Aoyama Gakuin University's history dates back to 1874 when a few missionaries started three schools in Shibuya which merged to form the university in 1949. One of the esteemed Christian educational institutions in Japan, it offers undergraduate and graduate courses to its students while also giving on campus housing facilities. Aoyama houses nine faculties and 23 departments from the Arts, Commerce and Science fields. It has two campuses, the Aoyama and Sagamihara. The Aoyama Campus is located in the Shibuya neighborhood and is the original site since it was a part of Aoyama Gakuin's foundation. Spanning 29.65 acres (11.99 hectares) with many trees, it has a quiet and charming look to it. While Sagamihara was built in 2003 and is situated in its namesake locality, this extensive campus has nineteen buildings and is abode to the Science and Engineering, and Social Informatics centers.
Gallery Art Morimoto houses some very beautiful mementos of artwork that are worth checking out. You will get to see artwork by regional artists that give you a glimpse into the artistic aspects of Tokyo. They also host regular exhibitions and art fairs, the showcased exhibits ranging from water colors and oil paintings to wood carvings. If you are interested in knowing more about the place or are looking forward to pay a visit here, check the website.
An art and creative hub, the K's Gallery is where local artist display their works to art enthusiasts from the neighboring Chuo -ku area. The spacious gallery gives professionals an excellent platform to show their works. Visitors can also pick up some of the works on display as show-pieces, gifts and even mementos. Renowned artists whose works have been displayed here include the likes of Osamu Asano, Koichi Terai, Norio Ueno, Masaki Tamura and Akane Kirimura. Call ahead for upcoming exhibitions and other details.
Opened in June 2010, Hiromart Gallery may be a comparatively newer kid on the block however, it has managed to make Tokyo's art world sit up and take notice. Hosting an interesting range of photography exhibitions, one can expect some off-beat works here. Check website for a list of upcoming events.
One of the largest temples in eastern Japan, Soji-ji is a major temple belonging to the Soto-sect of Zen Buddhism. It was established in 1321 in Noto Province by Jokin Keizan (1268-1325), but after a disastrous fire, it was relocated to Tsurumi in 1911. Both the statue of Miroku Bosatsu, which dates to 1276, and the bell (cast in 1269) have been named important cultural properties. Along with Eihei-ji (in Fukui prefecture) in 1615, Soji-ji was named a major Zen center by the Tokugawa government. The public is welcome to participate in meditation sessions at this very active Zen temple.
The regent, Tokimune Hojo, established Engaku-ji Temple in 1282. It is Kamakura's largest temple and is famous for its "Great Bell" which dates back to 1301. The bell has been designated a national treasure. The oldest extant Zen temple hall, with its distinctive cypress roof, is also found here. Known as the Shari-den, it is believed the hall was relocated from a nearby nunnery during the Muromachi Era (1333-1573). Do not miss the statue of monk Mugaku, the temple's first abbot. The public is permitted to participate in meditations here.