There are more than 1,800 museums and art galleries in Japan. Tokyo has some of the best museums in Japan. Ueno Park houses the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and National Museum of Western Art, as well as several other museums.
9 Best Museums in Tokyo
1. Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan.
It has the largest collection of national treasures and important cultural items and has one of the best collections of East Asian art and archeological artifacts. There are 87,000 items in the permanent collection and thousands more on loan from shrines, temples, and private collectors.
The museum consists of six buildings. The Honkan is the main building and features Japanese artwork, antique Buddhist statues, painted sliding doors, ceramics, samurai swords and armor, masks, and other cultural items.
2. National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science features interactive exhibits, dinosaurs, and a 360-degree virtual theater.
Photo by Joyofmuseums / CC BY-SA 4.0
3. National Museum of Western Art
The National Museum of Western Art has rotating exhibits of European artists and is ranked as one of the world’s top museums. There are more than 4,500 paintings, drawings, and other works. The building was designed by Le Corbusier and is designated a World Heritage Site.
4. Edo Tokyo Museum
Near Ryogoku Station is The Edo Tokyo Museum. It is a unique looking building with a permanent exhibition illustrating the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. You can learn about the Edo way of life, architecture, culture, and political climate.
Photo by Jason Ruck / Public Domain
5. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
In Odaiba is the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, also known as Miraikan. The science museum opened in 2001 and has robots, interactive activities, and exhibits about the environment, information technology, and space exploration.
6. Mori Art Museum
In Roppongi are the Mori Art Museum and National Art Center Tokyo.
Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located on the top floors of the 54-story Roppongi Hills Mori Tower building. Temporary exhibits showcase the newest art from Japan and East Asia.
7. National Art Center Tokyo
National Art Center Tokyo is one of Japan’s largest museums. The 14,000 square meter space opened in 2007 and is impressive inside and out. There are rotating art exhibitions, which feature a wide variety of artists.
8. Nezu Museum
Nezu Museum is near Omotesando Station. It features teahouses, spacious gardens, and over 7,400 Japanese and East Asian works of art, including a tea ceremony collection. It was designed by Kengo Kuma.
9. Ghibli Museum Mitaka
Ghibli Museum Mitaka opened in 2001 and is home to Studio Ghibli’s animated films, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. Studio Ghibli, started by Hayao Miyazaki, is one of Japan’s most famous animation studios.
The museum features exclusive short films in a small theater, displays of animation techniques, a café, rooftop garden, and gift shop. It is necessary to buy tickets well in advance.
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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