All modern art museums to visit in Japan

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 18 museums in Japan. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in Japan:

  1. National Museum of Western Art1

    National Museum of Western Art

     Tokyo
    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.
  2. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts2

    Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

     Osaka Prefecture
    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.
  3. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art3

    Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

     Sapporo
    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.
  4. Hiroshima Museum of Art4

    Hiroshima Museum of Art

     Hiroshima
    Founded in 1978, the museum presents European paintings as well as Japanese ones. Its main focus is the French Romantic period.
  5. Nagoya City Art Museum5

    Nagoya City Art Museum

     Nagoya
    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.
  6. Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum6

    Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

     Nagasaki
    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.
  7. Yokohama Museum of Art7

    Yokohama Museum of Art

     Yokohama
    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.
  8. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum8

    Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

     Hiroshima
    One of the largest museums in Western Japan with a collection of over 3500 artworks. Both emerging and established artists are presented.
  9. Hosomi Museum9

    Hosomi Museum

     Kyoto
    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.
  10. Meguro Museum of Art10

    Meguro Museum of Art

     Tokyo
    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.
  11. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art11

    Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

     Kyoto
    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.
  12. Fukuoka Asian Art Museum12

    Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

     Fukuoka Prefecture
    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.
  13. The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama13

    The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

     Wakayama
    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.
  14. Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art14

    Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art

     Nagoya
    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.
  15. The National Museum of Art, Osaka15

    The National Museum of Art, Osaka

     Osaka Prefecture
    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.
  16. Iwasaki Museum16

    Iwasaki Museum

     Yokohama
    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.
  17. Artizon Museum17

    Artizon Museum

     Tokyo
    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.
  18. 18

    Nakanoshima Kosetsu Museum

     Osaka Prefecture
    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.