The 7 Must-Visit Art Museums in Tokyo

In a city passionate about art, lines for exhibitions in Tokyo rival those for the hottest pop idol concerts.

With its plethora of museums and galleries, Tokyo offers ever-evolving exhibitions—from classic ukiyo-e woodblock prints to vibrant NFT gifs on LED screens—ensuring that even residents find something fresh to enjoy. There’s always a new experience awaiting in the art spaces of Japan’s capital.

Try to avoid weekends and holidays if you can. In a city where every moment counts, purchasing tickets in advance is advisable. Entrance fees are common, except on Culture Day (November 3). Most art venues are closed on Mondays; during the week, public institutions often close by 5pm, while private galleries may stay open later.

1. teamLab Planets

Top Immersive Museum in Tokyo

Not even a typhoon could keep people away from one of the inaugural teamLab exhibitions in August 2016. Since that time, this international art collective—comprised of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects—has been on an unstoppable rise.

teamLab Planets is a fantastical realm where visitors enter barefoot, ascend waterfalls, tread on luminous flowers in warm water, and play with oversized colorful balls. Unlike traditional museums, here you're encouraged to interact with the art, take pictures, express your delight, and fully embrace the experience—essentially, to immerse yourself completely.

The venue features four expansive exhibition halls and two gardens, including a living orchid display and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms in spring. In the front yard, you’ll find a public art installation titled Universe of Fire Particles Falling from the Sky, resembling a lava lamp with flowing digital art. Nearby, Reversible Rotation – Non-Objective Space offers a mirrored art room where visitors can savor creative ramen dishes from Vegan Ramen UZU while surrounded by teamLab’s distinctive spatial calligraphy projections. Advance ticket purchase is required, along with a designated time slot.

2. Yayoi Kusama Museum

Most Vibrant Museum Focused on a Single Artist

Operated by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation, this museum debuted in 2017 to ensure that the prolific avant-garde artist’s works are always on view. Renowned for her polka-dot pumpkins and infinity mirror rooms, the 93-year-old Kusama continues to create, with many pieces reflecting themes of isolation.

In contrast to static artist-focused museums, the Yayoi Kusama Museum frequently updates its exhibits, making tickets highly sought after, as even locals are eager to visit at least twice a year. The museum often showcases works for the first time in Japan—or even globally.

The ongoing exhibition 'Visionary Colors' is set to run until March 2024. Advance ticket purchase is necessary, along with a designated time slot.

3. Mori Art Museum

Art with a breathtaking perspective

Perched on the 52nd and 53rd floors of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum ranks as one of Tokyo's premier art destinations. Come for the exhibitions and stay for the spectacular city views.

Mori Art Museum ticket holders can access the open-air Sky Deck for just ¥500 (approximately US$5). This unique observation deck offers a rare outdoor experience in Tokyo, providing 360-degree views of landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Tokyo Bay during the day.

This private museum expertly balances bold curation of innovative art with elements of pop culture. In recent years, it has featured exhibitions on the renowned ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, along with themes from Hello Kitty and Attack on Titan, and collaborated with the celebrated Takashi Murakami as well as visionary architects and designers from Japan.

4. Ghibli Museum

Ideal for kids and the young at heart

Charming and imaginative, this museum feels like it stepped right out of a Ghibli film. Colorful walls are embraced by ivy, a cheerful Totoro plush greets visitors at a whimsical entrance, and one of Laputa's towering iron giants looms on the rooftop.

Entering the Ghibli Museum unveils an even more enchanting world. Visitors receive a ticket crafted from actual 35mm film strips used in cinemas, allowing you to hold it up to the light and discover which memorable scene from a Ghibli movie you have.

Inside, you'll find original Ghibli artwork, glimpses into the history of animation, and a replica of Hayao Miyazaki's desk. The museum also showcases short films, including exclusive ones available for a limited time. The charming café and gift shop are fantastic spots for Ghibli merchandise.

A special exhibition featuring The Boy and the Heron opened in November 2023 and is expected to run until 2025.

At just ¥1000 (approximately US$8) for adult admission (less for kids), it's a budget-friendly option, but securing a ticket is notoriously challenging due to high demand. Reservations must be made in advance, and remember, photography is not allowed inside the museum.

5. 21_21 Design Sight

Ideal museum for design enthusiasts

With renowned figures like starchitect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake at the helm, this museum captivates architecture, fashion, and design otaku (enthusiasts) alike.

Japan has long captivated architects, with every architect aspiring to explore a nation boasting the highest number of Pritzker Architecture Prize laureates. One such laureate, Tadao Ando, designed the 21_21 Design Sight, which features a sloping concrete roof and subterranean galleries. This structure harmonizes with the greenery of Midtown Garden while showcasing its striking concrete forms.

The art exhibitions consistently deliver the extraordinary, challenging perceptions with displays like 2021's 'Translations,' featuring robot monks reciting sutras and a room where conversations are translated into multiple languages. Upcoming in 2024 are Shunji Yamanaka's futuristic prototypes and a showcase of ethereal creations by American artist Daniel Brush.

6. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

The best-kept 'secret' for local art enthusiasts

While public institutions can be elusive in their secrecy, the Teien Art Museum offers a sense of seclusion—it's notably less crowded than many other venues.

Established in 1983, this museum is located in the former residence of Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, a structure recognized as one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties. The prince and princess resided in Paris during the art deco era, which inspired the building's design, crafted by top artisans of that time.

Currently, exhibitions at the Teien Art Museum frequently highlight art deco themes or feature French influences, like the recent showcase of Lalique glass art. The spring 2024 exhibition will commemorate the museum's 40th anniversary, reinterpreting the building, its history, and its artifacts.

7. Tokyo National Museum

Top museum for newcomers to Japan

Situated in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum holds the title of Japan's first, oldest, and largest museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of primarily Japanese art for 150 years. With over 100,000 items, including numerous national treasures, it features an extensive array of paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, architectural models, metalware, swords, pottery, archaeological artifacts, and more.

Filled with traditional Japanese treasures like kimonos, samurai armor, calligraphy scrolls, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints (primarily housed in the Honkan building), this museum is a must-see for anyone passionate about Japan. Since many locals visit early in life, the museum often feels peaceful and spacious, with six buildings to explore. You might even stumble upon a haiku gathering in the garden's teahouses.