Art museums in Japan

TeamLab Borderless is a unique immersive and digital art museum that was launched in 2018 in Tokyo. The museum was designed and created by TeamLab, an international creative group consisting of various specialists including artists, programmers, engineers, animators, mathematicians, and architects. The aim of the museum is to explore the relationship between the self, the world, and new perceptions through art, as well as the continuity of time.

The National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) is a public art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of Western arts. The museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate a wide range of Western art forms.

Ōkōchi Sansō, located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is the former residence and garden of Denjirō Ōkōchi, a renowned actor in Japanese period films. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the actor and the era in which he lived. The villa and its gardens are open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Japanese history and culture.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is situated in Nakagyō-ku, a district in Kyoto, Japan. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for tourists interested in manga and Japanese culture.

The Kyoto National Museum, situated in Kyoto's Higashiyama ward, is one of Japan's major art museums. It primarily focuses on pre-modern Japanese and Asian art, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich history and culture of the region. The museum's collection is vast and diverse, providing a comprehensive overview of the artistic traditions of Japan and Asia.

The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the work of renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The museum provides an in-depth look into Kusama's artistic journey and her unique style that has made a significant impact on the global art scene.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, situated in the scenic Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, is a government-supported institution. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a stroll through the park, making it an ideal destination for art and nature lovers alike.

The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, located in the Tennōji district of Osaka, is a significant cultural landmark. The museum is situated on the site of the former residence of the Sumitomo family, a prominent Japanese family known for their contributions to various industries. The family donated the land, which includes a traditional Japanese garden, for the establishment of the museum.

This complex of Italian-styled buildings, with beautiful gardens and a pond, is a place to go if looking for a scenic stroll. You can also visit the Venetian Glass Museum.

Sankei-en is a public park located in Yokohama. It is unique in its collection of buildings that span various centuries and originate from different parts of Japan. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of Japanese architectural styles and historical periods in one location.

The Japanese Folk Crafts Museum, or Nihon mingei-kan, is situated in the Komaba district of Meguro, Tokyo. The museum is dedicated to the collection and display of Japanese and exemplary foreign folk art. It was established in October 1936, thanks to the financial support of entrepreneur and patron Ōhara Magosaburō. The museum's mission is to showcase a selection of beautiful folk art pieces, providing a comprehensive view of this unique art form.

The Sumida Hokusai Museum, located in the Sumida district of Tokyo, is dedicated to the renowned painter Katsushika Hokusai. This museum is a tribute to Hokusai's life and works, offering visitors a unique insight into the artist's world.

A hidden gem and one of Tokyo's most elegant museums that boasts an impressive collection of contemporary Japanese ceramic art. The biggest treat you can see here is the traditional Japanese pottery, which is widely considered to be a work of art in itself. A stylish restaurant is also part of the m

If you are an art lover, you should definitely visit this interesting museum that displays many exhibits of contemporary Japanese art. Be sure to check the calendar section of the official website before your visit because there are many events and temporary exhibitions organized here every now and

This museum showcases the work of a popular japanese mangaka (or manga artist) Fujiko F. Fujio. Merely admiring Fujio's art in a special exhibition room isn't all you can do in this museum however. There is also a room for reading the artist's manga, and a theater room for watching the movies deriv

The collection of the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art features works by renowned artists such as Jules Pascin and the École de Paris. Additionally, it showcases pieces by modern Japanese artists, especially those with a connection to Hokkaidō. This diverse collection provides a unique insight into both international and local art scenes.

The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, often referred to as Watari-um, is a significant cultural institution situated in the bustling district of Shibuya, Tokyo. The museum was established in 1990 by Shizuko Watari, a prominent figure in the Japanese art scene. It has since become a key venue for contemporary art in Japan, showcasing a wide range of works from both local and international artists.

The Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Arts, situated in Minato, Tokyo, is a private art museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of art pieces, making it an interesting destination for art enthusiasts visiting Tokyo.

Founded in 1978, the museum presents European paintings as well as Japanese ones. Its main focus is the French Romantic period.

