Café 1894 and Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

My second destination on March 19th was a place I had thought about visiting before. Mistsubishi Ichigokan Museum is a renown art museum in the Marunouchi district.  

Originally built in 1894 from the designs of English architect Josiah Conder, the design is Victorian Queen Anne. However this is not the original building.

The original building was torn down in 1968. 

Materials and some of the original plans were used in this this rebuild on the property. The museum in the building was later installed and opened in 2010.

 Another part of the building is the recreation of a bank that also existed in this location. But now it's a place to eat at. Café 1894.

Inside they recreated the design of the bank, including a molded vaulted ceiling to give a feel of interiors of that era. 

I apologize for my slightly out of focus photo. I was hesitant to take photos, but the place was so interesting I couldn't resist. Inside was a bar between the columned pillars.

Even though the molding is newer, it really nice to see and added to the air of being transported back in time. 

As for what to eat, I was in time for their Lunch Mini Desert Set.

I ended up with this sandwich, soup, salad and shrimp plate. Part of the sandwich was smoked salmon which was delightful. The soup was tomato and there was a small bowl of berry preserves to put on the small piece of bread that hiding by the soup. I felt like I was at a picnic. 

The paper wrapping the sandwich was in English, complete with an ad for roses.  

Given what day it was, I had hoped for cake for the dessert. I was lucky, because it wasn't just cake but chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sauce, blueberries and mint. This is one of my favorite desserts and on this golden plate, I was very pleased. I enjoyed it with a nice cup of coffee. This was a perfect moment. 

"The Blessed Damozel" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

The second part of this visit here was to see the "Parabola of Pre-Raphaelitism" exhibit.  This was not the first time I've been to an art exhibit in Japan, but I will say this was not my favorite. The layout in each room was not in an expected manner nor was it clear where photography was and wasn't allowed.

"Risen at Dawn, also known as Gretchen Discovering the Jewels" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

I did appreciate the section where they not only displayed some of the master work of the period, such as these pieces by Rossetti, but also showed photos of the models like Jane Morris. This gave a human feel to the art. I love knowing the story behind art and music.

I would definitely recommend Café 1894.

This was an interesting part of my day. But it wasn't over yet.

Checking out the Tokyo International Forum

Time for something different than temples and shrines. I did visit other places on my trip in March. And I wanted to do something interesting for March 19th. So I headed to Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Station is located in the Marunouchi business district in Tokyo, so there is a lot of money that has been put into architecture there, spanning many eras.

Tokyo Station was originally built in 1914 but has had sections rebuilt at various times over the years. The original architect, Kingo Tatsuno, was influenced by Victorian architecture while he studied in London, and the look of the station reflects that.

Tokyo Station isn't the only building in the area with this appearance. And I will mention another place in my next blog post. But this post is about another famous building in the area.

As I got closer to my destination, I couldn't help but notice certain things that seemed to be connected to my little adventure. Not intentionally of course. Such as Pub Cardinal Marunouchi.

And the colorful bats on the Tokia Tokyo Building. Which were right by where I was going. In fact, I could see it in the glass.

Across the street was the Tokyo International Forum.

So why go here? Besides it being a place to view amazing architectural design and take photos, they hold concerts and events here. But I was here because I had seen it mentioned as an interesting place to check out.

And because MALICE MIZER chose the location for a photo shoot.

Walking in is a rather awe inspiring event. Totally open inside up to 11 stories, quickly you notice the building is shaped like a ship.

Instead of stairs, there are ramps going up to each level.

And there are these cat walks that jut out, crossing to the other Tokyo International Forum building. So was I brave enough to walk on those?

Interestingly they come together like a five pointed star.

Part of the architectural design looks like it could actually be a turning point for parts of the building, like an axle. Or maybe a ship's main mast.

I made it up to the long walkway that runs along the glass window side of the building. There are about 3,600 pieces of glass in this building.

And at one of the cat walks. 

Which I bravely walked out onto. At that point I didn't have a problem with the height.

It was remarkable to get a closer look at the ceiling. The height is 57 meters. 

The building is 207 meters long. 

It is 32 meters wide.

A closer look at the trusses under the roof. 

The feeling of being suspended up in the air with nothing underneath me did keep me from walking more on the cat walks. Along with the thought of earthquakes. But I did walk out on the one.

Back down the ramp and on to my next location.