Sogakudo Concert Hall

To your left stands an elegant Western building—the Sogakudo Concert Hall, the oldest of this type in Japan. When it first opened in 1890, it belonged to the Tokyo School of Music, then later served for the city’s University of the Arts until the 1970s, to be finally restored and transformed into a 338-seat concert venue since 1987. Today, it’s an Important Cultural Property—which is Japan’s version of a historic monument, to ensure the protection of places with rich history and meaning. Out front, you’ll notice a statue of Rentarō Taki, one of Japan’s most beloved composers and pianists. He studied music at this very spot where once stood the school. Even when he tragically passed away in 1903, at only 23 years old, his talent still left an indelible mark on Japanese music. So it’s normal to think of him when seeing this beautiful landmark, once home to Japanese music.