The 49 best museums in Tokyo

This is the largest museum in Japan, and it truly lives up to its reputation with fascinating exhibitions. We visited on a Sunday, which was lively because there was also a fair with shops and food stalls. However, Sundays are very crowded, so moving around the museum can feel slow—if you prefer a calmer experience, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday. What I especially liked about this museum is that it doesn’t just display art pieces, but also explains how they’re made and preserved. You can learn about restoration techniques, the making of traditional Japanese paper, the design of rooftop decorations, and more. It’s a unique approach that sets it apart from other museums.

The Tokyo National Museum is an incredible place for anyone interested in Japanese art and history. The collection is vast — from ancient samurai armor and Buddhist statues to delicate ceramics, calligraphy, and seasonal exhibitions. The architecture of the main building itself is beautiful, and the museum grounds are peaceful, especially with the nearby Ueno Park greenery. Everything is well organized and bilingual, making it easy to explore. You could easily spend half a day here. A must-visit for understanding Japan’s cultural depth.

I enjoyed my time at the museum but given it was a holiday it was very busy. I was a bit surprised there was so much staff at the entry way but not throughout the main exhibits where there were crowds of folks struggling to herd into one room and then the other. It’s a historical site with lots to see so I patiently made me way through and even grabbed some noodles afterwards. Go with plenty of time and be aware it’s ¥1k per person typically which I feel is very reasonable. I spent four hours exploring and loved the hidden treasures and tea garden exhibits most. It’s a very well located museum near the JR by five minute walk so perfect for families who may be going to the art museum, zoo, or science museum as they’re all overlooking the same park. Be aware stamps are in the main hall and it’s a bit tedious with longer lines if you do decide to fill up your book!

Excellent display of artwork with good climate and ambiance. Be prepared for quite a few people and plan your journey ahead to avoid them. There are automated ticket booths that are quite a bit easier to access compared to manned ticket booths. Beautiful tree in the courtyard during the fall that glowed golden yellow. Special exhibits have a separate line from the main crowd as well. This time around was ancient Buddhist statues made of bronze.

Very nice museum located in Ueno Park. The main exhibition teaches you a lot about Japan's long history. The items on display include statues and figurines, samurai arms and armour, tapestry and traditional Japanese attire just to name a few. Definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the rich japanese culture.

Great place to visit on a rainy day in Tokyo. There's so much history to view. The building itself is showing its age a bit, though. Its not as nice as the NYC Met or the Smithsonian. However the pieces within are fascinating if you're at all interested in Japanese history. Be sure to buy tickets in advance. They have storage lockers to hold your backpack while you tour the museum. Be aware that some displays do not permit photos.

① Access from Tokyo 10 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station via Keihin-Tohoku Line or Yamanote Line. 10-minute walk from Ueno Station. ② Cost Train fare: ¥150, Special Exhibition admission: ¥1,700 ③ Review The November 2025 special exhibition features works by the sculptor Unkei, active from the Heian to Kamakura periods. Seven national treasures housed at Kōfuku-ji Temple are on display. Admission is restricted on Sundays, with a 50-minute wait. While the exhibition only has seven pieces and the wait time are negative points, seeing the sculptures instantly made me glad I came. The standing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings – "Kōmokuten," "Zōchōten," "Jikokuten," and "Tamonten" – are magnificent in every detail: the dynamic, muscular tension that seems ready to burst forth, the vivid expressions that seem to scream, and the flowing robes that convey the movement of the wind. In stark contrast to the Four Heavenly Kings are Maitreya Buddha, who has attained enlightenment by seeing 5 billion years into the future, and the Bodhisattvas Vasubandhu and Maitreya, who pray alongside him. They create a serene space. The exhibition runs until the end of November, so if you're in Tokyo, I highly recommend seeing it.

It was an amazing and fascinating place, covering the evolution of the world, animals, and humans. And if you’re into dinosaurs 🦖, it’s absolutely fantastic! The only downside was that many of the descriptions had limited English translations, so if you want to read everything, you’ll need to use your phone for translations.

Pretty amazing museum to be truthful. The exhibits are one of a kind (according to my experience). From dinosaurs to space shuttles and a lot of interactive exhibits, it had it all. The 3 stars are for 2 reasons: 1) a LOT of the exhibits didn't have an english explanation attached to them and 2) some of the interactive exhibits were faulty, or not working at all without any indication.

