Recommended Tokyo Art Museums

Tokyo is up there with the great art cities of the world with many excellent art museums to choose from. We’ve collected the best with information on how to visit each one.

The List: Tokyo’s Recommended Art Museums

From traditional Japanese wood blocks to the most cutting edge digital work, Tokyo buzzes with artistic activity and these collections are often housed in stunning buildings. Click on the place names for more information about each gallery, including information on how to visit.

Nezu Museum

With its stunning architecture, superb art collection, and landscape garden, there’s something to thrill anyone visiting the Nezu Museum in Aoyama.

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

With its striking red-brick facade, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum is an iconic landmark in the Marunouchi area. Even if you don’t attend an exhibition, you can still relax in the garden out front.

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Architecture enthusiasts and lovers of Art Deco should not miss a visit to Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Lovers of gardens and sculpture will also delight at the museum grounds - and the inexpensive entrance fee.

Watari Museum of Contemporary Art

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, head over to the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Gaienmae to check out their latest exhibition - as well as the stunning building that houses all the modern art.

The Sumida Hokusai Museum

The Sumida Hokusai Museum is a small museum dedicated to the master of Japanese wood block prints (think of “The Wave”). It’s interesting, but probably best for serious fans only.

Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills is hardly a secret spot - but it is one of the best contemporary art museums in Tokyo, and has one of the best views of the city to boot.

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

The world of Japanese photography is an exciting, dynamic one - and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro is the place to delve into its depths.

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Shinagawa, the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art houses a strong collection of post-1950s art including works by Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, and Mark Rothko. It’s a must-visit for fans of art, and a lovely green respite from urban Tokyo to boot.

teamLab Borderless

Tokyo’s newest, hottest museum is dedicated entirely to digital art, and it’s the first of its kind. The displays are immersive and highly Instagrammable.

Suntory Museum of Art

For lovers of traditional Japanese art, there are few better museums in Tokyo. View the best of arts ranging from lacquerware to glass at the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi.

The National Museum of Western Art

Traveling to Japan just to visit… the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno? With an excellent collection of works including painters from Monet and Van Gogh to Pollock and Picasso, this is an institution art lovers won’t want to miss.

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Art Museum

Though small and unassuming, the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Art Museum in Harajuku is a gem of a museum for Japanese art lovers. Fans of woodblock prints will find much to delight them here.

Toguri Museum of Art

Located in a charming, quiet neighborhood in Shibuya, the Toguri Museum of Art is a must-visit for those interested in Asian ceramics - particularly old porcelain.

Idemitsu Museum of Arts

With an impressive 15,000 works of art in their private collection, there’s always something new to see at the Idemitsu Museum of Arts in Marunouchi.

Bunkamura The Museum

Shibuya isn’t just all about the shopping or clubbing. Get your art and culture fix at the excellent Bunkamura The Museum.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno holds fabulous exhibitions featuring Japanese and non-Japanese art. Just make sure you know which gallery you’re heading to.

National Art Center Tokyo

The Kurosawa Kishō-designed National Art Center Tokyo in Roppongi may be best known for its architecture, but the special exhibitions there are no less impressive. If you’re short on cash, check out the free exhibitions instead.

Ginza Graphic Gallery

Art galleries abound in Ginza, but the Ginza Graphic Gallery is the only one in the neighbourhood specializing entirely in graphic design. Worth a visit for design geeks.

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