Are you planning a trip to Tokyo? After visiting several cities in Japan, we found that Tokyo left the strongest impression on us with its diverse museum experiences. The city harmoniously blends traditional Japanese art with cutting-edge contemporary expressions, offering something for every art lover.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 art museums in Tokyo, each offering a unique experience for your trip. These must-see destinations are perfect for anyone looking to explore Tokyo's creative side. Don’t forget to save this article for your Tokyo trip!
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
01. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
Image Courtesy: The National Art Center, Tokyo.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is Japan's first national art museum, situated in central Tokyo near the Imperial Palace. It holds one of Japan's largest art collections, with over 13,000 pieces, including National Important Cultural Properties. The museum showcases Japanese masterpieces from the late 19th century to the present, alongside notable works from abroad. The MOMAT Collection, displayed across multiple floors, offers a unique overview of Japanese art history spanning over a century. In addition to its permanent collection, MOMAT hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring both Japanese and international artists.
▸ Address:
- 3-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8322
▸ Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥500
- University Students: ¥250
- Additional fees may apply for special exhibitions.
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Open on Mondays if it’s a public holiday, but closed the following day.
▸ Extended Hours:
- Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
▸ Closed:
- Mondays (Except when it's a public holiday)
- New Year holidays
- During exhibition changeovers
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
02. Mori Art Museum
Image Courtesy: Mori Art Museum.
The Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo. Since its opening in 2003, the museum has been a prominent destination for modern art and contemporary art, offering a global perspective on artistic expression. It focuses on thought-provoking exhibitions that span various media, from paintings and sculptures to installations and video art, often featuring both Japanese and international artists. Its high-rise location provides not only a unique space for art but also stunning panoramic views of Tokyo.
▸ Address:
- 53F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
▸ Admission Fee:
- Fees vary depending on the exhibition.
- Tickets often include access to the Tokyo City View observation deck.
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission: 30 minutes before closing)
- Open until 5:00 PM on Tuesdays (Last admission: 4:30 PM)
▸ Closed:
- The museum may close temporarily for exhibition changeovers and during the New Year holidays. Check the official website for updated closure dates.
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
03. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Photo by Masaya Yoshimura.
If you are a fan of design or architecture, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is a must-visit destination. Opened in spring 2007 in Tokyo, this design museum is dedicated to exploring the role of design in everyday life. It was founded by renowned designers Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa, with the building designed by the celebrated architect Tadao Ando. Issey Miyake also served as a director of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT.
Located in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, the museum aims to broaden the public’s understanding of design and inspire creativity. It hosts thought-provoking exhibitions that span a wide range of design fields, including industrial design, fashion, graphics, and product design. These exhibitions often challenge conventional perspectives on the function and purpose of design.
The building itself is a work of art, featuring Tadao Ando’s signature minimalist style, with large glass facades and concrete structures that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy not only the exhibitions but also the serene and thoughtfully designed environment of the museum.
▸ Address:
- 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
▸ Admission Fee:
- General: ¥1,400
- University Students: ¥800
- High School Students: ¥500
- Junior High School Students and younger: Free
- Additional charges may apply for special exhibitions.
▸ Opening Hours:
- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission: 6:30 PM)
▸ Closed:
- Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a public holiday, the museum remains open and closes the following day)
- New Year Holidays (December 27 - January 3)
- During exhibition installation periods
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
04. Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is located in Shinjuku Ward.
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the work of the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Located in the Shinjuku Ward, in the western suburbs of Tokyo, the museum opened in 2017. The five-floor building was designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kume Sekkei. The museum aims to immerse visitors in Kusama's vibrant world of art, characterized by her iconic polka dots, infinity rooms, and mesmerizing installations. As a pioneer of contemporary art, Kusama’s work spans various media, including painting, sculpture, performance, and installation art.
The museum showcases a rotating selection of Kusama's artwork, along with special exhibitions that explore different aspects of her artistic journey. Since the museum admits only 200 visitors per day based on timed tickets, it is essential to make a reservation on the museum's website if it is on your "must-visit" list.
▸ Address:
- 107 Bentencho Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0851
▸ Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1,100
- Children aged 6 to 18: ¥600
▸ Opening Hours:
- 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursdays to Sundays and National Holidays
▸ Closed:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
▸ Note:
- All tickets must be purchased in advance online. Entry is timed and valid for a specific 90-minute time slot.
- Tickets go on sale at 10 AM (Japan Time) on the first day of each month for entry in the month after next (e.g., tickets for December 1 through December 24 go on sale on October 1).
- The museum shop is only accessible to exhibition ticket holders.
- There is no designated waiting area for visitors arriving before their admission time. Please refrain from arriving at the museum prior to your scheduled time.
