International Library of Children's Literature

Housed in a restored Meiji-era library building at the edge of Ueno Park, this branch of the national library is devoted to children's books from Japan and around the world. The renovation preserved the ornate original brick-and-stone structure while inserting sleek glass elements by a leading contemporary architect, creating a dialogue between old and new. Free reading rooms, exhibitions on the history of illustrated books, and a browsing room stocked with picture books make it welcoming to families and design enthusiasts alike.