A fascinating place for science lovers and families! 🦖🦋 The dinosaur skeletons and fossil displays are absolutely impressive, and the butterfly collection is beautiful. The museum is well-organized with a mix of Japanese and some English descriptions. I’d recommend spending at least 2–3 hours here to explore fully. Great for both kids and adults! Only reason I gave 4 stars is because some areas felt a bit crowded

Not only children, but adults would be agreeing to say this museum is truly a gem in the city. We could see the efforts and hardworks of the scientists and staffs for collecting and showing the animal fossils from the countries in the world, not an easy work!! We also witness how this huge nature (animals and plants) could be united in a place, together with the stones and tools, equipments, from all ancient era to this modern technology, are here!! A must visit place!!

We had two hours with 5 kids, from 7 years old to 12. We enjoyed focusing on these: B1F – Dinosaur Hall: Huge life-sized skeletons and moving models — a guaranteed favorite. • 1F – The Universe and Life: Space exploration displays, meteorites, and fossils of early life. • 3F – Evolution of Life: Eye-catching dioramas and interactive touch screens. • Theater 360° (optional): Immersive 3D globe-shaped theater — only 10 minutes, but kids love it. (Check show schedule when you arrive.) 💡 Tip: If lines are short, do the Theater 360° first before the Dinosaur Hall.

Huge museum! This museum was absolutely massive and great value for the price. I came here on a weekday in the late morning and it was not crowded. I bought a ticket at the machine which was quick and easy. I would recommend starting at the bottom (B2) and working your way up the rest of the floors. I found the lower and upper floors to be less crowded as there were several school groups visiting at the same time as me that were concentrated at the middle levels. There were floors concerning space, scientists, dinosaurs, etc. I particularly enjoyed the floors specific to Japan. Many of the exhibits were also interactive which would be enjoyable for children especially. However, I will note that many of the signs were in Japanese only. If you cannot read Japanese then the museum may be less enjoyable for you if you like to read about the exhibits. There is still much to enjoy, but do keep that in mind. I would still highly recommend this for anyone who like musuems and will be back the next time I am in the area.

Walkable distance from Ueno train station. Ticket was affordable and there were really many interesting exhibitions. Awed by the dinosaur and other animal displays.

This place is magical! Every detail has been considered to make the Ghibli Museum fun for both kids and adults. Don't miss the screening for a short film that can only be watched at the museum. Photography is not allowed inside the building but outside is ok. Tickets must be purchased in advance for entry.

The Ghibli Museum was the highlight of my 2-week trip to Japan!! I cannot describe adequately what a fulfilling experience this was. Ticket reservations are required and getting tickets internationally is honestly based on luck when entering the queue at time of them opening. Seems like they split the population of tickets in half between international vs domestic, so if you have a friend/family who lives in Japan and have a Japanese address/phone #, you will have much better luck getting tickets due to availability. As for the museum itself, there are plenty of reviews and videos regarding the exhibitions and highlights. It made me appreciate the Studio Ghibli films even more and how much effort goes into the making of a film due to volume of frames, laying out storyboards, etc. Photos inside the exhibits are prohibited which I also think allows visitors to just be more immersed in the content and visuals that Miyazaki himself had a hand in designing. If you get a chance to go to Ghibli Museum—prioritize this among all the other places and things to do in Japan. Even my husband, who has only seen a couple films so not a full SG “enthusiast”, had a great time at this museum and thought the exhibits were fascinating :)

Loved this place! It really feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie with colorful hallways, spiral stairs, stained glass, and so many tiny details everywhere. The exhibits show how the films are made with sketches and storyboards, and there’s a monthly rotating short film you can only watch here, which makes it extra special. The gift shop has lots of exclusive items like postcards, figures, plushies, and ceramics, it’s definitely worth browsing. I also stopped by the cafe and got a chocolate cake and black tea; the cake was moist, fluffy, and not too sweet. You need to buy tickets in advance (they sell out quickly and aren’t sold at the door), and you can only take photos outside. The rooftop garden with the Castle in the Sky robot is such a lovely space.

Finally got the chance to visited the Ghibli Museum with my friend. We went there as the weather was cloudy and end up raining cat and dog. As someone who enjoys Ghibli films this is one of the bucketlist that must visit. it’s a wonderful place to explore. You can queue to enjoy the exclusive short films screen monthly, artwork, drawings, a short animation, gift shop and the atmosphere was wonderful. When you enter the museum be mindful because photos and videos are strictly prohibited. Overall, it’s a nice good experience and worth to visit especially if you are a Ghibli fan. The ticket are cheap but you have to make a reservation book a ticket a month before.

