Toshiya Murakoshi, A gradual thaw (2011 – 2015). Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery Photography / Film and the artist.

2015 ended with the awakening of the Force—who knows what 2016 will bring? While China celebrates its New Year on February 8, Japan observes the Gregorian calendar and follows its own set of traditions. All across the country businesses shut down and people return to their hometowns: picture what the couple in the film Tokyo Story by Yasujirō Ozu (1953) hoped to do. Tokyo itself is the perfect place to start a fresh new year, so after you finish eating some osechi and other mochi, it’s time to see some art.

Start your journey with some photography. “Time Present” at the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art is currently displaying a wide range of photographs taken between 1970 and 2010 from the Deutsche Bank Collection, including works by Cao Fei, Hiroshi Sugimoto, or Andreas Gursky, among others. Starting January 9, Taka Ishii Gallery presents panoramic shots by the artist Toshiya Murakoshi taken in his hometown, documenting the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Take some time to immerse yourself into the universe of Sam Durant at Blum & Poe: his sculptures, drawings, photographs, and other installations address social, historical, and political issues from two different moments in modern Japanese history. You also don’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy Frank Gehry’s architecture while admiring the Tokyo skyline, so be sure to visit the Espace Louis Vuitton and experience the “Building in Paris by Frank Gehry” exhibition, originally hosted by the Parisian Fondation Louis Vuitton in 2014. It examines the process of the creation of the foundation, which Gehry describes as a “grand sailing ship symbolizing France’s deep sense of cultural mission.”

Next, stop by Yamamoto Gendai to see Kei Imazu’s paintings created by digitally reassembling images collected from the Internet, magazines, and her domestic space. Lastly, of particular interest to dog lovers is Misako & Rosen’s exhibition “DOG,” where Ken Kagami explores canine emotions and whether these animals can truly be happy in a bustling metropolis like Tokyo. Kittens were the kings of the Internet last year, so maybe 2016 could be the year of the dog?

With all these exhibitions, the capital of Japan will definitely help you to start off 2016 on the right foot.

Exhibition: “Time Present – Photography from the Deutsche Bank Collection”
When: September 12, 2015–January 11, 2016
Where: Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, 4-7-25 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Cao Fei, My Future is Not a Dream No.2 (2006). Courtesy of Hara Museum of Contemporary Art. © Cao Fei / Deutsche Bank Collection.

Exhibition: “Sam Durant: Borrowed Scenery”
When: November 28, 2015–January 16, 2016
Where: Blum & Poe, 1-14-34 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Sam Durant, 1853-1900, Map of the World, Japan Centered (2015). Courtesy of Blum & Poe.

Exhibition: “Sean Landers”
When: December 5, 2015–January 16, 2016
Where: Taka Ishii Gallery, 3-10-11 B1, Sendagaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Sean Landers, Polar Bear Cub (North Slope, AK) (2015). Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery and the artist.

Exhibition: “Takahiro Nagasawa, Episode VI The Last Crusade”
When: December 19, 2015–January 23, 2016
Where: Eito Eiko, 32-2, Yaraicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Takahiro Nagasawa. Courtesy of Eito Eiko.

Exhibition: “The Road Not Taken”
When: November 27, 2015–January 30, 2016
Where: Misa Shin Gallery, 1-2-7 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Ken Lum, Parvi (2000). Courtesy of Misa Shin Gallery and Kioku Keizo.

Exhibition: “Kei IMAZU: Repatriation”
When: January 16–30, 2016
Where: Yamamoto Gendai, 3-1-15 3F, Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Kei Imazu, Repatriation. Courtesy of Yamamoto Gendai.

Exhibition: “Building in Paris by Frank Gehry”
When: October 17, 2015–January 31, 2016
Where: Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, Omotesando Bldg., 7F 5-7-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Courtesy of Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo and Jean Lariviere.

Exhibition: “Brave Men of the Asura: Yuta Hoshi”
When: November 16, 2015–January 31, 2016
Where: The Container, 1F Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30 KamiMeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Yuta Hoshi, Untitled (2015). Courtesy of The Container.

Exhibition: “Ken Kagami: DOG”
When: January 10–February 7, 2016
Where: Misako & Rosen, Minami-otsuka, 3-21-6 1F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Ken Kagami, DOG. Courtesy of Misako & Rosen.

Exhibition: “Toshiya Murakoshi: A gradual thaw”
When: January 9–February 13, 2016
Where: Taka Ishii Gallery Photography / Film, 5-17-1 2F, Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo

Toshiya Murakoshi, A gradual thaw (2011 – 2015). Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery Photography / Film and the artist.

Exhibition: “Du Kun: Revels of the Rock Gods”
When: January 13–February 13, 2016
Where: Mizuma Art Gallery, 2F Kagura Bldg., 3-13 Ichigayatamachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Du Kun, Temple in the clouds. Courtesy of Mizuma Art Gallery and the artist.