The Gallery's Ground Note

In the regions and local climates where we live our daily lives, various "forms of beauty" are born, shaped by the climate, language, customs, prayers, history, and the passage of time.

At Note Gallery, we turn our thoughts toward this vast ocean of "beauty," deeply examining the relationship between the beauty nurtured in everyday life and the world of fine art. These creations serve as a testament to our existence within a specific time and place. They are assets that encourage and inspire us, offer healing, and evolve into new values that sustain our very being.

Driven by this vision, we are dedicated to introducing contemporary artists who possess unique perspectives rooted in their "vernacular"—values that could only emerge from their specific environment and era. Our goal is to nurture voices that become essential to the narrative of the Kansai art scene.

Through these works, we hope to knock on the doors of your imagination and help foster a more creative way of living.

White Cube Tea Room

Note Gallery opened its doors in September 2011, following the renovation of a traditional machiya (merchant house) in Hirakata-shuku—a historic post town along the Kyo-kaido Road connecting Kyoto and Osaka.

This tranquil space, steeped in history, serves as a "White Cube Tea Room"—a place to deepen one’s contemplation of beauty. By bringing art into a more intimate setting, we invite our visitors to engage in a quiet, personal dialogue with each work.

At the back of the exhibition space, our Tea House offers a peaceful view of a lush garden. Here, you can relax with a bowl of matcha or even try your hand at preparing the tea yourself. We provide chair seating throughout, so guests who are not accustomed to sitting on the floor (seiza) can feel completely at ease.

Please do not worry about formal etiquette; we simply want you to enjoy the moment in your own way. We invite you to drop by and rest while exploring the historic streets of the post town.

Additionally, we occasionally host the "Note Tea Ceremony," a special event designed to reflect the worldview of our exhibiting artists. For example, during a ceramicist's solo exhibition, guests may have the chance to whisk tea using the artist's own handcrafted bowls, offering a unique opportunity to experience the art through touch and use.

Matcha (includes Sweets): 600 yen
Take a moment to relax with a bowl of matcha freshly prepared by our staff, served with traditional sweets.