There are so many museums in Tokyo. Tokyo is the center of Japanese culture and art, and is home to a wide variety of art galleries and museums. Museum hopping is a great way to deeply understand Tokyo’s rich culture and history. These institutions range from grand, historical museums like the Tokyo National Museum, which houses vast collections of traditional Japanese art and artifacts, to cutting-edge contemporary art spaces like the Mori Art Museum and the digital art wonderlands of teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets.
Visitors can explore the evolution of Japanese art, experience interactive and immersive exhibits, and enjoy serene garden settings. Each museum offers a unique perspective, whether it’s the deep historical insights at the Edo-Tokyo Museum or the modern and international art collections at the National Art Center, Tokyo. Furthermore, Tokyo’s museums often host special exhibitions that bring world-renowned artworks and artifacts to the city, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
In essence, Tokyo’s museums are a testament to the city’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, making them must-visit destinations for anyone looking to truly appreciate the depth and diversity of Japanese culture and art.
Major Museums
Tokyo National Museum
The oldest museum in Japan, featuring an extensive collection that covers Japanese history and culture.
Opening : 9:30 to 17:00
Closed :Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Adults :JPY 1000 | -18, + 70 :Free
The National Art Center, Tokyo
A unique museum without a permanent collection, hosting various special exhibitions.
Opening : 10:00 to 18:00
Closed : Tuesdays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Depending on the exhibition
Mori Art Museum
Focuses on contemporary art and offers a stunning view of Tokyo from the Roppongi Hills observation deck.
Opening : 10:00 to 22:00 (Tuesdays until 17:00)
Closed : Irregular holidays
Admission: Adults :JPY 2000- | +65 : JPY 1700 –
Specialized Museums
Suntory Museum of Art
Specializes in traditional Japanese crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles.
Opening : 10:00 to 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
Closed : Tuesdays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Depending on the exhibition
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Chronicles the history and culture of Tokyo from the Edo period to the present with life-sized replicas and interactive displays.
Closed : All buildings will be closed from April 1, 2022 to the end of 2025 (tentative)
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Focuses on photography and moving images.
Opening : 10:00 to 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
Closed : Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Depending on the exhibition
The Japanese Sword Museum
Dedicated to Japanese swords and related artifacts.
Opening : 9:30 to 17:00
Closed : Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Adults :JPY 1000 | -15 : Free
Private Museums
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
Features Western art from the 19th to early 20th centuries in a restored red-brick building.
Closed : All buildings will be closed for a blackout period from April 10, 2023 to fall 2024.
Admission: Depending on the exhibition
Nezu Museum
Displays Japanese and East Asian antiques and art, with a beautiful garden in Omotesando.
Opening : 10:00 to 17:00
Closed : Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Depending on the exhibition
Gotoh Museum
Showcases Japanese and East Asian ancient art, complemented by a large garden.
Opening : 10:00 to 17:00
Closed : Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Adults : JPY1100
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Exhibits Japanese and East Asian art, renowned for its calligraphy and ceramics collections.
Opening : 9:30 to 17:00 (Fridays until 19:00)
Closed : Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission: Adults :JPY 1200
Digital Art Museums
teamLab Planets
Located in Toyosu, it features a body-immersive digital art experience.
Opening : 9:00 to 22:00
Closed : Irregular holidays
Admission: Depends on the time of year
teamLab Borderless
Previously located in Odaiba, teamLab Borderless has now relocated to Azabu, offering an immersive and interactive digital art experience.
Opening : Depends on the time of year
Closed : Irregular holidays
Admission: Depends on the time of year
Others
Tokyo Toy Museum
Located in Shinjuku, it displays traditional and global toys, with interactive play areas.
Opening : 10:00 to 16:00
Closed : Thursdays
Admission: Adults :JPY 1300
Artizon Museum
Artizon Museum is a modern art museum in Tokyo, showcasing a diverse collection of Western and Eastern art from ancient to contemporary periods.
Opening : 10:00 to 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
Closed : Mondays
Admission: Depending on the exhibition (Reservation required)
Tobacco and Salt Museum
Explores the history and culture of tobacco and salt.
Opening : 10:00 to 17:00
Closed : Mondays
Admission: Adults :JPY 100
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Features Art Deco architecture and beautiful gardens, hosting various special exhibitions.
Opening : 10:00 to 18:00
Closed : Mondays
Admission: Adults :JPY 1400 | +65 : JPY 700
Matsuoka Museum of Art
Displays a wide range of art, from ancient Oriental art to contemporary pieces.
Opening : 10:00 to 17:00
Closed : Mondays
Admission: Adults :JPY 1200 | -25 : JPY 500
Comments