11 Best Museums in Tokyo
Museums in Tokyo offer a diverse range of cultural and artistic experiences. The Tokyo National Museum provides insights into Japan’s history, while MOMAT combines traditional and modern elements.
The Mori Art Museum showcases contemporary works, and the Nezu Museum offers a peaceful atmosphere. teamLab Planets offers an immersive art experience, and the Ghibli Museum allows visitors to explore the world of Miyazaki’s animations.
Each museum in Tokyo has its own unique features, providing a variety of art forms and historical perspectives to discover. Let’s explore!
TL;DR
Hide- Tokyo National Museum offers a comprehensive look at Japan's historical and artistic legacy.
- Nezu Museum provides a tranquil experience with its pre-modern art collection and serene gardens.
- National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo showcases Japan's evolution through modern and contemporary art.
- teamLab Planets delivers an immersive, interactive art experience that engages all the senses.
- Ghibli Museum captivates visitors with its enchanting exhibits and insights into animation artistry.
11 Best Museums in Tokyo Worth to Explore
Tokyo has many museums for different interests like art, history, science, and technology. Each museum provides a distinct experience, catering to various interests such as art, history, science, or popular culture. To avoid missing out, it is recommended to plan ahead and buy tickets in advance for many of these museums.
Some of the best museums to see in Tokyo are:
1. Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum stands as a cultural beacon, showcasing the rich tapestry of Japanese history amidst the lively art scene that flourishes in the city.
The Tokyo National Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s artistic history. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the country’s heritage, showcasing a wide range of artifacts and artworks.
In contrast, other museums in the area, such as the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the Nezu Museum, focus on specific aspects of Japanese art.
The Mori Art Museum, Yayoi Kusama Museum, and teamLab Planets also provide distinct experiences. However, the Tokyo National Museum stands out for its extensive collection, which gives visitors a broad understanding of Japan’s artistic development over time.
Tokyo National Museum Information
- Location: Ueno Park, Taito City
- Highlights: Japan’s largest museum, featuring a vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts, including samurai swords, kimonos, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
- Rating: 4.5
- Review Count: 26,129
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom, on-site parking
2. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
Nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) stands as a beacon of Japan’s artistic evolution and cultural refinement.
Among the best museums in Tokyo, this art museum offers an enthralling glimpse into modern Japanese art, encapsulating the spirit of freedom and creativity.
As visitors wander through its halls, they are treated to an eclectic array of works that span from the early 20th century to contemporary times.
Each exhibit within this Tokyo museum is a reflection of the nation’s rich artistic legacy, inviting onlookers to explore the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo promises an inspiring experience, where art transcends boundaries, celebrating creative expression in all its forms.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) Information
- Location: Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City
- Highlights: Focuses on modern Japanese art from the Meiji period onwards, with a notable collection of ukiyo-e prints.
- Rating: 4.3
- Review Count: 6,530
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom, Wi-Fi
3. Tokyo Nezu Museum
Amidst the urban tapestry of Tokyo, the Nezu Museum emerges as a sanctuary of tranquility and cultural richness. Nestled in the heart of the city, this gem among museums in Tokyo offers an oasis for those seeking a break from bustling streets.
The Nezu Museum, renowned as one of the best Tokyo museums, houses a remarkable collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art. Its exhibitions, ranging from calligraphy to ceremonial tea wares, invite visitors to commence on a journey through time and tradition.
Surrounded by serene gardens, the museum’s setting inspires reflection and freedom, allowing guests to wander amidst lush bamboo groves and koi ponds.
As one of the best museums in Tokyo, it harmonizes art and nature, offering an enchanting, liberated experience.
Tokyo Nezu Museum Information
- Location: Minamiaoyama, Minato City
- Highlights: Features Japanese and East Asian pre-modern art, with a serene garden.
- Rating: 4.5
- Review Count: 5,323
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, wheelchair rental available
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom, Wi-Fi
4. Mori Art Museum
Leaving the tranquil embrace of the Nezu Museum, one finds themselves drawn to another cultural beacon in Tokyo: the Mori Art Museum. High above the bustling city in Roppongi Hills, this contemporary art sanctuary offers visitors a chance to explore the avant-garde.
Its ever-changing exhibitions, featuring both Japanese and international artists, challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination.
The museum’s design itself is a reflection of modern architecture, offering panoramic views that inspire a sense of limitless exploration. A visit here is more than a simple gallery tour; it’s a journey into the depths of human creativity.
