Bunkamura, Arts complex in Dōgenzaka and Shōtō, Japan.
Bunkamura is a cultural complex in Dōgenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, opened on 3 September 1989 as Japan's first large-scale complex of its kind. Its four main venues are Orchard Hall with 2,150 seats, the 747-seat Theatre Cocoon, The Museum for changing exhibitions, and the Le Cinèma cinemas. The exterior wall carries metal letters spelling "unkamura" above gray stone panels, with square stone-clad pillars and plants at their base.
Bunkamura opened on 3 September 1989 as Japan's first large-scale cultural complex, operated by Tokyu Bunkamura, Inc. of the Tokyu Group. It was conceived under the group's 1980s 3C strategy, in which culture was the central project. The name was inspired by Toei's Kyoto studio park, whose title Tokyu chairman Noboru Goto admired. A long-term redevelopment began on 10 April 2023, closing all venues except Orchard Hall.
The name combines the Japanese words for culture and village, reflecting the intent to create a place where different art forms come together. Visitors experience both European classical works and contemporary Japanese productions in close proximity.
Since 10 April 2023 all venues except Orchard Hall have been closed for the Shibuya Upper West redevelopment, and the whole building, Orchard Hall included, is set to shut from 4 January 2027. Until then, performances move to Tokyu Group venues such as Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall and THEATER MILANO-Za, and exhibitions to Hikarie Hall on the 9th floor of Shibuya Hikarie. The complex is about 7 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station's Hachiko exit, or 5 minutes from exit 3a.
A small cinema within the complex screens international films outside the commercial mainstream, often with English or Japanese subtitles. Many visitors discover this space only after several visits to the other areas.
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