Okakura Tenshin Memorial Park, Tokyo

Okakura Tenshin was a pioneer in the modern art of Japan. Known widely outside of Japan for his work, "The Book of Tea," Tenshin was instrumental both in developing modern art styles and preserving traditional Japanese techniques.

Tenshin was curator of the Department of Chinese and Japanese Art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He was also one of the founders of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the principal founder of the Japan Art Institute. The former site of the latter is now the location of Okakura Tenshin Memorial Park.

This small park contains a hexagonal building that houses a statue of Tenshin, which was designed by sculptor and artist Hiragushi Denchu from a cast that was created in 1931.

The park was established by Taito City. It was opened in 1967. Okakura Tenshin Memorial Park is open 24 hours. It is free to enter and pay respects to the artist. For those on walking tours of Yanaka, they may note that the park has a public restroom as well.