The Ghibli museum is such a magical place. The decor and exhibits were fascinating. The details of the artwork all beautiful. There is a ticket (film strip souvenir)for a short film included in the admission - the movie was so cute. There is no photography allowed indoors. You just have to appreciate it all with your eyes. We had tickets for the 4pm entry, and in November it gets a bit dark quickly for the exterior shots but it wasn't too crowded.

I enjoyed this museum very much! An indoor museum that focuses on the history and animation of Studio Ghibli. You can immerse yourself into Hayao Miyazaki’s work and explore some of the intricate details found in this museum. A lovely place to relax and get lost into the world of Ghibli! Try to visit on a weekday and first slot in the AM ^_^

We visited the museum in the morning slot, and the arrival felt quite charming, even though the neighborhood we walked through beforehand was a bit less clean than expected. The museum itself is surrounded by a pleasant environment and has a cozy atmosphere. Inside, the building feels a bit dated, but the exhibitions were interesting and offered a glimpse into the world of Studio Ghibli. Some areas were mildly interactive, though I felt the museum could benefit from more engaging, hands-on elements – especially considering the theme. The space itself is smaller than I imagined and could definitely be expanded to create a richer experience. A practical note: all descriptions inside were only in Japanese, so non-Japanese speakers might miss some context, and photography or phone use is strictly prohibited. Overall, it’s clearly designed with children in mind. If you’re visiting Tokyo as a group of adults, I would not consider it a must-see, as there are many other attractions in the city that may be more rewarding. Still, it was a unique and memorable experience for any fan of Ghibli.

This is a wonderful museum with incredible exhibits and breathtaking views. The Sou Fujimoto architecture exhibit gives you a glimpse of his thought process, his creativity, and his extensive body of work. You will enjoy it.

Stunning museum with a constantly shifting selection of art, which makes repeated visits rewarding. Next time I visit Japan will definitely come here again and know I’ll see something different! The building itself has many options for snacking and shopping and the museum itself is all the way on floor 52 which makes for gorgeous views of the city. Staff were friendly and I felt welcome there!

Overall, the art museum was impressive and well worth the visit. The exhibits seem to rotate often enough to keep things interesting. During my visit, the main focus was on architecture, which made the entire experience really engaging. I especially appreciated the layout of the museum and how clearly they explained the flow of the installations—it was thoughtfully organized and easy to follow. The price was reasonable, and the museum itself was easy to navigate from the train station, so accessibility wasn’t an issue at all. One thing to note, though, is that the Skyview requires a separate ticket. You can either buy both the art museum and Skyview tickets together or just the Skyview if that’s what you’re after. If you plan to visit the Skyview, I recommend going around sunset or later at night. It’s much less crowded, and the views are absolutely stunning at that time. All in all, the art museum offered a fascinating look at architecture and design, and the Skyview added an incredible panoramic finish to the experience. It’s a place I’d definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys thoughtful exhibits and scenic views in one stop.

One of my more beloved art museums. Their exhibits rotate quite regularly, which is impressive. The artist selection is always at the forefront of modern art and looking into the future. So you will find a lot of topics relating to the digital and technology. Spaces are always well curated. Staff lovely and the entire museum seems very organised. Themed meals are super cute too.

The Mori Art Museum, located on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills, is a fantastic place to visit. I went on a Sunday morning and was pleasantly surprised - no lines at the ticket counter or entrance. The current exhibition focuses on the work and vision of Sou Fujimoto. The first gallery showcases an impressive array of architectural models, crafted from a variety of materials and styles, creating a visually stunning display. It's a remarkable exhibition—highly recommended !!!

A very nice, high-end museum on the 52nd floor, so the views alone are spectacular. You can also book a combined ticket for the museum and the rooftop platform - though it was closed during my visit. Still, the museum itself is well worth seeing, and several rooms offer stunning city views. I checked out the Fujimoto exhibition. I struggled a bit to follow the “red thread” through the show, but it was still engaging. The museum’s setting provided a beautiful frame for the exhibition.

The Mori Art Museum (MAM) is a contemporary art museum on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo. It is currently showing the exhibition "The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest" If you are interested in city design, buliding and architecture. There are lot of miniature models and old scratches. It is worth to visit, if not then save your entrance fee. The staffs are helpful and guild you in and out.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a fascinating place to visit. You get to step back in time and explore the city's past with incredibly detailed, life-sized replicas of old buildings and daily scenes. It's a wonderful way to learn about Tokyo's history and culture in a really immersive way.

