Must-see Museums of Tokyo

Tokyo is home to some of the most fascinating museums in the world, offering travelers a rich blend of traditional Japanese culture, cutting-edge art, and hands-on science. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for unique experiences, Tokyo’s museums provide an unforgettable journey into Japan’s creativity and heritage.

Here’s a guide to 20 must-visit museums in Tokyo that showcase the city’s diversity and cultural depth.

20th: Mitsui Memorial Museum

Located in a historic building in Nihonbashi, the Mitsui Memorial Museum showcases Japanese and East Asian art collected by the Mitsui family since the Edo period. It holds 6 National Treasures and 75 Important Cultural Properties, including the National Treasure “Shino Tea Bowl, Mei Unohagaki” and the National Treasure “Snow Pine Screen”. The museum offers a quiet and calm atmosphere for appreciating the artworks.
◦ Address: Mitsui Main Building 7F, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Mitsukoshimae
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
◦ Closed: Mondays
◦ Admission (Permanent Exhibition): General ¥1,200 / University & High School Students ¥700 / Junior High School Students and under Free
◦ Admission (Special Exhibition): General ¥1,500 / University & High School Students ¥1,000 / Junior High School Students and under Free
◦ Official webiste: https://www.mitsui-museum.jp/english/english.html

19th: Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo (丸の内)

The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo, is an art museum in a restored red brick building from the Meiji era. It features 19th-century Western art from the same period as the building, including works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Odilon Redon, and Félix Vallotton. Its location near Tokyo Station makes it a convenient stop during a visit to the Marunouchi area.
◦ Address: 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Tokyo
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays, the first Wednesday of the month, and weekdays during the last week of an exhibition, except for public holidays and substitute holidays; last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, substitute holidays, and during the last week of an exhibition), year-end holidays, New Year’s Day, and during exhibition changes
◦ Admission: Varies by exhibition
◦ Official website: https://mimt.jp/

18th: Nezu Museum

Located in Minami-Aoyama, the Nezu Museum is a serene museum showcasing masterpieces of East Asian art. It is known for its Japanese garden surrounded by bamboo groves and the architecture designed by Kengo Kuma. The museum’s collection includes Buddhist art, calligraphy, and tea ceremony utensils, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture. As of March 2024, the museum holds 7,630 items, including 7 National Treasures, 92 Important Cultural Properties, and 95 Important Art Objects.
◦ Address: 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Omotesando
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
◦ Closed: Mondays, during exhibition changes, and year-end/New Year holidays (if Monday is a public holiday, the museum is closed on the following Tuesday)
◦ Admission (Special Exhibition): General ¥1,600 and up / Students (high school and above) ¥1,300 and up / Elementary and junior high school students and under Free
◦ Admission (Planned Exhibition): General ¥1,400 and up / Students (high school and above) ¥1,100 and up / Elementary and junior high school students and under Free
◦ Official website: https://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/

17th: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT (東京ミッドタウン)

Ranking 17th is 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, a unique museum focused on design located in Tokyo Midtown. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the exhibition space itself is like a work of art. The museum hosts popular thematic exhibitions that explore the relationship between everyday life and design, along with talks and workshops to provide new experiences for visitors.
◦ Address: Tokyo Midtown Midtown Garden, 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Roppongi / Nogizaka
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:30)
◦ Closed: Tuesdays, year-end and New Year holidays (December 27th – January 3rd), and during exhibition changes
◦ Admission: General ¥1,600 / University Students ¥800 / High School Students ¥500 / Junior High School Students and under Free
◦ Official website: https://www.2121designsight.jp/

16th: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (東京都現代美術館)

The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, located in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, is a hub for modern art, ranking 16th. It opened in March 1995 to promote the revival of contemporary art. Besides showcasing the latest art from Japan and abroad through special exhibitions, its permanent collection is also substantial. The museum also features a cafe and a library, providing a space to fully enjoy art.
◦ Address: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (within Kiba Park)
◦ Nearest Station: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Mondays, during exhibition changes, and year-end/New Year holidays (for other closures, please refer to the official website)
◦ Admission: Varies by special exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/

15th: Mori Art Museum (森美術館) (六本木ヒルズ)

Situated on the upper floors of Roppongi Hills, the Mori Art Museum ranks 15th. It regularly holds exhibitions by international artists and is known for its unique perspectives on urbanism, architecture, and society, offering an enriching experience. A combined ticket for the museum and the Roppongi Hills observation deck is popular.
◦ Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Roppongi
◦ Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00 (last entry 21:30) / Tuesday 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30) *Hours may vary depending on the day
◦ Closed: Varies
◦ Admission (Weekdays): General ¥1,800 and up / Students (high school & university) ¥1,300 and up / Children (junior high school and under) Free / Seniors (65 and over) ¥1,500 and up
◦ Admission (Weekends & Holidays): General ¥2,000 and up / Students ¥1,500 and up / Children Free / Seniors ¥1,700 and up
◦ Official website: https://www.mori.art.museum/

