A Guide to the Best Museums in Tokyo: Enter the Artistic Tapestry
Tokyo's thriving art scene has put the city on the world map.
The city hums with a vibrant artistic spirit, and creativity thrives in every nook and cranny.
Tokyo is a mixing pot of contemporary and traditional art genres, from the busy streets of Shibuya to the best art galleries in Tokyo.
Renowned art institutions such as the Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo National Museum serve as artistic pillars.
And there have only been more additions over time: the Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Tokyo is as much loved as the Tokyo Photography Museum.
At the same time, the labyrinthine lanes of Yanaka and Shimokitazawa reveal hidden galleries and experimental art venues.
Tokyo's art culture defies convention, embracing innovation and diversity, making it an enticing destination for art lovers and creatives worldwide.
If you are ready to experience this city in all its artistic glory, here's a list of the best museums in Tokyo:
The Ghibli Museum
When you enter the Ghibli Museum, it's like stepping into a magical world.
They give you a special ticket made from real pieces of movie film – the kind they use in theatres.
What's cool is that if you hold the ticket up to the light, you can see a scene from a Ghibli movie on it!
Inside, you'll find fantastic art from Ghibli movies, a look into how animations are made, and even a copy of Hayao Miyazaki's work desk, along with a whole lot of Studio Ghibli stuff.
The museum also shows short movies, some that you can only watch there, and only for a little while.
And don't miss the cute café and the shop with lots of Ghibli stuff you can get!
Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Tues
The Yayoi Kusama Museum
Run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation itself, this museum opened in 2017 to always display the amazing art of the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, and has long been considered among the best museums in Tokyo.
You might recognise her for those fun polka-dot pumpkins and mind-bending infinity mirror rooms.
What's super cool is that, unlike those museums that stay the same, the Yayoi Kusama Museum likes to mix things up.
This means the tickets are hotcakes – even folks from Tokyo can't resist coming at least twice a year.
Oh, and here's the icing on the cake: the museum often shows art that's never been seen before in Japan, or anywhere else in the world for that matter!
Pro-tip: If you aim to secure a 90-minute time slot at the world's exclusive museum dedicated to Yayoi Kusama, it's wise to make your reservation well ahead of time.
Address: 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0851, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Thurs to Sun: 11am to 5:30pm. Closed on Mon, Tues, & Weds
The teamLab Planets
You can leave your shoes behind at Tokyo’s teamLab Planets museum.
The entire space, with its artwork and gardens, has been designed for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.
Navigate the museum's exhibition spaces, where imaginative artworks come to life, and be ready to venture through areas involving wading in water.
Prepare to be amazed as the visual spectacle envelops you, with colours and luminosity undergoing captivating shifts through simple taps and touches.
Be sure to keep your camera ready in the floating flower garden, a three-dimensional space filled with flowers!
Address: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 9am to 10pm
The Mori Art Museum
Arguably one of the finest private establishments in the city, the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills stands out for its many exhibitions held annually, showcasing artists from Japan and around the world.
The museum has earned a reputation for its careful curation and ability to present bold yet approachable themes, appealing to casual art enthusiasts and dedicated aficionados.
In recent years, the museum has hosted diverse exhibitions, spanning from the ukiyo-e master Hokusai to beloved icons like Hello Kitty and Attack on Titan.
The museum's collaborations have extended to Hollywood’s favourite Takashi Murakami and innovative designers and luminaries of Japanese architecture, keeping its offerings at the forefront of creative exploration.
Address: Japan, 〒106-6150 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6 Chome−10−1, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 53階 (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 10pm (except Tues: 10am to 5pm)
The Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is easily among the best museums in Tokyo.
Not only has it showcased impressive art exhibitions since its inauguration in March 1995, but it also stands out with its imposing architectural design crafted by Takahiko Yanagisawa.
Its collection has grown to encompass around 5,700 artworks spanning both Japanese and international origins, spanning various mediums and genres such as fashion, architecture, and design.
More recently, The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is hosting the captivating exhibition "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams."
This exhibition provides a comprehensive exploration of significant creations in Dior's history, spanning from Christian Dior himself to his successors.
The showcase includes notable figures like Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, offering an insightful journey through the evolution of Dior's legacy.
Address: 4 Chome-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0022, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun: 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mon
The Tokyo National Museum
If you must choose only one museum to explore in Tokyo, pick the Tokyo National Museum, with its extensive compilation of Japanese art.
You'll get a chance to see ancient pottery, intricate Buddhist sculptures, formidable samurai swords, vibrant ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), stunning kimonos, and an array of captivating treasures.
If time permits, don't miss the Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures, where you'll encounter masks, scrolls, and gilded Buddhas from the historic Hōryū-ji in Nara Prefecture, dating back to 607.
The Tōyōkan beckons with its diverse assortment of Asian art, featuring intricate Chinese ceramics.
The Heiseikan is home to the Japanese Archaeological Gallery, where you'll find a trove of pottery, talismans, and everyday artefacts from Japan's prehistoric eras.
