s contemporary and open space was a perfect stage.
Dedication to Background Art
The characteristic beautiful background art of Shinkai’s works is created based on careful field research of real locations and photographic materials. The National Art Center scenes were also created by visiting the actual building multiple times, carefully observing details such as light entry and spatial atmosphere.
This commitment to reality creates the joy of pilgrimage. The pleasure of comparing scenes seen in the film with actual locations is an experience unique to Shinkai’s works.
Essential Practical Information Before Visiting
Estimated Time Required
Pilgrimage only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
If you tour the interior’s photography spots and take a light break at a café, one hour is sufficient.
Including special exhibition viewing: 2–3 hours
If carefully viewing special exhibitions and dining at a restaurant, plan for a half-day.
Barrier-Free Information
The National Art Center is equipped with comprehensive barrier-free facilities so all visitors can spend time comfortably:
- Free wheelchair rentals (1st floor information desk)
- Multi-purpose restrooms (installed on each floor)
- Elevators throughout
- Disabled parking spaces
- Guide dogs and service dogs welcome
Parking Information
The museum has no dedicated parking lot, but several coin parking areas are nearby. However, parking fees in the Roppongi area are expensive (400 yen per 30 minutes–), so public transportation use is strongly recommended.
Souvenirs and Museum Shop
“Souvenir from Tokyo,” the museum shop on the 1st floor, sells art-related goods, art books, and original merchandise. During special exhibitions, exhibition-exclusive items are also well-stocked.
During the past Shinkai exhibition, reproduction artwork, postcards, clear files, and catalogs were popular. Some products remain available through online shops in some cases today.
Conclusion: Experience “Your Name” World at the National Art Center
The National Art Center is a place with numerous appeals not only as a pilgrimage site for “Your Name” but also as a representative art museum of Japan. Following film scenes while experiencing world-class art, savoring architectural beauty, and enjoying delicious meals—this is the greatest charm of the museum.
Please actually visit and experience the beautiful Tokyo depicted by director Makoto Shinkai. The emotion of seeing the landscape from the film spread out before your eyes is a special experience unique to pilgrimage.
The National Art Center in Roppongi, despite being in the urban center, offers an open and calm atmosphere. Worth visiting for art appreciation, pilgrimage, dating, and tourism. When visiting Tokyo, be sure to stop by.