The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka is situated in the Kita-ku district of Osaka, on Nakano Island. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for tourists visiting the area. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Eastern Asian ceramics, particularly from China and Korea.

Visit this craft centre and see how the beautiful kimonos of this region are made. For a small fee, you can also try the art yourself, or you can borrow one of these stunning pieces of clothes and take a picture in it or even to have a stroll in the town wearing this traditional attire.

The Nagoya City Art Museum, established in 1983, is a renowned institution for modern art located in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. The museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art.

The Tokugawa Art Museum is a private institution situated in the former Ōzone Shimoyashiki compound in Nagoya, central Japan. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum.

Opened in 2005, this museum mainly features Nagasaki-related artworks, that is artworks that either portray Nagasaki, or were made by Nagasaki-born artists. You can also find one of the largest collections of Spanish art here.

Former pleasure house where statesman, artists and writers gathered for conversation and art performances. Nowadays it is serving as a museum.

The Nomura Art Museum features two rooms dedicated to displaying exhibits. Additionally, the museum also houses a chashitsu, a traditional Japanese structure designed for tea ceremonies. This setup allows visitors to explore a variety of exhibits while also experiencing a piece of traditional Japanese culture.

The oldest museum in Hakone which houses a collection of Asian art, focusing primarily on porcelain and ceramics. Be sure to visit the adjacent garden - a breathtaking piece of nature.

The Yokohama Art Museum is situated in the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama city, in close proximity to the Yokohama Landmark Tower, which is the tallest construction in Japan. The museum, which opened its doors to the public in 1989, offers a unique blend of art and architecture, making it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

One of the largest museums in Western Japan with a collection of over 3500 artworks. Both emerging and established artists are presented.

This small literary museum is devoted to the city's writers, their works and life. The exhibition includes various manuscripts, book editions, and personal objects. Be sure to also visit the adjacent garden.

The Hosomi Museum, an art museum in Japan, is situated near Okazaki Park in Kyoto. It was opened to the public in 1998 and has since been a destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. Its location near the park offers a serene environment that complements the artistic experience within the museum.

The Meguro Museum of Art, situated in the Meguro ward of Tokyo, Japan, was inaugurated in November 1987. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a variety of art pieces from different periods and styles.

The Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is situated in the scenic Okazaki Park in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto. This location offers visitors not only a chance to explore the museum's extensive art collection but also to enjoy the surrounding park's natural beauty.

The Hongō Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo, is a significant cultural institution that opened its doors in 1981 in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is dedicated to the works of Sapporo-born sculptor Hongō Shin and offers a unique insight into his artistic journey.

A small museum built in the rural style. It features expositions of pottery and furniture. It was home to Kawai Kanjirō, one of the best known Japan potters.

The Kushimoto Ōkyo Rosetsu Art Museum is located in Kushimoto, a town in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of various forms of art, making it a significant cultural hub in the region.

A small museum commemorating the work of the famous local writer Izumi Kaga.

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of a Japanese novelist, Shūsei Tokuda.

An interesting museum dedicated to religious art. Its permanent collection includes statues and various treasures of Buddhist art. The temporary exhibit changes seasonally.

A quiet museum devoted to Japanese, Korean and Chinese crafts, mainly pottery. Great for art enthusiasts.

The Yūrinkan Museum, also known as Fujii Saiseikai Yūrinkan, is a private museum located in Kyoto, Japan. It was established in 1926 and is known for its extensive collection of East Asian art. The museum is the second oldest private museum in Japan, making it a significant part of the country's cultural heritage.

Come to this museum to see a grand collection of modern and contemporary Asian art. Opened in 1999, its aim is to support both Asian art and culture.

This place is great for all book lovers - apart from a small library, there is also a salon which is often used for poetry reading and other cultural events.

This museum was built in order to preserve the art of gold leaf craft for the future generations. You can see many interesting pieces of art here as well as the manufacturing process of gold leaves.

This modern building houses collections of modern and contemporary art by local artists and artists somehow connected to Wakayama. A special section of the museum is dedicated to prints.

