As anyone who has every dined, partied, or simply wandered around the city will attest, Tokyo marches to its own infectious beat. So it makes sense that the Japanese capital’s many museums are a far cry from the stodgy mausoleums of yesteryear. In lieu of squat buildings full of dusty dioramas, picture cutting-edge modernist structures by some of the country’s top architects. Many of the premier art spaces forego a permanent collection entirely in favor of a constantly rotating roster of high-profile shows by big-name local and international talent. Even the smaller collections strive to present their subject matter in clever, often wildly creative, ways. Not sure where to go first? Here are our editor’s picks for 10 of Tokyo's best museums.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
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Ghibli Museum
A small but thoughtful tribute to the works of Japan’s most beloved animation studio, the Ghibli Museum's design is as quirky as its collection. Director Hayao Miyazaki lent his personal touch to the building, which loosely echoes a grand Italian villa. A dense layer of greenery covers the exterior of the mansion and a 16-foot-tall robot soldier from the classic film Castle in the Sky peers morosely down from the rooftop garden. A location in lush Inokashira Park makes it feel like a hidden secret, but this museum has been booked solid since it opened. Tickets for visitors outside of Japan go on sale on the first of the month for the following three months—and they sell out quickly. Die-hards could easily spend an afternoon just browsing the Tri Hawks reading room, but if you’re in a rush, you can cruise through the collection in an hour. Don’t miss a screening of one of the animated short films, all of which are exclusive to the Ghibli Museum.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
The National Art Center, Tokyo is a top-tier museum that showcases contemporary art in a visually stunning concrete-and-glass building designed by acclaimed Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa. Boasting 150,700 square feet of exhibition space spread across 12 galleries, this dynamic museum showcases four rotating exhibitions at any given time, ensuring an ever-evolving experience for art enthusiasts.
For lovers of Japanese art and architecture, a visit to this centrally located museum is a must. Unlike traditional museums, the National Art Center brings a refreshing approach with its vibrant atmosphere and constant introduction of new artworks. Make the most of your visit by combining it with trips to nearby cultural institutions like the Mori Art Museum or the Suntory Museum of Art, creating a day filled with enriching experiences.
It's not just tourists who flock to this museum; Tokyo residents also appreciate this free and accessible gem. With its commitment to showcasing the best of contemporary art, the National Art Center, Tokyo holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the city.
Discover Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Located within the Yebisu Garden Palace complex, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is an intimate four-story space that offers a unique experience for photography enthusiasts. With its focus on Japanese and international photography, the museum provides visitors with three carefully curated exhibitions at any given time.
Unlike well-known tourist attractions such as the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is a hidden gem cherished by the local community. Its unassuming nature and peaceful atmosphere offer a respite from the bustling city. The museum's curators are dedicated to ensuring that the presentation perfectly complements the subject matter of each exhibition.
The museum's interior features a bright and modern design, creating a captivating environment for art lovers and casual visitors alike. The well-organized galleries make it easy to navigate through the different displays and appreciate the diverse range of photographic works on offer.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood, this museum is well worth a visit as it offers a delightful detour from the bustling streets of Tokyo.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
At first, the somewhat austere, gray facade of the National Museum of Modern Art feels at odds with the surrounding greenery of Kitanomaru Park. Inside, however, is one of the finest collections of modern Japanese art in the world. Walking through the galleries on the fourth and second floors allows you to see some of the most turbulent periods in the nation’s past through the eyes of its most influential artists. Though the film portion of the museum split off last year to form the National Film Center, the Crafts Gallery is still a short walk away. While the slick triad of art museums in Roppongi fills up during peak times, a visit here tends to be far more relaxed; even on weekends, long lines are rare. That seems to suit the visitors just fine—the works here invite leisurely contemplation.
Tokyo National Museum
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Intricately embroidered kimonos, samurai swords, serene-faced Buddha statues, thousand-year-old ceramics: You’ll find it all and more in the Tokyo National Museum, which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Japanese art. Surrounded by the winding paths and shrines of Ueno Park, the country’s oldest museum is a must-see for everyone from historians to culture-vultures looking for a crash course. The unparalleled permanent collection contains more than 110,000 artifacts. Thankfully, the curators are sensible enough to space their vast array of treasures out. Each room feels carefully composed rather than cluttered, and special exhibitions rotate constantly, meaning the 4,000-odd works on display from the permanent collection at any given time are never quite the same as at your last visit.
Mori Art Museum
The Mori Art Museum, the flashiest member of the Roppongi Art Triangle, sits atop the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. At about $14 for entrance to the main exhibition hall, this museum is on the steeper side for Tokyo’s cultural attractions. Still, that ticket grants you access to blockbuster works of contemporary art by the likes of Ai Weiwei and Dinh Q. Lê, not to mention a 360-degree panorama from one of the tallest buildings in town. Curators here do an exceptional job of creating exhibitions that are as thought-provoking as they are Instagrammable.
National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science, located in Ueno Park, is a treasure trove of educational explorations that will captivate both young and old alike. Established in the 1870s, this museum offers a fascinating journey into the world of natural science, touching upon anthropology, biodiversity, geology, and Japan's technological advancements.
With a remarkably reasonable admission fee of only $5 for adults and free entry for children under 18, this museum is an affordable option for families seeking enriching experiences. From colorful butterflies to a fallen meteorite, the museum boasts an extensive collection that will leave you in awe. To make the most of your visit, consider focusing on specific subjects that pique your interest rather than rushing through the entire collection, especially if you have younger members in your group who may become restless.
For example, you can delve into the fascinating history of anthropological discoveries in Japan or explore the wonders of biodiversity. Alternatively, you may find yourself captivated by the geological marvels or the technological achievements showcased within the museum's walls. Whatever your preference, the National Museum of Nature and Science promises hours of family-friendly entertainment without breaking the bank.
So pack your sense of curiosity and embark on an educational adventure within the walls of this sprawling institution. With astonishing exhibits and a welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder why this museum holds a special place amongst Tokyo's top cultural attractions.
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Edo-Tokyo Museum
Journey 400 years back in time to Japan’s past, when shoguns ruled the isolated nation with an iron fist. The Edo-Tokyo Museum recreates this formative era through detailed architectural models and scale reconstructions of Tokyo’s historic neighborhoods. Original woodblock prints and maps round out the nuanced picture. The museum highlights not only the larger political forces at play, but also the day-to-day lives of ordinary citizens. To enter the permanent exhibition area, visitors walk across a reproduction of the Nihonbashi Bridge before peering into replicas of tenement houses and other long-lost landmarks. As you move through the exhibits, you’ll learn about everything from the Edo period’s robust publishing industry to the rise of arts such as kabuki theater and ukiyo-e, or woodblock printing. After thoroughly exploring the past, the museum takes visitors through Tokyo’s rapid transformation from a sheltered, feudal society to a globally oriented 21st-century metropolis.
Nezu Museum
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Traditional East Asian and Japanese art meet contemporary architecture in the Nezu Museum, a minimalist space redesigned by Kengo Kuma. High ceilings, bamboo walls, and enormous windows overlooking the museum’s leafy surroundings in Aoyama district make this feel more like visiting the home of a sophisticated friend than a conventional gallery. That’s fitting, since the museum was once the private residence of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan's Tobu Railway. Much of its impressive 7,400-piece collection comes from his private stash of pre-modern works. Although it’s hardly unknown, the museum has managed to stay relatively under the radar and wandering through the six exhibition spaces even on weekends is a stress-free affair. Take in the sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy at your own pace, then make your way to one of the most exquisite private gardens in the city.