All religion museums to visit in Japan

Explore the diverse world of religious beliefs and practices at 9 religion museums in Japan. These museums offer insights into various faiths and their cultural significance.

Are you interested in the history and impact of religion? These are the top religion museums in Japan:

  1. Yasukuni Shrine1

    Yasukuni Shrine

     Tokyo
    The Yasukuni Shrine was established in June 1869 at the behest of Emperor Meiji as a memorial to those who died in the Boshin War. Initially, it was named Tōkyō Shōkonsha (東京招魂社), but it was later renamed Yasukuni Jinja in 1879. This historical background adds to the cultural significance of the shrine.
  2. Hakone Shrine2

    Hakone Shrine

     Hakone
    After being built at the summit of a nearby mountain in 757, the shrine was moved to its current location in 1667. This shining red Japanese Shinto shrine also houses a small museum. An annual festival is held here on August 1. It is located only a short walk from the Moto-Hakone boat pier.
  3. Okochi Sanso Garden3

    Okochi Sanso Garden

     Kyoto
    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.
  4. Kyoto National Museum4

    Kyoto National Museum

     Kyoto
    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.
  5. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts5

    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.
  6. D. T. Suzuki Museum6

    D. T. Suzuki Museum

     Kanazawa
    This museum commemorates Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki - one of the Japanese philosophers who devoted his life to translating various books about Zen and Shin in order to spread these philosophies to the West.
  7. Tokugawa Art Museum7

    Tokugawa Art Museum

     Nagoya
    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.
  8. Yurinkan museum8

    Yurinkan museum

     Kyoto
    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.
  9. Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum9

    Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum

     Yokohama
    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.