Tokyo Museum Guide 2024: Must-see Art & Tradition Museums

Tokyo is one of the world's leading metropolises, a captivating city where history and modernity coexist. With traditional culture spanning approximately 400 years alongside cutting-edge technology and art, this city brings together people and elements from all genres.

As a gathering place for diverse individuals, culture and art naturally converge here, continuously evolving within Tokyo. As a result, the city hosts countless cultural facilities and content, including museums, art galleries, and exhibitions by art universities.

In this guide, we'll introduce carefully selected museums and facilities where you can enjoy and learn about Japanese traditional culture during your visit to Tokyo.

Tokyo: A Hub of Museums Housing World-Class Art Collections

Tokyo, Japan's center of politics, economy, and culture, is home to numerous museums and art galleries showcasing globally significant artworks and historically valuable collections.

The Tokyo Museum district around Ueno Park features several distinctive facilities within walking distance, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Additionally, the Roppongi area houses the Mori Art Museum, known for its innovative contemporary art, and the Mitsui Memorial Museum, which fuses Japanese tradition with innovation.

This concentration of diverse cultural facilities makes Tokyo a proud center of Japanese artistic culture.

Rich in Traditional Cultural Museums and Anime Experience Facilities Unique to Tokyo

Tokyo offers abundant facilities where visitors can fully experience Japanese traditional culture and anime appeal.

For instance, the Edo Tokyo Museum, a premier traditional cultural facility, features life-sized recreations of Japanese streetscapes from 300-400 years ago, allowing visitors to tangibly experience the lives of people from that era. At The Japanese Sword Museum, visitors can closely appreciate Japanese swords (Nihonto), which combine functional weaponry with artistic beauty, showcasing impressive craftsmanship.

The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka faithfully recreates the world of Director Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece animations, offering an immersive experience as if stepping into the works themselves.

Tokyo uniquely combines the appeal of time-honored traditions with its role as a source of new cultural developments.

Three Must-Visit Museums in Tokyo

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Established in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest museum, carrying out the crucial mission of "collecting, researching, and restoring national treasures."

Comprising seven exhibition buildings including the Honkan (Main Building), Heiseikan, Toyokan (Asian Gallery), and Horyuji Homotsukan (Gallery of Horyuji Treasures), it houses Japan's finest collection in both quality and quantity.

Exhibition highlights include collections spanning from ancient times to contemporary Japanese art. Particularly impressive is the evolution of Buddhist statue expressions through time, from the powerful and dignified statues of the 6th century to the elegant and approachable expressions of the 12th century, reflecting each era's aesthetic sensibilities and spirituality.

With comprehensive English explanations, it's highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese art.

Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Extended to 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, open on the holiday and closed the following weekday)
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/

TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM (Tokyo Museum)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum opened in 1926 in Ueno Park as Japan's first public art museum.

Under the concept of being "a gateway to art," it aims to be a place where anyone can experience art. Through special exhibitions and curated shows, it introduces outstanding artworks from both Japan and abroad.

The museum often hosts special exhibitions featuring works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Monet, always drawing large crowds.

The architecture itself is one of the highlights of this Tokyo Museum. I particularly recommend the Public Gallery building designed by Kunio Maekawa, a master of Japanese modernist architecture.

The building's interior walls, constructed in slightly offset sections, are painted in red, blue, yellow, and green. At night, these colorful walls create a striking display through the glass facade. I encourage you to see for yourself how the architectural beauty transforms from day to night.

Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Fridays during special exhibitions: 9:30-20:00)
Closed: 1st and 3rd Mondays (next day if holiday)
Phone: 03-3823-6921
Official Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/

THE NATIONAL ART CENTER (Tokyo Museum)

The National Art Center opened in 2007 and is one of Japan's largest museums with 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. Following the concept of "museum in the forest," the building is surrounded by numerous trees.

What impressed me most was the wave-like glass curtain wall and the distinctive conical main entrance. The innovative design by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa is an artwork in itself.

A unique feature of this Tokyo Museum is that it doesn't maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it offers new artistic encounters through temporary exhibitions and juried art shows.

The National Art Center provides a luxurious experience surrounded by both art and nature, despite being in the heart of the city.

Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Fridays and Saturdays during exhibitions: until 20:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (open if holiday, closed following weekday)
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.nact.jp/

EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM (Tokyo Museum)

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a facility where visitors can experience Tokyo's history from the Edo period to the present. The Edo period refers to an era approximately 400 years ago when "Edo" (present-day Tokyo) flourished as a center of unique traditional culture and urban life.

The exhibitions showcase Tokyo's development from the Edo period to modern times. What moved me most was the life-sized recreation of "Nihonbashi" bridge. This bridge was a symbolic landmark where many travelers crossed during the Edo period. Visitors can walk on the model and experience the feelings of people from that era.

The museum also features large-scale models of Edo townscapes and dioramas depicting common people's lives, offering immersive historical experiences. While currently closed for renovation, it will welcome visitors with even more engaging exhibitions when it reopens in 2025.

Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hours: TBD
Closed: TBD
Phone: 03-3626-9974
Official Website: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/

SHITAMACHI MUSEUM (Tokyo Museum)

The Shitamachi Museum aims to preserve and pass down the culture of "shitamachi" (downtown), showcasing life in Tokyo's traditional working-class neighborhoods from 1600 to the 1960s.

The shitamachi area, once a bustling commercial center, was characterized by warm community ties, resource conservation, and intergenerational connections. The museum preserves these important memories of common people's history for future generations.

The most distinctive feature of this Tokyo Museum is that visitors can touch most exhibits. You can handle toys that children played with in the past and try using historical household items. This hands-on experience allows visitors to learn about the lifestyle and wisdom of shitamachi residents.

It's a precious space where you can experience elements of Japanese life that are gradually disappearing in today's digital and modern Japan, such as face-to-face relationships, craftsmen's skills, and traditional wisdom.

Address: 2-1 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30-16:30
Closed: Mondays (next weekday if holiday)
Phone: 03-3823-7451
Official Website: https://www.taitogeibun.net/shitamachi/

Sword Museum (Token Museum)

The Sword Museum, a specialized Tokyo Museum, is dedicated to introducing Japanese "Touken" (swords). Under the concept of promoting Japanese sword culture, it displays and preserves precious sword collections.

Japanese swords are not merely weapons; they have a rich history of being revered as objects of faith and artistic masterpieces. This museum presents the allure of Japanese swords, which embody both craftsmen's techniques and spirit, in an easily understandable manner. The exhibition of sword-making methods offers a unique opportunity to learn about Japanese traditional techniques that have been passed down for over 1,300 years.

The museum also hosts etiquette courses where visitors can learn proper handling and appreciation methods for Japanese swords. Understanding how to appreciate these swords enables a deeper comprehension of Japanese traditional culture. Once you experience their beauty, you'll surely be captivated by their charm.

Address: 1-12-9 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
Closed: Mondays (Open on holidays, closed the following Tuesday)
Phone: 03-6284-1000
Official Website: https://www.touken.or.jp/museum/

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, another distinctive Tokyo Museum, displays everyday items created by anonymous craftsmen, including pottery, textiles, Urushi (lacquerware) vessels, and wooden and bamboo household items from across Japan. While not expensive art pieces, these exhibits showcase tools and items used in daily life.

A unique feature of the exhibition is that items are selected purely for their beauty, regardless of their history or creators. There are no explanatory texts for the displays, as visitors are encouraged to carefully observe each item and appreciate the beauty conveyed through their forms, colors, and textures.

The unpretentious beauty inherent in everyday tools offers a different appeal from glamorous artworks. Visitors can experience the simple, warm aesthetics nurtured in Japanese daily life.

Address: 4-3-33 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Hours of operation: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day)
Telephone number: 03-3467-4527
Official website: https://mingeikan.or.jp/

Local Favorites: Two Popular Tokyo Museums

Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum, a contemporary Tokyo Museum located on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills - a major complex featuring offices, shops, and residences - specializes in contemporary art.

Under the concept of "placing art above offices," the museum hosts international art exhibitions that reflect contemporary society and culture.

The exhibitions are held in a curated format, featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists and promising emerging talents. Visitors can appreciate diverse forms of contemporary art, including not only paintings and sculptures but also photography and video installations.

From the museum, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower and Odaiba. Evening visits are especially recommended. You can spend a luxurious time relaxing while enjoying both the beautifully illuminated night view and art.

Please note that the museum is closed between exhibitions, so check the official website for opening status before visiting.

Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 53F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 10:00-22:00
Tuesday 10:00-17:00
Closed: Between exhibitions
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.mori.art.museum/jp/

Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum displays Japanese and Oriental art collections amassed by businessman Nezu Kaichiro. The Tokyo Museum showcases high-quality collections under the concept of creating a space where gardens, architecture, and artworks unite, aiming to harmonize tradition with modernity. The museum hosts seven exhibitions annually, each featuring different themes and various fields of ancient art.

The Japanese garden (Nihon Teien) adjacent to the museum best embodies this concept. A Japanese garden is a traditional garden that expresses natural landscapes in miniature. Despite being in the heart of the city, this garden makes visitors feel as if they've stepped into another world.

The Japanese garden, which offers seasonal views throughout the year, is also a beloved relaxation spot for locals. We invite you to enjoy both the traditional art collections and the Japanese garden while spending a peaceful time here.

Address: 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays (When Monday is a holiday, closed the following Tuesday)
Phone: 03-3400-2536
Official website: https://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/

Three Facilities to Enjoy Contemporary Art and Japanese Pop Culture

Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, opened in 1995 within Kiba Park, is a museum specializing in contemporary art. With the concept of being "a museum as casual as a park," it houses approximately 5,000 contemporary artworks. Visitors can enjoy diverse expressions by renowned domestic and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and video works.

The highlight of this Tokyo Museum is its open space where art intersects with daily life. The glass-walled building is surrounded by greenery, and after viewing the art, visitors can relax in the courtyard or terrace, or enjoy reading from the library's collection of 280,000 art-related books.

The museum's café and shop are well-equipped, making it an urban oasis where you can spend leisurely time surrounded by art.

Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-5245-4111
Official website: https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is a museum where you can experience the world of Studio Ghibli, Japan's leading animation studio. The entire building expresses the worldview of the studio that has created heartwarming works like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away."

Under the concept "Let's get lost together," the space features spiral staircases and elevated corridors that make you feel like you've wandered into an animated world.

With many unique features not found in other museums, visitors can experience being the protagonist of their own story. Even those who aren't Ghibli fans will surely become enchanted by the Ghibli world.

The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is a heartwarming museum enjoyable for both children and adults. Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance through the internet.

Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 0570-055777
Official website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM is a new type of Tokyo Museum where visitors can experience a fully immersive digital art world with their entire body.

The exhibition is divided into two areas: the "Water Area" and the "Garden Area." Visitors can enjoy fantastical images reflected on water surfaces while wading knee-deep in water, and experience an infinite world of light in mirrored spaces.

What I found particularly impressive was the artwork called "Soft Black Hole." The floors and walls are filled with soft cushions, creating a mysterious space that changes in response to the movements of yourself and others. By becoming one with the art, you can experience a sensation where the boundaries between yourself and the world become blurred.

You'll likely lose track of time as you become absorbed in this presentation that engages all five senses.

Address: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 9:00 - 22:00
Closed: October 17, November 7, December 2-13
Phone: None
Official website: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/planets/