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Welcome to Tokyo, a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and is home to some of the most fascinating museums in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, then you simply cannot miss out on visiting some of its must-see museums. From art and history to science and technology, Tokyo has an impressive range of museums that cater to all interests.
If you’re an art lover, then Tokyo has a lot to offer. The city is home to some of the world’s most renowned art museums, including the National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Mori Art Museum. But that’s not all – there are also several specialty museums that are dedicated to specific artists, such as the Yayoi Kusama Museum and the Ota Memorial Museum of Art.
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or an art lover, Tokyo’s museums have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best must-see museums in Tokyo, as well as some off-the-beaten-path museums that you might not have heard of. So, get ready to explore Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage and dive into its fascinating museums.
Key Takeaways
- Tokyo is home to some of the world’s most renowned art museums, including the National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Mori Art Museum.
- Specialty museums such as the Yayoi Kusama Museum and the Ota Memorial Museum of Art are dedicated to specific artists.
- Tokyo’s museums have something for everyone, from history to science to art.
Best Must-See Museums in Tokyo
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you won’t want to miss out on the city’s many incredible museums. Tokyo is home to a wide variety of museums, from contemporary art to traditional Japanese artifacts. In this section, we’ll take a look at the three must-see museums in Tokyo: The National Museum of Modern Art, The Tokyo National Museum, and The Mori Art Museum.
The National Museum of Modern Art
The National Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art. Located in central Tokyo, the museum features an impressive collection of Japanese and Western art from the 20th century to the present day.
The museum is divided into two buildings: the main building, which houses the permanent collection, and the Crafts Gallery, which showcases contemporary Japanese crafts.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ¥500 for adults, ¥250 for university students, free for high school students and younger
Hint: Don’t miss the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden, which features works by some of Japan’s most famous modern artists.
The Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese art and history. The museum’s collection includes over 110,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and more. The museum is divided into several buildings, each dedicated to a different theme or period in Japanese history.
Official Link: The Tokyo National Museum
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for university students, free for high school students and younger
Hint: Be sure to check out the museum’s special exhibitions, which showcase some of the museum’s most prized possessions.
The Mori Art Museum
Located in the Roppongi Hills complex, the Mori Art Museum is one of Tokyo’s most popular contemporary art museums. The museum features a wide range of contemporary art from Japan and around the world, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. The museum is also known for its stunning views of Tokyo from its observation deck on the 52nd floor.
Official Link: The Mori Art Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (open daily)
Entry Fees: ¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,300 for university students and high school students, ¥700 for junior high school students and children.
Hint: Don’t miss the museum’s Sky Deck, which offers breathtaking views of Tokyo Tower and the surrounding cityscape.
These three museums are just a few of the many incredible museums Tokyo has to offer. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or culture, Tokyo has something for everyone. So be sure to add these museums to your itinerary and get ready to be amazed!
Specialty Museums
If you’re looking for unique museums in Tokyo that offer a glimpse into the city’s culture and history, then you’ll want to check out these specialty museums. From animation to samurai swords, these museums are sure to pique your interest.
The Ghibli Museum
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s animated films, then you won’t want to miss the Ghibli Museum. Located near Kichijoji Station, this museum is the animation studio’s first physical space dedicated to its films, many of which were directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The museum’s exhibits include original artwork, animation techniques, and a replica of Miyazaki’s studio. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
Official Link: Ghibli Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fees: ¥1,000 (Adults), ¥700 (Ages 13-18), ¥400 (Ages 7-12), ¥100 (Ages 4-6)
Hint: Make sure to explore the museum’s rooftop garden, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
The Samurai Museum
For a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, head to the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku. This museum features a collection of samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, as well as live sword demonstrations. You can even dress up in traditional samurai armor and take photos.
Official Link: Samurai Museum
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: ¥1,900 (Adults), «Children under 12» ¥800, «Children 3 or Under» Free(accompanied by an adult)
Hint: Don’t miss the museum’s interactive exhibits, which allow you to try your hand at wielding a samurai sword.