- The Yayoi Kusama Museum does not have parking facilities for cars, motorcycles, or bicycles. Public transportation is recommended.
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
05. Nezu Museum
Image Courtesy: The Nezu Museum via Facebook.
The Nezu Museum was established to preserve and showcase the remarkable collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art amassed by Nezu Kaichirō (1860-1940). Kaichirō, a businessman known for his role as president of the Tōbu Railway Co., Ltd., was born in Yamanashi and developed an early passion for art. After moving to Tokyo in 1898, he excelled as a businessman and politician, expanding his interests to include education. His dedication to the "way of tea" further fueled his enthusiasm for collecting art, and his bold, adventurous approach became legendary. Importantly, Kaichirō viewed his collection not as a private treasure but as a shared cultural resource meant for the enjoyment of the public.
Following Kaichirō's untimely death, his son, Kaichirō Jr., established a foundation in 1940 to safeguard the collection. The following year, he opened the Nezu Museum at its current location, which had previously been the Nezu family residence. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum is set within a tranquil garden that embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics. The museum's collection features a diverse range of artworks, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, calligraphy, and exquisite ancient artifacts.
▸ Address:
- 6-5-1, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062
▸ Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥1,400
- High School Students and above: ¥1,100
- Free for junior high school students and younger
- A ¥200 discount is available for holders of a Disability Certificate and their attendants
- Timed-entry tickets purchased online are cheaper
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entrance at 4:30 PM)
- These hours apply to the Galleries, Museum Shop, NEZUCAFÉ, and Garden
▸ Closed:
- Mondays
- During exhibition installations
- During the New Year holiday period
- When a national holiday falls on a Monday, the museum will be open that Monday and closed the following Tuesday
▸ Note:
- Pets are not allowed in the museum building or grounds, except for assistance dogs.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in all areas of the museum, garden, and parking.
- Please refrain from using photographic equipment and talking on your cell phone in the galleries.
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
06. The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT)
Image Courtesy: The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT).
The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT) was established in 2007 with the mission of fostering a new culture that promotes mutual understanding and inclusion through the power of art. Located in Tokyo's Roppongi district, the building was designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa and features a striking wave-like glass façade and spacious, light-filled interiors, creating a welcoming space for art appreciation.
As one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan, NACT takes a unique approach compared to other national art museums—it does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, its flexibility allows it to host a wide range of temporary exhibitions across various art forms, including contemporary art, classical works, design, and photography. This versatility makes NACT a dynamic cultural destination, offering visitors a fresh experience with each visit.
▸ Address:
- 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558, Japan
▸ Admission Fee:
- Fees vary depending on the exhibition. Please check the official website for specific details.
- Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
▸ Closed:
- Tuesdays (If a national holiday falls on a Tuesday, the museum will open on that day and close on the following working day)
- During exhibition changeovers
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
07. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Image Courtesy: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.
If you have a passion for old-fashioned elegance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is an ideal art destination. Originally built in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, the building beautifully blends Art Deco style with traditional Japanese elements. In 1983, this former residence—already a work of art—was transformed into a unique museum, where its ornate rooms now host exhibitions surrounded by lush gardens.
The main building, designed by the Works Bureau of the Imperial Household Ministry, features interiors by renowned Art Deco artists like Henri Rapin and René Lalique, making it a standout example of this style. Recognized for its cultural and architectural significance, it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2015. The museum’s gardens (teien), which inspire its name, have remained much as they were when the grounds served as an imperial residence. Visitors can enjoy open lawns and a traditional Japanese garden with a pond and small hills, offering a beautiful setting to appreciate seasonal sights like cherry blossoms and autumn colors.
The serene gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an ideal place for relaxation and reflection after exploring the exhibitions. With its blend of architectural heritage and diverse art displays, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the history of design, Art Deco, and modern art.
▸ Address:
- 5-21-9, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
▸ Admission Fee:
- Exhibition fees vary; please check the official website for current rates.
- Free admission for visitors with a Physical Disability Certificate, Intellectual Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Certificate (includes up to two accompanying persons).
- Free admission for seniors (65 and above) on the third Wednesday of each month.
- Free admission for elementary school students and younger, as well as middle school students residing or attending school in Tokyo.
Garden Admission:
- Adults: ¥200
- University and vocational students: ¥160
- Middle & high school students: ¥100
- Seniors (65 and above): ¥100
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM)
- Teahouse: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Certain areas of the Japanese Garden are accessible only from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (October to March).
▸ Closed:
- Closed on Mondays (open if it falls on a public holiday, but closed the following day).
- Closed during the New Year holidays.