As daylight fades, the Tokyo skyline transforms into a tapestry of lights, providing a perfect backdrop to reflect on the boundless possibilities art presents.
Mori Art Museum Information
- Location: Roppongi Hills, Minato City
- Highlights: Contemporary art museum with large-scale installations and a stunning view from the observation deck.
- Rating: Not specified
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom
5. Yayoi Kusama Museum
A lively polka-dotted world awaits visitors at the Yayoi Kusama Museum, a small yet striking institution dedicated to one of Japan’s most iconic contemporary artists.
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s lively Shinjuku district, this museum is a reflection of Kusama’s boundless creativity and unique vision. Visitors are greeted by immersive installations that blur the boundaries between art and life, offering a whimsical escape from the everyday.
The museum showcases Kusama’s evolution, from her early works to her famed infinity rooms, each space pulsating with color and emotion. As patrons wander through this dreamscape, they encounter the boldness of Kusama’s polka dots, each one a symbol of infinite possibilities, inviting them to embrace their own creative freedom.
Yayoi Kusama Museum Information
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Highlights: Dedicated to the works of Yayoi Kusama, known for her vibrant and immersive installations.
- Rating: Not specified
- Accessibility: Not specified
- Amenities: Limited due to small size, tickets must be purchased in advance
6. teamLab Planets
Although many visitors flock to Tokyo for its traditional cultural treasures, teamLab Planets offers a gateway into the city’s lively and futuristic art scene.
Located in Toyosu, this immersive museum transcends the conventional boundaries of art, inviting individuals to break free from passive observation. Here, art becomes an interactive journey, where visitors wade through water, merge with digital blossoms, and tread upon shifting terrains of light.
The exhibits blur the line between spectator and spectacle, creating a fluid harmony between human and environment. This sensory wonderland captures Tokyo’s innovative spirit, offering a liberating space where imagination knows no limits.
For those yearning to explore beyond the static, teamLab Planets presents a transformative experience that redefines the very essence of art.
teamLab Planets Information
- Location: Odaiba, Tokyo
- Highlights: Immersive digital art experience where visitors can interact with installations.
- Rating: Not specified
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Limited, focus on interactive exhibits
7. National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science, a cornerstone of Tokyo’s Ueno Park, stands as a tribute to the city’s dedication to preserving and showcasing the wonders of the natural world.
This institution offers a journey through time and space, where the curious can explore the rich tapestry of life and the cosmos. From the towering dinosaur skeletons that whisper ancient secrets to the interactive exhibits that unravel the mysteries of the human body, visitors are invited to set off on a voyage of discovery.
Amidst the carefully curated displays, the museum reveals insights into Japan’s scientific evolution, highlighting both global influences and indigenous innovations.
Here, the spirit of exploration is palpable, encouraging explorers of all ages to investigate the marvels of science and nature.
National Museum of Nature and Science Information
- Location: Ueno Park, Taito City
- Highlights: Features exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs and a 360-degree movie theater.
- Rating: 4.5
- Review Count: 25,647
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom, Wi-Fi, on-site parking
8. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, while embodying a seamless fusion of art, architecture, and history, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum captivates visitors with its unique charm.
Originally a residence for Prince Asaka in 1933, this Art Deco masterpiece offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Each room tells a story, where intricate details and lavish decor reflect a time when elegance reigned supreme. Surrounded by lush gardens, the museum invites exploration and introspection, providing a serene escape from urban hustle.
Exhibits here transcend traditional boundaries, showcasing contemporary art that challenges and inspires. Seasonal exhibitions guarantee a dynamic experience with each visit, encouraging a renewed curiosity.
A journey through Teien Art Museum is both a cultural embrace and a celebration of artistic freedom.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Information
- Location: Ueno Park, Taito City
- Highlights: Exhibits a wide range of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
- Rating: 4.2
- Review Count: 14,309
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restaurant, restroom
9. Fukagawa Edo Museum
Amidst the lively tapestry of Tokyo’s past and present, the Fukagawa Edo Museum offers an immersive journey into the city’s rich history during the Edo period.
This hidden gem invites explorers to step back in time, wandering through meticulously recreated streets that pulse with echoes of a bygone era. The authenticity of the setting is enchanting, with traditional wooden homes, shops, and even a fire watchtower, capturing the essence of daily life in 17th to 19th-century Tokyo.
Engaging cultural insights are woven into every corner, where visitors are free to touch and interact, breaking the traditional boundaries of museum etiquette.