These specialty museums offer a unique and immersive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in animation, samurai history, or Tokyo’s past, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
If you’re looking for something a little different, Tokyo has a number of quirky and unique museums that are sure to pique your interest. These museums are not your typical tourist destinations, but they offer a fascinating glimpse into some unusual subjects.
The Meguro Parasitological Museum
The Meguro Parasitological Museum is not for the faint of heart. This museum is dedicated to parasites and their hosts, and it has a collection of over 60,000 specimens. Here, you can see everything from tapeworms to fleas to ticks. The museum also has a gift shop where you can buy parasite-related souvenirs.
Official Link: Meguro Parasitological Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entry Fees: Free, but donations are appreciated
Hint: Don’t eat before you visit this museum!
The Museum of Yebisu Beer (Temporarily closed)
The Museum of Yebisu Beer is a must-visit for beer lovers. The museum is located in the Yebisu Garden Place complex and it tells the story of Yebisu beer, one of Japan’s oldest and most popular beer brands. You can learn about the brewing process, see vintage beer ads, and even sample some Yebisu beer.
Official Link: Museum of Yebisu Beer
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school and college students, and free for junior high school students and younger
Hint: Make sure to try the beer tasting!
The Tobacco and Salt Museum
The Tobacco and Salt Museum is a fascinating museum that explores the history and culture of tobacco and salt. The museum has a collection of over 10,000 items related to these two subjects, including pipes, cigarette cases, and salt shakers. You can also learn about the health effects of tobacco and the importance of salt in Japanese cuisine.
Official Link: Tobacco and Salt Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: 100 yen for adults, 50yen for high school students and younger
Hint: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for some unique souvenirs!
These off-the-beaten-path museums are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience during your stay in Tokyo. Make sure to add them to your itinerary and enjoy the quirky and fascinating exhibits they have to offer.
FAQs
Which museums in Tokyo showcase traditional Japanese art?
If you’re interested in traditional Japanese art, the Tokyo National Museum is a great place to start. It houses an extensive collection of Japanese art, including samurai swords, pottery, and textiles. The Nezu Museum is another great option, with a focus on Japanese and East Asian art from ancient to contemporary times. You may also want to check out the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, which has a collection of Japanese paintings, ceramics, and lacquerware.
What is the most popular museum in Tokyo?
The most popular museum in Tokyo is probably the Tokyo National Museum. It is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, and it houses an impressive collection of Japanese art and artifacts. The museum is located in Ueno Park, which is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
Are there any unusual museums to visit in Tokyo?
Yes, there are several unusual museums in Tokyo that are definitely worth a visit. The Ghibli Museum, for example, is a must-see for fans of Studio Ghibli’s animated films. The Meguro Parasitological Museum is another unique museum, with a collection of over 300 parasite specimens. And if you’re a fan of instant noodles, you might enjoy the Cup Noodle Museum.
What are some must-see exhibits at the Edo-Tokyo Museum?
The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of Tokyo during the Edo period (1603-1868) and the early Showa period (1926-1989). Some must-see exhibits include the life-sized replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge, which was the starting point of the five major highways of Edo, and the reconstruction of the Kabuki-za Theater, which was the center of Edo’s entertainment district.
Can you recommend a museum in Tokyo for anime fans?
If you’re an anime fan, you should definitely check out the Anime Center in Akihabara. It’s a small museum that showcases the history and culture of anime and manga, with exhibits on popular series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Sailor Moon. The museum also has a gift shop where you can buy anime-related merchandise.
What makes the Mori Art Museum stand out in Tokyo?
The Mori Art Museum is located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, which offers stunning views of Tokyo. The museum also has a focus on contemporary art, with exhibits of both Japanese and international artists. The museum often hosts large-scale exhibitions, such as the recent “Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life – How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow.”
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