Japan Society image

Japan Society

Tourist attraction Museum Event venue Non profit organization Cultural center Association or organization Language school Japanese language instructor

One of the Top rated Association or organizations in New York


Address

333 E 47th St, Manhattan, NY 10017

Website

japansociety.org

Contact

(212) 832-1155

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (697 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 7 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Japanese (17) events (9) people (7) Japan (7) staff (7) culture (6) exhibition (6) beautiful (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Mel 2 years ago on Google • 258 reviews
    Nice intimate art space. Not a lot of people, quiet and the waterfall is quite peaceful .there's also a coat rack and free lockers☺
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Corey C. 5 years ago on Google
    I love this place. There are always fantastic events to go to here, and they offer language courses as well. Courses are offered in all possible levels for the Japanese language, so that's really great. Additionally, the people who work there are really nice. Talking to them will make you want to buy a membership, haha! I highly recommend going here and checking out some of their events and taking a few brochures on programs they offer.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark B Borg J. 4 years ago on Google
    We love it here. We have been attending events here for just about 12 years--I've just before our older daughter, Kata, was born. Haruna has done an excellent job of speaking Japanese to both of our girls--and, as a result, they are bilingual. They attend a Japanese Saturday school in the City, where they learn numerous aspects of the language and culture. The Japan Society--with their numerous wonderful events--is an excellent augmentation to this process of helping our children better understand their Japanese selves!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hank C. 1 year ago on Google • 906 reviews
    Located on the upper east side by the UN, the Japan Society offers a glimpse into Japanese society and culture. The hold classes, have a library, and have an auditorium in space to reserve for events and meetings. I was there for a Japan Summit led by SIFMA, while the auditorium was a bit warm, it was a nice place to hold a meeting and they had outside catering. Friendly staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L J. 1 year ago on Google • 82 reviews
    Absolutely loved this place. The attending staff were so gracious. I didn’t have a mask on hand and they found one for myself and my friend. At my visit they requieres masks and proof of vaccination. Indoors they ambience was very mellow and serene. They have a small waterfall that I could just stare at all day. Their architecture works well and I feel I’m not in NYC when I’m here. I visited to see an exhibition by kazuko miyamoto, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The exhibition was broken into 3 small rooms but I felt completely enthralled and submerged into it. I spent about an hour here. The bathrooms were one of the most cleanest in the city. They were heated and had a bidet option which as a traveler I found so amusing.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hasanat J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for Japanese history and architecture. Highly recommend
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lorraine D. 2 years ago on Google
    My family had a great visit to the museum, it was truly fun for all ages. We visited for my husband's birthday with two little kids, my husband and I plus our parents. The staff was incredibly patient with our kids and offered to take pics in every room. The 2nd room with the interactive moon was definitely the highlight, my kids could of stayed in there all day. We were there for about and hour in total.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Edward P. 3 months ago on Google • 275 reviews New
    The building is beautiful, there are art exhibits and sometimes film festivals and other cultural events. The best place in he City to learn Japanese, enjoy events, movies, art and see their beautiful building. Lovely staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sans 2 years ago on Google
    incredible. tranquil. very nice staff. dope toilets with heated seats. saw some short japanese films there a few years ago and loved them.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnoy G. 1 year ago on Google
    Went for a lecture on Designing Minfulness through Japanese Architecture. Was quite amazing from beginning to end. Very interesting speakers and equally beautiful environment on the inside. Should definitely check it out if you are interested in Japanese culture and architecture.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ivan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Welcoming atmosphere. Unique reception. Thank you
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CherryBoo65 B. 9 months ago on Google
    Lots of interesting art, sculptures and furniture from Japanese artists. They have an online calendar full of cultural events to broaden your learning experience! We attended the “Destroy All Monsters” movie and show. You don’t have to be a member. The have free hours too! Fully handicapped accessible-I ride a scooter and was able to see all exhibits!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin W. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolutely beautiful facility. The current exhibit was well done in a beautiful space that captures the essence of japanese culture. Reservations were not required and the staff was friendly and helpful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel P. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful exhibition of incredible craftsmanship in the construction of traditional Japanese homes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ricardo B. 6 years ago on Google • 115 reviews
    While the exhibition itself wasn't very good. The place is nice and can be easily navigated through. Even in the winter when most people keep their coats on, you can walk around comfortably. Good acoustics as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Miss K R. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    If you're not a white American, don't bother applying for a position here. Even if you're fluent in Japanese and/or have worked there for a long time, they tend to only consider white people and East Asian people for cross-cultural positions at Japan Society. This sends a very disturbing image about what sorts of people are considered to be suitable (or unsuitable) for these environments. When I had an interview years ago, for example, I was asked about my ethnic background -- a clear violation of any hiring policy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Javier K. 1 year ago on Google
    Unique Japanese cultural events. I got to see centuries old noh plays. The theater is warm in winter and the chairs are comfortable. The museum area was small, and the tickets were expensive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura J. 1 year ago on Google
    Very small, but really lovely. Galleries are intimate. Looking forward to the next artist the spotlight.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juliana F. 1 year ago on Google
    A place of language, theatre and arts. I took a free trial Japanese lesson and now am hooked. Japanese culture is truly fascinating. Thank you for offering simple and fun courses.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jim H. 1 year ago on Google
    Modest-sized cultural facility near the UN on the East Side. Hosts rotating art and cultural exhibits and events that are from or related to Japan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yusuf D. 2 months ago on Google • 66 reviews New
    The building was clean and tidy, and the ambiance was serene and peaceful. I went there during a Kyohei Inukai art gallery event, and the inside, including the floor, were clean!

  • 5/5 IG A. 2 months ago on Google • 61 reviews New
    Always a peaceful and pleasant place with high quality choices of shows from Japan which tend to be collaborations with Western artist or institutions. I’d love to see more purely Japanese works or collaborations with African, Asian or The Americas. Last visit was to see works by Female Japanese performance artist. Good.

  • 5/5 moons 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    I got the opportunity to come here for a woodblock printing workshop and it was so much fun! Our instructors were really knowledgeable and I enjoyed learning about the Ukiyo-e period from them. The architecture was beautiful and even the bathrooms were so nice.

  • 5/5 Zoraida I. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool interior architecture! I only saw a movie here and the screen was quite small but that didn’t deter my experience. Looking forward to visiting again.

  • 5/5 Lihting K. 1 year ago on Google
    Currently a wondering exhibition of reused fabric fashion design is on display.

  • 5/5 THE NET TV K. 8 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    It's a great place to see movies here, which is located downstairs with a capacity of 250 seats.

  • 5/5 J F. 8 months ago on Google
    An exceptional place and group of people dedicated to sharing the arts and culture of Japan. Whenever I go here I always leave a little smarter. The staff are friendly and the programs are always enjoyable. I come here every time I visit the city!

  • 5/5 Shuchi A. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nicely curated exhibition

  • 1/5 O Y. 8 months ago on Google
    No Wifi so was asked to go bk up stairs outside to retrieve my online ticket on my phone. Lost my place in the line by the time I was able to get a signal. Not allowed to eat or drink in cinema. Seats uncomfortable. .

  • 5/5 E M 8. 2 years ago on Google
    Munakata display up currently. A great tranquil place.

  • 5/5 Marina Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Great exhibit.


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