Japanese Art
Sumida Hokusai Museum•
Opened in 2016 in
Tokyo's Sumida City Ward, the birth place of Katsushika Hokusai, the well-done, fully bilingual
Sumida Hokusai Museum features a permanent exhibition room with Hokusai's works through his life and interesting general information about
ukiyo-e, as well as exhibition space for rotating, temporary exhibitions related to the great painter.
Nezu Museum•
This museum exhibits various Japanese and East Asian works of art with an emphasis on tea related art pieces and ancient Chinese bronzes. It also includes a spacious garden with a pond surrounded by a small forest and several tea houses.
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Reopened in 2007 after a two year renovation, the Idemitsu Museum of Art displays a rotating collection of Japanese and East Asian art. There is also a traditional tea room and a ceramics gallery.
Ota Memorial Museum of Art
This small and elegant museum exhibits selected
ukiyo-e paintings and prints from the vast collection of the late Ota Seizo, which is comprised of more than 10,000 pieces of art. Exhibits are changed monthly.
Modern Art
Hara Museum of Contemporary Art•
This museum has a curious collection of modern art, and exhibits paintings, sculptures, videos and installations by Japanese and international artists. The
Hara Museum ARC, a branch of this museum, is located in
Ikaho. The museum in Tokyo will unfortunately permanently close at the end of 2020.
National Museum of Modern Art•
The National Museum of Modern Art displays works of modern art (from the Meiji Period on) produced by Japanese artists. The museum hosts permanent as well as temporary exhibitions.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is the first museum of its kind dedicated to the works of Kusama Yayoi. Two exhibitions are held each year with curated artworks spread over the four gallery floors. Visitors must make advance online reservations to visit the museum.
Western Art
National Museum of Western Art•
This museum displays Western art, primarily by European artists. There are rotating exhibitions from the museum's collection as well as temporary special exhibitions. The museum is Japan's only building designed by Le Corbusier and has been designated a
World Heritage site alongside a few other buildings designed by the pioneer of modern architecture.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum•
Originally built in 1894 for the Mitsubishi Company as the first Western style office building in the
Marunouchi district, the Ichigokan was reconstructed and opened in 2010 as a museum focusing on 19th century Western art.
Teien Art Museum•
This unique museum stages exhibitions in the former residence of a
prince, built in Art Deco style in the 1930s, and in a modern annex. Exhibitions change periodically and cover various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, tableware and jewelery by mainly European, Russian and Japanese artists. The residence also features a Japanese-style
pond garden.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum•
This museum displays all types of art in its six galleries. There is no permanent collection, but multiple concurrently held temporary exhibitions by various art groups. Some exhibitions are paid, others are free.
Bridgestone Museum of Art
The works displayed at the Bridgestone Museum of Art are from the museum's collection of impressionist, post impressionist, and 20th century artworks, and includes some sculpture and ancient art. The museum is currently closed because the building in which it used to be located was torn down and is being rebuilt.
Roppongi Art Triangle
Mori Museum••
Located on the top floors of the Mori Tower in
Roppongi Hills, this innovative museum hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world.
National Art Center••
Rather than having an own collection, this large governmental art museum hosts various temporary art exhibitions of high profile. Designed by Kurokawa Kisho, the museum was opened in 2007.
Suntory Museum of Art•
The Suntory Museum of Art is located at
Tokyo Midtown inside the Galleria Shopping Mall. The museum shows temporary exhibitions of mixed art styles and periods with the overall theme of showing art in everyday life.
Photography
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, also known as TOP Museum, is located inside
Yebisu Garden Place near the Beer Museum. The exhibits change frequently and include other forms of art besides photography including video and sculpture.
Ratings:
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding