23 Best Tokyo Art Museums and Art Galleries to Visit

Exploring Tokyo’s art scene is an immersive experience with a myriad of art museums and galleries scattered throughout the metropolis, each filled with treasures of art and aesthetics. From traditional Japanese art to contemporary design, and even digital and animated artistic expressions, it is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts to discover. 

Table of Contents

1. [Ueno] Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum / The National Museum of Western Art / The Ueno Royal Museum
2. [Roppongi] The National Art Center Tokyo, Mori Art Museum, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
3. [Shinjuku] Yayoi Kusama Museum
4. [Shibuya] Bunkamura
5. [Harajuku] Ota Memorial Museum of Art
6. [Omotesando] Nezu Museum
7. [Ebisu] Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
8. [Marunouchi] Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
9. [Tokyo Station] Tokyo Station Gallery
10. [Kiyosumi Shirakawa] Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
11. [Azabudai] teamLab Borderless / [Toyosu] teamLab Planets
12. [Mitaka] Ghibli Museum
13. [Ginza] Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, POLA MUSEUM ANNEX
14. [Nihonbashi] Artizon Museum
15. [Ryogoku] Sumida Hokusai Museum
16. [Shirokanedai] Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
17. [Toshimaen] Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Without further ado, here are 23 best Tokyo art museums and art galleries to get you started on your journey for art! 

[Ueno] Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum / The National Museum of Western Art / The Ueno Royal Museum

Our first recommendation is Ueno where many art museums are gathered. In addition to being a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring, the lush green Ueno Park also houses 3 art museums, each with its own theme. 

• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (東京都美術館) displays famous works of art from Japan and overseas.
• National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館) specialises in collections of Western artworks. 
• Ueno Royal Museum (上野の森美術館) often holds events like art and calligraphy exhibitions, and retrospective exhibitions for local and foreign artists. 

It takes a full day to explore all the museums. When you are tired, you can rest and enjoy nature in the park. In the evening, you can visit nearby Ameyokocho to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of Shitamachi and discover a different side of Japan. 

[Roppongi] The National Art Center Tokyo, Mori Art Museum, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

Different from Ueno’s simple but beautiful atmosphere, the National Art Center Tokyo (国立新美術館) in Roppongi will amaze you just from the building’s architecture! It is currently the art museum with the largest floor space in Japan. Designed by famous Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho (黑川 紀章), it is based on the concept of “an art museum in the forest”. The entire exterior is made of glass and the building is surrounded by gardens. Various large-scale exhibitions are often held here, such as the Pierre Bonnard exhibition, the Turkish Treasures exhibition, etc. 

In addition to that, there are art museums in Roppongi that focus on modern art, such as the Mori Art Museum (森美術館) located in Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. This art museum, located on the 53rd floor, offers not just modern art exhibitions, but also a panoramic view of Tokyo. 

Also, at Roppongi Midtown, there is a design museum jointly created by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake. Trendy modern art works and designs are exhibited at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT.

[Shinjuku] Yayoi Kusama Museum

Speaking of Japanese artists, Yayoi Kusama (弥生 草間) comes to mind for many people. Her outstanding polka dot pumpkin design entrances people into taking photos, even if they are not interested in art. Yayoi Kusama often holds art exhibitions around the world, but in Shinjuku, there is a permanent facility, the Yayoi Kusama Museum (弥生草間美術館). The museum holds exhibits with different themes from time to time, displaying Yayoi Kusama’s different works. If you want to experience Yayoi Kusama’s extraordinary art with your own eyes, remember to reserve tickets in advance! 

[Shibuya] Bunkamura 

In Shibuya, a city known as a commercial paradise where young people frequent, in addition to experiencing Japanese fashion and pop culture, there are also art museums. Heading towards Dogenzaka, there is a facility, the Bunkamura, that combines a concert hall, theater stage, art museum, and movie theater. The Bunkamura Museum of Art mainly displays Western paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, but also holds various exhibitions for masterpieces from overseas art museums, art by female artists, and photography. When shopping in Shibuya, pay attention to what art exhibitions are being held! 

[Harajuku] Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Want to admire traditional Japanese art Ukiyo-e? Visit the Ota Memorial Museum of Art (太田記念美術館) in Harajuku. Ukiyo-e is a form of painting art that became popular during the Edo period. It consists of colour-printed woodblock prints depicting people’s daily lives, landscapes, and dramas. The Ota Memorial Art Museum’s main exhibit contains more than 14,000 works from the early to late stage of Ukiyo-e. The exhibit changes every month according to different themes. It is a rare opportunity to appreciate Ukiyo-e. 

[Omotesando] Nezu Museum

Nezu Museum (根津美術館) is located in Minami Aoyama, a quiet part of Minami Ward. It has over 7,400 pieces of Japanese and East Asian art in its collection, as well as a vast Japanese garden. In addition to appreciating the art pieces, you can also take a walk and admire the beauty of a traditional Japanese garden. 

[Ebisu] Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

Museums dedicated to photography are rare, but right here in Tokyo, there’s one. The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (東京都写真美術館) that is dedicated to photography and video can be found in Yebisu Garden Place. The art museum’s permanent exhibition displays more than 35,000 photographs, and holds different themed exhibitions. There is also a cinema showcasing video works by Japanese artists. Photography enthusiasts, don’t miss this opportunity!

[Marunouchi] Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

Marunouchi is located between the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and Tokyo Station. It is a bustling commercial town with many international brand-name shops and a high-class atmosphere. Among the many facilities is the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum (三菱一号館美術館), whose building design reflects architecture from the Meiji period. 

The museum mainly displays modern art from the 19th century. In addition to the art gallery, there are also cafes, bars, souvenir shops, and history information rooms. This is also the filming location for the famous Japanese drama, “Hanzawa Naoki (半沢直樹)”, released in 2013. When appreciating the art, don’t forget to take a look at the building's architecture as well. 

[Tokyo Station] Tokyo Station Gallery

Image from PR Times.

The Tokyo Station Gallery was first established in 1988 in the old Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building that was designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo (辰野 金吾). The art gallery was established in the hopes of making Tokyo Station not just a place for passersby but a place full of culture. 

They have held more than 100 exhibitions of different types, covering a wide range of topics from modern art to railways, architecture, modern design, and more, but only one at a time. You can drop by and see what interesting exhibitions are being held when you are transferring or waiting for the train or bus to learn more about Japanese artists and their works. 

[Kiyosumi Shirakawa] Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Kiyosumi Shirakawa, a Shitamachi district, has become a popular cultural area in recent years with many cafes and stores popping up, including the the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (東京都現代美術館). After renovation, the art museum reopened in March 2019, displaying various modern art collections and holding themed exhibitions. Come and spend an afternoon, taking a walk, feeling the artistic atmosphere, and spending a leisurely time. 

[Azabudai] teamLab Borderless / [Toyosu] teamLab Planets 

Image from PR Times.

Looking for something different? teamLab Borderless, which was previously in Odaiba, is reopening in Tokyo’s newest commercial complex plaza Azabudai that can be found between Roppongi and Toranomon in Minato-ku. teamLab is not just a museum but an experience of digital art made with new technology. The team behind teamLab specialises in using light projection and music to create various scenes that transports visitors into another dimension. 

teamLab Borderless is scheduled to open on February 9, 2024 (Friday). Advance tickets are available to purchase. 

There is actually another teamLab semi-permanent facility in Tokyo, teamLab Planets in Toyosu. As of January 2024, according to their website, the deadline, which had previously been 2023, has been extended to the end of 2027. That means until then, there will be 2 teamLab facilities in Tokyo! Why not visit them both and see how they differ? 

Not sure what to expect at teamLab? Here’s a detailed walkthrough of teamLab Planets Tokyo by a WeXpats member. 

[Mitaka] Ghibli Museum 

Japanese animation and anime have reached new heights of fame in recent years with worldwide popular animation films like “Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)” and “Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko)”, but still the most well-known films are classic Ghibli animations.

The Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館) in Mitaka shows the production process of Studio Ghibli’s films, original works and animation, and reproductions of places and characters from fan-favourite Ghibli movies such as beloved troll Totoro and the giant Laputian robot. It is a museum where everyone of all ages can enjoy.

[Ginza] Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, POLA MUSEUM ANNEX

In Ginza, known as a luxury shopping paradise with many big-name branded stores, you can also feel the love for art! Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is a unique museum that combines a goldfish aquarium and an art gallery. There are more than 70 different species of goldfish in the museum. The beautiful characteristics of the goldfish are matched with lighting, fragrance, and sound to create a magical space. They hold limited time special exhibitions that represent the seasons so visitors can feel the changes in Japan’s spring, summer, autumn and winter by visiting at different times.

Another art museum in Ginza, the POLA MUSEUM ANNEX, is operated by beauty and health with a focus on cosmetics company, POLA ORBIS HOLDINGS INC. With the aim of helping people in Ginza hone their sense of beauty and sensibility through art, they allow free entry into the art museum as well as other special exhibitions held throughout the year. The museum’s exhibition covers a variety of art works from the POLA collection to contemporary art. 

[Nihonbashi] Artizon Museum

The quaint Nihonbashi area in Tokyo hides a modern art museum that opened its doors in recent years. The name “ARTIZON” is an original word that combines “Art” and “Horizon”, which represents the hope that more people can feel the artistic horizon of the pioneering era. 

This is a new art museum concept that aims to provide a “creative experience”. It covers a broad vision from ancient art, Impressionism, modern Japanese painting, modern Japanese-Western painting, 20th century art, to modern art. The collection includes about 3,000 works from ancient to modern art, with Impressionism and modern Japanese-Western paintings as the main themes, showing a variety of artistic opinions. 

The Artizon Museum has free entry for students and a cafe so many young Japanese people enjoy visiting.

[Ryogoku] Sumida Hokusai Museum

The Sumida Hokusai Museum (すみだ北斎美術館) is dedicated to, perhaps, the most famous Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾 北斎). Referred to as just Hokusai, he is one of the greatest figures in the history of Japanese art. His most popular Ukiyo-e pieces are the “Great Wave of Kanagawa” and “The Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”. Admire many of his finest works that left an impact on the art world in this museum.

While you are there, take the time to explore the Ryogoku area where the museum is located. Ryogoku is a city in Tokyo known as the “Home of Sumo”. Not only is the Ryogoku Kokugikan (National Sumo Arena) here, but there are sumo statues all over the city. There are also sumo stables you can visit, and chanko nabe (the staple diet of sumo wrestlers) restaurants to dine at. 

[Shirokanedai] Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum (東京都庭園美術館) uses the previous residence of Prince Asaka that was completed in 1933. The building itself is worthy of appreciation. The main building, main entrance and tea room are designated as nationally important cultural properties. There is also a grand green garden and lawn.

The art museum often holds exhibitions of paintings, crafts, and modern art. It also has a restaurant and cafe so dine and take in the ambience of the unique art space. Enjoy the spread of delicious food and luscious cakes while enjoying the scenery of the museum’s green garden. 

[Toshimaen] Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo can be considered a museum dedicated to J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast films. Similar to the Ghibli Museum, visitors are given the opportunity to look behind-the-scenes and see how the films were produced. There are areas dedicated to learning about the movie’s soundtrack production, magical creatures creation and animation, costume design, set and props production, etc. There is also an area dedicated to looking back on the film series. While not a conventional museum, it commemorates the achievements and memorabilia of the films. 

To Close

This concludes our coverage of what we think are the best Tokyo art museums and art galleries you should visit. There are many more such establishments in Japan, and possibly more than in the future! The next time you visit, try going on an art experience to see a different side of Japan.