Towada City Government Office Street

Towada City Government Office Street in Aomori Prefecture stands as a remarkable example of Japan's commitment to integrating art into urban spaces. This 1.1-kilometer stretch connecting JR Towada-Minami Station to the city's official district was transformed in 1986 into an open-air art museum, making it one of Japan's pioneering outdoor gallery streets. The project emerged from Towada's vision to revitalize its urban center through cultural investment, commissioning works from both Japanese and international contemporary artists.

The street features 33 permanent art installations created by renowned artists including Yoko Ono, Antony Gormley, and Ron Mueck. These sculptures and installations range from towering structures to interactive pieces, each contributing to the dialogue between art, nature, and daily life. The Arts Towada museum, located along this route, serves as the cultural anchor with additional rotating exhibitions and educational programs. The integration of cherry trees lining the street creates a striking seasonal transformation each spring, when approximately 156 cherry trees bloom, framing the contemporary artworks in natural beauty.

Visitors can experience the street on foot, with the entire route taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace. The outdoor installations are accessible year-round and free to view from the street, though visitors should note that winter snow cover may affect accessibility to some pieces. The street is designed for pedestrian exploration, allowing close interaction with many sculptures. Photography is permitted for the outdoor works, making it popular among art enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

Towada City Government Office Street is accessible via JR Towada-Minami Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, with the street beginning directly from the station plaza. From major cities, take the shinkansen to Shichinohe-Towada Station, then transfer to the local line. By car, the area is approximately 20 minutes from the Towada Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, with parking available near the Arts Towada facility. There is no admission fee to walk the street and view the outdoor sculptures, though the Arts Towada museum charges a separate entrance fee for its indoor galleries.