▸ Note:
- Visitors must make a reservation for a specific date before visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.
- Exhibition tickets include access to the garden.
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
08. The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)
Are you searching for a contemporary art museum? The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), located in Kiba Park in eastern Tokyo, has been a central hub for contemporary art since its opening in March 1995. It is dedicated to the study, collection, preservation, and exhibition of contemporary art, with a particular focus on postwar Japanese art, while also showcasing a diverse range of international works.
Designed by Takahiko Yanagisawa of TAK architects, the museum's architecture combines modern design with a welcoming atmosphere. Its spacious galleries are ideal for hosting large-scale installations as well as more intimate exhibitions. The building's design harmonizes beautifully with the serene surroundings of Kiba Park, providing visitors with a tranquil setting to enjoy the art on display.
MOT’s collection spans a wide range of contemporary art, emphasizing Japanese works from the postwar era to the present, alongside key pieces from international artists, offering a global perspective on modern art trends. Additionally, the museum is home to the MOT Art Library, Japan’s largest specialized library on modern art and contemporary art, with a collection of over 280,000 volumes, including books, catalogs, and art magazines.
▸ Address:
- 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0022
▸ Admission Fee:
- Tickets are valid for any date during the exhibition period, but each ticket allows a one-time entry per exhibition.
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket counter.
- Please note: Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed after purchase.
▸ Opening Hours:
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM)
▸ Closed:
- Mondays (Except for special openings)
- Closed during maintenance and exhibit changeovers
- Closed for New Year holidays
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
09. Artizon Museum
Another notable art destination is the Artizon Museum, located in the heart of Tokyo. Founded in 1952 by Ishibashi Shojiro, the founder of Bridgestone Tire Co., the museum has become a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts.
The museum's name, ARTIZON, is a combination of the words "ART" and "HORIZON," reflecting its mission to share the pioneering spirit of contemporary art with a broad audience.
Artizon Museum features a diverse collection that ranges from antique artworks and modern Japanese Western-style paintings to Impressionist masterpieces, 20th-century art, and contemporary pieces. The museum not only serves as a venue for art appreciation but also encourages visitors to engage with the creativity inherent in each artwork through observation, sensation, and understanding.
▸ Address:
- 1-7-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
▸ Admission Fee:
- Entry to the Artizon Museum is by pre-designated date and time. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the museum's website.
▸ Opening Hours:
- Regular Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Extended Hours: Fridays until 8:00 PM (excluding national holidays)
- Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing
▸ Closed:
- Mondays (The following weekday if a national holiday falls on a Monday)
- During exhibition renewal periods
- New Year holidays
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
10. Sumida Hokusai Museum
The Sumida Hokusai Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan's most renowned ukiyo-e artists, famous for his iconic woodblock prints and paintings. Hokusai spent nearly all of his 90 years in Sumida Ward, where the museum opened its doors in 2016 to honor his profound impact on Japanese art and culture.
Designed by Maki and Associates, the museum's architecture seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements. The building is specifically constructed to accommodate the storage and exhibition of ukiyo-e artworks while allowing glimpses inside through slits in the exterior. This design fosters a sense of connection between the local community and the museum. Visitors can also enjoy views of the surrounding park and area from inside the museum, as well as panoramic vistas of Sumida City’s distinctive features, including the iconic Tokyo Skytree, from the top floor.
▸ Address:
- 2-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
▸ Admission Fee:
- Adults: ¥500
- University Students and Seniors (65 and over): ¥300
- Vocational Students: ¥300
Special Exhibition:
- Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition. Please check the specific webpage for details.
▸ Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- (Entrance gate closes 30 minutes before closing time)
▸ Closed:
- Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday or substitute holiday, the museum will be open on that day and closed the following Tuesday.)
- Year-end holidays: December 29 – January 1
- The museum may also close temporarily on other dates not listed above.
Please remember to check the museum's website before your visit, as information may not be immediately updated.
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
Read more travel articles:
• Kyoto City Guide | The Garden of Fine Arts by Tadao Ando
• Kyoto City Guide | 5 Must-Visit Art Museums in Kyoto
• Osaka City Guide: 8 Must-See Art Museum Destinations
(Tokyo Art Museum Guide: Top 10 Museums You Must Visit - dans le gris)
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Dans Le Gris is a brand that began with everyday jewelry, with each handmade piece designed and crafted in Taiwan. We deeply value every detail, dedicating ourselves to creating timeless pieces through collaboration with experienced craftsmen.
In our journal, we provide irregular updates featuring articles about art, culture, and design. Our curated content encompasses diverse aspects of life, with the aspiration to offer meaningful insights and inspiration.