This imposing glass building houses art collections by two local artists - Nonagase Banka and Watarase Ryoun.

Exhibiting both 19th-century and contemporary art, this museum focuses on artists from the Wakayama, Nara, and Mie regions.

The only museum of its type in Japan. Apart from a beautiful interior, this museum also hides within its walls many interesting pieces of art from French Rococo period, Romanticism, Neo-Classicism, Realism and Impressionism.

The Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum, also known as Kanazawa Bunko, is situated in the Kanazawa Ward of Yokohama, Japan. This museum is a significant cultural site that houses a vast collection of traditional Japanese and Chinese art objects, many of which date back to the Kamakura period.

The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a bonsai garden that was established in 2002. The founder of this museum is the bonsai master, Kunio Kobayashi. This museum is a testament to his dedication and passion for the art of bonsai.

The National Museum of Art, Osaka, also known by the English acronym NMAO, is a unique subterranean art museum situated on the island of Nakanoshima. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes west of Higobashi Station in central Osaka. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

Sapporo Art Park, located in Minami-ku, Sapporo, is an open-air complex dedicated to visual and performing arts. The park offers a variety of exhibits and facilities, providing a unique cultural experience in harmony with the natural beauty of Sapporo. It's a place where art and nature coexist, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate both.

This museum's unique permanent exhibition of Kamigata woodblock prints shows amazing and rare examples of the traditional Japanese Ukiyoe art. Interestingly, the building's roof is used as a rice field.

A museum exhibiting traditional kaleidoscopes. All of their kaleidoscopes are valuable handmade unique pieces of art.

The Gotoh Museum, located in the Kaminoge district of Setagaya on the southwestern outskirts of Tokyo, is a private museum that offers a unique cultural experience. It was opened in 1960 and houses a collection of classic Japanese and Chinese art, including paintings, writings, crafts, and archaeological objects. The museum also features a small selection of Korean art.

Opened in 1988, this museum houses a large collection of Nihonga-style paintings. If you want to get a splendid view of the surrounding area, visit the museum's panorama lounge.

The Iwasaki Art Museum, located in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1983. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of artworks.

This spacious museum is devoted to Japanese, Korean, and Chinese art. The name refers to the collection's owner and founder of the museum, Okada Kazuo. Visit also the adjacent gardens with numerous springs and streams.

The Artizon Museum, located in Tokyo, is a renowned art museum that was formerly known as the Bridgestone Museum of Art until 2019. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a wide range of art collections for visitors to explore.

The Asakura Museum of Sculpture is an art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the sculptures and life work of Fumio Asakura, a renowned Japanese sculptor who lived from 1883 to 1965. The museum provides a comprehensive view of Asakura's artistic journey and his significant contributions to the field of sculpture.

The Yumeji Art Museum is a unique art institution located in Okayama Prefecture. It is divided into two main parts: the main museum in Naka-ku, Okayama, and the Yumeji Seika and Shonen Sanso annex in Setouchi. This structure allows visitors to experience a wide range of exhibits and gain a comprehensive understanding of the museum's collection.

Dedicated to Minakata Kumagusu, local biologist and naturalist, this museum houses his personal objects including study materials and his work. Go on a guided tour and explore Kumagusu's life and achievements.

The Hayashibara Museum of Art, owned by the Hayashibara Group, is situated at 2-7-15 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, in Okayama. The museum is located on the site of a former guest house by the inner moat of Okayama Castle, providing a unique historical context to the museum's location.

The Gotoh Museum, located in the Kaminoge district of Setagaya on the southwestern outskirts of Tokyo, Japan, is a private museum that offers a unique cultural experience. It was opened in 1960 and houses a collection of classical Japanese and Chinese art, including paintings, writings, crafts, and archaeological objects. The museum also features a small selection of Korean art.

The Nakanoshima Fine Arts Museum is situated on Nakanoshima Island in Osaka, Japan. This location is not only scenic but also easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for tourists visiting Osaka. The museum offers a unique blend of art and culture, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore a wide range of artworks.

This opera-devoted complex features both a concert hall and an art gallery displaying contemporary art.