14th: Yayoi Kusama Museum (草間彌生美術館)

Ranking 14th is the Yayoi Kusama Museum, dedicated to the world-renowned avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. Admission is by advance reservation only, ensuring a focused and immersive exhibition experience. The museum showcases the world of Kusama, characterized by polka dots, and aims to convey her messages of world peace and human love, while making contemporary art more accessible. Visitors can immerse themselves in her unique vision, including her iconic pumpkins and polka dot motifs.
◦ Address: 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Ushigome-Yanagicho
◦ Hours: 11:00 – 17:30
◦ Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
◦ Admission: General ¥1,100 / Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students ¥600 / Preschool Children Free
◦ Official website: https://yayoikusamamuseum.jp/

13th: SOMPO Museum of Art (SOMPO美術館)

If you want to experience art in Shinjuku, the SOMPO Museum of Art is highly recommended, ranking 13th. It is known for being the only museum in Asia to house Vincent van Gogh’s world-famous “Sunflowers”. With a history rooted in an insurance company’s social contribution activities, the museum offers masterpieces of Western paintings and unique special exhibitions.
◦ Address: 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Shinjuku
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays and substitute holidays), during exhibition changes, and year-end/New Year holidays
◦ Admission: General (26 years and over) ¥1,700 and up / 25 years and under ¥1,100 / Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students Free
◦ Official website: https://www.sompo-museum.org/

12th: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (東京都美術館)

Affectionately known as “Tobi,” the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno ranks 12th. It was the first public art museum in Japan. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, including large-scale special exhibitions featuring masterpieces from Japan and abroad, as well as exhibitions from the “Tokyo Collection” of works held by Tokyo Metropolitan museums and art galleries, playing a crucial role as a center for disseminating art culture.
◦ Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Ueno
◦ Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: The 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (if a public holiday or a substitute holiday falls on a Monday, the museum is closed on the following weekday), during maintenance closures, and year-end/New Year holidays
◦ Admission: Varies by exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.tobikan.jp/en/

11th: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum (東京都庭園美術館)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, utilizing the former residence of Prince Asaka, an Art Deco architectural gem, ranks 11th. In 2015, the main building, main gate, and tea house were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Its beautiful garden, stately architecture, and carefully curated exhibitions attract visitors. The museum’s interior design is worth seeing on its own.
◦ Address: 5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Shirokanedai / Meguro
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30) *Hours vary depending on the facility
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following day), year-end/New Year holidays
◦ Admission (Garden only): General ¥200 / University Students (including vocational schools) ¥160 / High School Students & Seniors (65 and over) ¥100 *Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/

10th: Ueno Royal Museum (上野の森美術館)

Located within Ueno Onshi Park, the Ueno Royal Museum hosts exhibitions with diverse themes. It displays a variety of works, including Important Cultural Properties. It does not have a permanent collection, but holds popular special exhibitions ranging from contemporary art and manga to prints and ukiyo-e.
◦ Address: 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Ueno
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Irregular
◦ Admission: Varies by exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.ueno-mori.org/

9th: Tokyo Station Gallery (東京ステーションギャラリー)

Ranking 9th is the Tokyo Station Gallery, located within the red brick Tokyo Station building. It was established with the desire to offer the station not just as a transit point, but as a place of rich culture. The space offers a blend of historical architecture and contemporary art, making it popular among railway and architecture enthusiasts. Its diverse and unique special exhibitions are also a highlight.
◦ Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Tokyo
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 / Fridays 10:00 – 20:00
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday / however, open on Mondays during the last week of an exhibition, Golden Week, and the Obon period), year-end/New Year holidays, and during exhibition changes
◦ Admission: Varies by exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/

8th: Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo (ちひろ美術館・東京)

The Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo, which exhibits the heartwarming works of picture book author Chihiro Iwasaki, ranks 8th. It is known as the first picture book museum in the world. Popular with a wide range of visitors, from children to adults, its attractions include original picture book illustrations and special exhibitions. Nestled in nature, it provides a tranquil space to appreciate art.
◦ Address: 4-7-2 Shimo-Shakujii, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Kami-Igusa
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday) *Open daily during Golden Week and summer vacation / year-end/New Year holidays / winter closure / temporary closures for exhibition changes
◦ Admission: Adults ¥1,200 / High school students and under (18 years and under) Free
◦ Official website: https://chihiro.jp/tokyo/

7th: The National Art Center, Tokyo (国立新美術館)

With its striking exterior, The National Art Center, Tokyo, ranks 7th. It is based on the concept of an “art museum in the forest,” offering seasonal views. A unique feature of this museum is that it does not have permanent exhibition rooms; the exhibits change with each special exhibition. It introduces works by various artists from Japan and abroad.
◦ Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Nogizaka
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Tuesdays (if a public holiday or a substitute holiday falls on a Tuesday, the museum is open and closed on the following weekday)
◦ Admission: Varies depending on the exhibition and art organization
◦ Official website: https://www.nact.jp/

