In the movie Your Name, the model for the museum where Taki and Okudera-senpai went on a date is the National Art Center in Roppongi. Its wavy glass exterior and the circular café Salon de Thé ROND have become symbolic settings, attracting the attention of fans around the world.
What is the National Art Center, Tokyo?
Opened in 2007, the National Art Center is one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan. Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, its futuristic yet organic form stands out. The glass curtain wall covering the exterior reflects sunlight and seasonal changes, offering a different impression each time you visit.
The museum’s biggest characteristic is that it does not have a permanent collection. Instead, it focuses on special exhibitions and open-call shows, allowing visitors to encounter something new every time. This makes it enjoyable both for art enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Furthermore, it became widely known as the model for a scene in Your Name, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad.
Connection with Your Name
In Your Name, the museum scene featuring Taki and Okudera-senpai was modeled after the National Art Center. The interior spaces, especially the circular café, were crucial in bringing realism to the film.
By incorporating actual places into animation, audiences feel a tangible connection to reality, making the story more immersive. This is one of director Makoto Shinkai’s trademarks and has fueled the pilgrimage boom to anime locations.
When comparing the real location with the film scene, the details are astonishingly accurate. Visitors often say they feel like they’ve stepped directly into the movie, experiencing the story firsthand.
The Charm of Salon de Thé ROND
One of the most popular spots in the National Art Center is Salon de Thé ROND. Located on top of a massive inverted cone structure, the café gives the impression of floating in mid-air.
Here, you can enjoy cakes and tea while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the film. Natural light floods the space during the day, creating a bright and refreshing atmosphere, while in the evening, soft light makes for a calm and relaxing time.
A summary of its features is shown below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2nd floor of the National Art Center, atop the circular structure |
| Atmosphere | Bright, open café filled with natural light |
| Menu | Cakes, tea, light meals |
| Connection to Film | Appears in Taki and Okudera-senpai’s date scene in Your Name |
How to Enjoy the Pilgrimage
If you’re visiting as part of a pilgrimage, the following flow is recommended:
- Exterior Photography
The wavy glass façade is iconic. Photos taken in different times of day offer unique results, as daytime brightness and nighttime illumination give contrasting impressions. - Exploring the Interior
Beyond the café, the exhibition halls and the open atrium are impressive. The scale of the design can be felt most strongly in the large open spaces. - Café Experience
Sitting in the same spot where the characters once sat allows fans to recreate the film scene in a uniquely personal way.
Access and Nearby Spots
The National Art Center is located in Minato-ku, Roppongi, and its excellent accessibility is part of its charm.
| Access Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line | Directly connected to Nogizaka Station, Exit 6 |
| Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line | About a 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station |
| Toei Oedo Line | About a 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station |
The surrounding area is filled with attractions such as Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and the Mori Art Museum. Combining the museum visit with a stroll in these areas ensures a full day of enjoyment.
How to Enjoy the Exhibitions
Since the National Art Center does not have a permanent collection, every visit offers something new.
| Type of Exhibition | Features |
|---|---|
| Special Exhibitions | Showcase famous works and timely themes from Japan and abroad |
| Open-call Exhibitions | Display works submitted from across the nation, giving young artists a stage |
| International Exhibitions | Collaborations with foreign museums and organizations to experience diverse cultures |
This variety enables visitors to experience both Japanese culture and the international art scene in one place.
Recommended Pilgrimage Route for Movie Fans
For fans who want to fully relive the movie’s scenes, combining the museum visit with nearby spots creates a complete route.
| Pilgrimage Point | Details |
|---|---|
| National Art Center | Visit the café and interior featured in the movie |
| Tokyo Midtown | Shopping and dining near the museum |
| Nogizaka Area | Walk along the approach to the museum and enjoy the atmosphere |
| Roppongi Hills | Enjoy the night view and observation deck after the museum visit |
This allows fans to enjoy both the movie’s settings and Tokyo’s urban attractions at the same time.
Conclusion
The National Art Center is not only a sacred site of Your Name but also one of Japan’s most acclaimed art museums.
By enjoying Salon de Thé ROND, where you can relive the movie’s scenes, and experiencing the museum’s diverse exhibitions, visitors can indulge in both art and cinema. Combined with the attractions of the Roppongi area, the visit becomes an unforgettable day.
For movie fans, architecture lovers, and art enthusiasts alike, the National Art Center is truly a place worth visiting at least once.