These spaces offer a chance to delve into the intricate layers of history and artistry that enrich your experience in one of Tokyo’s best museums.
Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun: 9:30am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
The Unko Museum
If you’d like to step away from conventional art and enjoy something strange, head to Tokyo’s Unko Museum, a poop-themed space.
When you arrive, the staff might playfully ask you to pretend to use the restroom and enthusiastically shout, "Unkoooooo!"
You can walk through an array of lively and colourful displays and attractions shaped like dung.
Everything is extremely colourful and bright, with a hint of strangeness all around.
This museum is a great one to get the most absurd yet vibrant photos.
Address: Japan, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, Koto City, Aomi, 1 Chome−1−10 ダイバーシティ東京プラザ 2階 (map)
Opening Hours: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri: 11am to 8pm, Sat & Sun: 10am to 9pm, Closed on Tues
The Tokyo Photographic Museum
Exploring the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, home to a cherished assemblage of more than 36,000 images, videos, and reference materials sourced from both Japan and around the globe is nothing less than a treat.
Fondly referred to as the TOP Museum, this establishment debuted in 1995, standing as one of the rare few museums globally dedicated to photography and video art.
Photography lovers can immerse themselves in the striking creations of Japan's finest photographers, spanning both the bygone eras and the present moment, and witness the brilliance of approximately 20 exhibitions annually.
Address: Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Tues, Weds, Sat, Sun: 10am to 6pm, Thurs & Fri: 10am to 8pm, Closed on Mon
The Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum
If you need some entertainment, head to one of Tokyo’s best museums with enchanting illusions, the Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum in Odaiba.
From mind-boggling three-dimensional paintings to captivating optical phenomena, your imagination will run wild.
Embark on comical ninja escapades, venture into the eerie haunted house and marvel at the intricately crafted trick art masterpieces showcased in the gallery.
Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 デックス東京ビーチシーサイドモール 4F (map)
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs:11am to 8pm, Sat & Sun:11am to 9pm
Madame Tussauds Tokyo Wax Museum
Experience the appeal of Madame Tussauds Tokyo, a unique wax museum located in Odaiba.
With almost 70 superbly detailed life-sized figurines depicting known celebrities, global icons, and great athletes around you, make sure you keep your camera handy!
This outstanding lineup also honours famous Japanese figures such as Yayoi Kusama, Ryoma Sakamoto, Matsuko Deluxe, and Mao Asada.
Combine your visit to the museum with a trip to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre; have two times the fun with your little ones!
Address: Madame Tussauds Tokyo, 1 Chome-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 6pm
Small Worlds Minature Museum
Enter the enchanted world of Small Worlds, an extraordinary 7,000 square metre indoor tiny theme park.
This astonishing attraction offers visitors a 'unique sense of immersion' created by dynamic miniatures brought to life by cutting-edge technology.
The 'Global Village' Area will transport you into five captivating and authentically detailed Asian and European countries.
The miniature representation of the Kansai International Airport incorporates the sounds of aircraft taking off and landing.
All in all, you will have the best time in this theme park-like museum space.
Address: Japan, 〒135-0063 Tokyo, Koto City, Ariake, 1 Chome−3−33 有明物流センター (map)
Opening hours: Open daily: 9am to 7pm
The Yoku Muku Museum
Yoku Moku has long been famous for making delicious buttery cookies.
But in 2020, they ventured into art.
The company's director, Toshiyasu Fujinawa, is an art lover and collected over 500 ceramic pieces by Pablo Picasso over 30 years.
These were displayed in various places before, but in 2020, Yoku Moku opened a new museum in Aoyama where the collection is now showcased permanently.
If you want to see a Picasso exhibition in Tokyo, head to the Yoku Moku Museum, located near the Yoku Moku flagship store in Aoyama and enjoy Picasso’s ceramics.
Address: 6 Chome-15-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan (map)
Opening hours: Tues to Sun: 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
Ready for Your Tokyo Museum Run?
Tokyo's museums offer a fascinating tour through all facets of culture and art.
There is an exciting variety of excursions, from the immersive wonderland of the Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum to the lifelike figures of Madame Tussauds Tokyo.
Indulge in some of the best art in the museums of Tokyo; from Dior to Takashi Murakami in a Tokyo museum, be prepared to be dazzled!
From vibrant colours to meaningful art, each museum offers a different way to broaden your horizons culturally and leave a lasting impression of Tokyo's lively artistic scene.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are some must-visit museums in Tokyo?
Some popular options include the Tokyo National Museum, the Mori Art Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
What are the operating hours of Tokyo museums?
Operating hours vary from museum to museum, but most museums are open from around 9:30am to 5pm. Some may have extended hours on certain days or during special exhibitions.
How much does it cost to visit museums in Tokyo?
Admission fees vary based on the museum and the type of exhibition. Some museums offer discounts for students, seniors, and group bookings.
Is photography allowed inside museums?
Policies regarding photography vary from museum to museum. In general, photography might be allowed in common areas but restricted in special exhibitions.
Are there any kid-friendly museums in Tokyo?
Yes, the Ghibli Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science are popular choices for families with children.