6th: Sumida Hokusai Museum (すみだ北斎美術館)

Established to commemorate the achievements of ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, the Sumida Hokusai Museum is located near Ryogoku Station and ranks 6th. It primarily exhibits works by Hokusai. The permanent exhibition includes Hokusai’s painted scroll “Susanoo-no-Mikoto Subduing the Evil Spirit” from when he was 86 years old, and an introduction to his life. The museum also hosts various other exhibitions.
◦ Address: 2-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Ryogoku
◦ Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
◦ Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday or a substitute holiday, the museum is closed on the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th – January 3rd) *Other temporary closures may occur
◦ Admission: General ¥400 / High School & University Students ¥300 / Seniors (65 and over) ¥300 / Junior High School Students and under Free
◦ Official website: https://hokusai-museum.jp/

5th: Suntory Museum of Art (サントリー美術館)

The Suntory Museum of Art, located in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, ranks 5th. With the theme of “Art in Life,” it holds a collection of approximately 3,000 works, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, spanning paintings, ceramics, and more, showcasing a fusion of Japanese tradition and modernity. Besides its valuable collection, its comfortable “Wa-modern” space attracts many visitors.
◦ Address: Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Roppongi
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 / Fridays 10:00 – 20:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing for both)
◦ Closed: Tuesdays, during exhibition changes, and year-end/New Year holidays
◦ Admission: Varies by exhibition for general and students (high school and university) / Junior high school students and under Free
◦ Official website: https://www.suntory.co.jp/sma/

4th: Takao Trick Art Museum (高尾山トリックアート美術館)

Located at the foot of Mount Takao, surrounded by nature, is the Takao Trick Art Museum, ranking 4th. It features “trick art” that utilizes optical illusions, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Photography is allowed, so you can jump into the deceptive paintings and take fun and surprising pictures.
◦ Address: 1786 Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Takaosanguchi
◦ Hours: April – November 10:00 – 18:00 / December – March 10:00 – 17:00
◦ Closed: Thursdays
◦ Admission: Adults ¥1,550 / Junior High & High School Students ¥1,150 / Elementary School Students ¥800 / Children (4 years old and over, preschool) ¥600
◦ Official website: https://www.trickart.jp/english/

3rd: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (東京国立近代美術館)

Located near Takebashi Station, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, is Japan’s first national art museum, ranking 3rd. It houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from the late 19th century to the present day. With one of the largest collections in Japan, comprising approximately 13,000 works, it also holds the “MOMAT Collection,” a permanent exhibition showcasing about 200 pieces at each showing.
◦ Address: 3-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Takebashi
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 – 20:00)
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday), during exhibition changes, and year-end/New Year holidays
◦ Admission: Varies by special exhibition
◦ Official website: https://www.momat.go.jp/

2nd: National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館)

Situated within Ueno Park, the National Museum of Western Art is a national museum dedicated to Western art in general, ranking 2nd. Its permanent exhibition allows visitors to appreciate Western paintings from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century, as well as sculptures by Rodin. A significant attraction of this museum is its main building designed by Le Corbusier, which has been registered as a World Heritage Site.
◦ Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
◦ Nearest Station: Ueno
◦ Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 / Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 – 20:00
◦ Closed: Mondays (open on national holidays or substitute holidays, closed the following weekday), year-end/New Year holidays (December 28th – January 1st) *May be temporarily open or closed
◦ Admission: General ¥500 / University Students ¥250
◦ Official website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/

1st: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館)

A must-visit for Ghibli film fans, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, ranks as the top museum. It’s a place where you can experience the world of director Hayao Miyazaki’s works. Inside, there’s a film screening room showing original short animations, and exhibits featuring characters and art from Ghibli films. In 2025, the “How Do You Live?” Exhibition Part 3: Background Art” will be held, offering a deeper understanding of the charm of background art.
◦ Address: 1-1-83 Shimo-Renjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo (within Inokashira Park West Garden)
◦ Nearest Station: Mitaka
◦ Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission time 16:00) *Reservation required with指定 date and time
◦ Closed: Please refer to the opening calendar
◦ Admission: Adults & University Students ¥1,000 / High School & Junior High School Students ¥700 / Elementary School Students ¥400 / Children (4 years and over) ¥100
◦ Official website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/

Don’t miss these Top museums in Tokyo!

This ranking of Tokyo’s top 20 museums offers a diverse selection of captivating spots perfect for both tourists and locals looking for enriching outings. With genres spanning masterpieces, animation, architecture, contemporary art, design, and antiquities, there’s a museum to pique everyone’s interest. Be sure to check the schedules for the various engaging exhibitions planned throughout the year and immerse yourself in the rewarding world of art.