As daylight filters through, creating shifting shadows, the past whispers its stories. Here, freedom is found in exploration, imagination, and the timeless allure of history.
Fukagawa Edo Museum Information
- Location: Koto City
- Highlights: Focuses on the Edo period, featuring re-created homes and live performances.
- Rating: 4.3
- Review Count: 2,771
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Amenities: Restroom, on-site parking
10. Ghibli Museum
A whimsical gateway to the enchanting worlds of Hayao Miyazaki‘s imagination awaits at the Ghibli Museum, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur seamlessly.
Nestled in Mitaka, Tokyo, this sanctuary of creativity is a reflection of Studio Ghibli’s cinematic magic. Visitors are greeted by a life-sized Totoro, setting the stage for a journey through spiraling staircases and secret nooks.
Each room is a chapter from Miyazaki’s films, inviting exploration and wonder. Interactive exhibits allow guests to experience the meticulous artistry behind the animation process.
The museum café, adorned with Ghibli-inspired decor, offers delightful treats. A rooftop garden, home to a towering robot from “Castle in the Sky,” offers panoramic views, encapsulating the spirit of boundless exploration and imagination.
Ghibli Museum Information
- Location: Mitaka, Tokyo
- Highlights: Dedicated to Studio Ghibli’s animated films, with interactive exhibits.
- Rating: Not specified
- Accessibility: Not specified
- Amenities: Limited, tickets must be purchased in advance
11. 21_21 Design Sight
21_21 Design Sight is a visionary design museum located in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Roppongi district. It was created to inspire visitors to view everyday objects and events from a design perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of design in daily life.
The museum’s name, “21_21,” symbolizes a vision that extends beyond the conventional, looking into the future of design in the 21st century.
The building, designed by Tadao Ando, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. It features a unique hand-sanded steel roof inspired by Issey Miyake’s “A Piece of Cloth” concept. The structure is partially submerged underground to maintain the tranquility of the surrounding environment, blending seamlessly into the park area.
21_21 Design Sight hosts a variety of exhibitions across its galleries, focusing on diverse aspects of design, including graphic, industrial, fashion, and architectural design.
The museum offers immersive experiences through self-directed exhibitions and collaborative projects with both Japanese and international companies. It also provides talks and workshops to engage visitors in the multifaceted world of design.
Accessibility and Amenities
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
- Admission: General admission is 1,400 yen, with variable prices for special exhibitions.
- Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, JCB, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, Alipay.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Amenities: Includes a cafe run by chef Takamasa Uetake and is located near other cultural attractions like Roppongi Hills and the National Art Center, Tokyo.
- Location: Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
- Founders: Architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake
- Opening Year: 2007
Current Directors:
- Taku Satoh
- Naoto Fukasawa
Unique Features:
- The museum’s unique architecture and design-focused exhibitions make it a standout cultural landmark in Tokyo.
- Its location within the Tokyo Midtown complex offers visitors access to a vibrant area filled with art, culture, and nightlife.
Tips and Guide to Visiting Tokyo Museums
Tokyo, Japan features a diverse collection of museums that cover topics such as art, photography, history, science, zoos, aquariums, transportation, commerce, and anime.
For those with limited time, Ueno Park is an excellent choice, as it hosts several top-tier museums in close proximity, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum.
Museum Operations and Access
Generally, Tokyo museums close on a specific day each week, typically Monday, and also during the New Year holidays. If a regular closing day coincides with a national holiday, most museums stay open that day and close the next.
Some museums extend their hours, frequently on Fridays, and may offer free entry to certain exhibitions or on specified days of the month. Visitors can usually enter museums up to 30 minutes before they close.
Visiting Multiple Museums with the Grutto Pass
Those intending to visit multiple museums might consider the Grutto Pass, which is both a convenient and cost-effective option. The pass costs 2500 yen and provides access or reduced entry to roughly 100 museums, zoos, and aquariums in Tokyo.
It is available for purchase annually from April 1 to January 31 and allows single entries to each participating venue, expiring two months after its initial use or on March 31, whichever comes first. The Grutto Pass is obtainable at participating museums or online as an e-ticket.
Wrapping Up: Which Tokyo Museum Do You Like?
Tokyo’s museums are prominent features of the city’s cultural scene, each offering a distinct perspective on art, history, and innovation.
The Tokyo National Museum connects visitors with the past, while the Ghibli Museum provides a playful experience of creativity.
As evening falls over the city, these institutions leave lasting impressions through narratives that continue to engage all who visit.