The Edo Tokyo museum was great to visit. The architecture on the exterior of the building is absolutely incredible. The price of entry is also very reasonable. We came around 10am on a Sunday of a holiday weekend in early May and we only had to wait 10 minutes to buy tickets. There are numerous displays that characterize the evolution of Tokyo, including its culture, economy, feudal reigns, etc. There are also many beautiful paintings and miniature replicas of communities that are worth seeing. We were glad to have purchased entry to the special exhibit and it was easily worth the price so buy the combo ticket! We didn't use any audio guides or guided tours but have read that they are good. Plaques have titles of objects in English but explanations are all in Japanese so use guide options if you are a museum buff.

Great museum for all ages! My wife and I went for an afternoon to escape the Tokyo heat and spent about 2.5 hours here. Tickets were 600 Yen each for the main exhibit. You can drop your bags on 1F or 7F (7F also has restaurant and library, 1F has cafes as well). The miniatures really show detail and such a small scale over a large area. You travel through the past couple hundred years of Tokyo in a very engaging way.

May 2019 my visit to the museum!!An amazing museum of Edo period (From ~1500 until ~1800 year) Incredible and infinite exhibits... They presented life in different aspects of daily life in Japan, There were also many models with the structure of an Edo period area!! Also incredible were the buildings and the figures of people in real dimensions that presented the routine of the time!! I also loved the interactivity they provided.... I remember there were 3 small rooms with how the lamps evolved, it was a real revolution every time... Great experience! I should emphasize that the museum was an architectural epic, spotlessly clean and there were several ways to tour!!Thank you Japan... Unforgettable experience from the look of the building, the perfect organization and tour even the souvenirs I bought were wonderful....!!

This is one of the best museums I have ever visited. We learnt so much about the history of Tokyo and Japan. With replicas of so many different architectural structures, it is fun and educational. Spare some 3-4 hours for this place. Also there is a cool Japanese version of magic tricks show performed by every hour.

The entry ticket is 600yen till today. The Museum is has two portions, one is Edo period and the another portion is how the Tokyo is formed after Edo to current period. The artwork was simply mind blowing, even the small details were perfect, all are miniature product of old Japan within their residential areas, cars, clothes and how westernisation has established in Japan and many more. It is totally worth the visit, people who love history and who don’t like history will like these art works, kindly pay a visit you don’t regret.

Very impressive museum with lots of ancient Japan historic exhibition. Very unique long and high escalator straight up to the 6th floor.They provide the translation device under a deposit which can claim back, easier for us to understand in depth of the story behind. Very caring place as they even provide free drinking fountain to public inside the museum. I spend 4 hours inside the museum but still have not finished the museum exploration.

A small-scale museum in the wealthy area in Tokyo (Omotesando）. Architectural style of the main building is modern Japanese. The breath of exhibition is small which there are only dozens of exhibits in each room. The outdoor garden is beautiful and I consider it more exciting than the indoor exhibition.

The place would be better to visit in autumn or spring. I went in mid-October, but it was very hot and humid. It gets quite crowded, so it’s best to avoid peak hours. The exhibition was not a wide range of items. The café also had a long queue, and the food selection could be more varied.

The Nezu Museum in Tokyo’s Aoyama district is a serene cultural gem. While photography is not allowed inside the museum itself, the experience is unforgettable. Children enjoy free admission, making it a great family-friendly destination. The highlight is the breathtaking Japanese garden, a winding labyrinth of charming pathways, lush seasonal plants, and impressive stone statues/ sculptures. It’s the perfect place to slow down, explore, and feel immersed in Japan’s timeless beauty.

This was an incredible museum and garden - particularly the garden - such a nice way to spend some time in nature in the city. I would 100% go again. I arrived right at 10am when it opened and there was a bit of a line to get in but it went really fast (I didn’t pre-purchase tickets).

It’s a magical place. The exhibition is not big but fascinating and beautifully curated. The architecture is impressive, and the museum garden itself is a true work of art. You can buy your ticket in advance to ensure entry.

My favourite museum among the many I visited in Japan. If you appreciate style and craftsmanship the building will delight you. And the staff, while not English-speaking, making a huge effort via GoogleTranslate, to communicate and point out the highlights of the museum. We watched a fascinating roof tile making demo.

A truly beautiful museum, showcasing exquisite artworks from the past within an equally stunning modern architectural setting. The new building is a masterpiece of taste and design, and the garden complements it perfectly, both are simply breathtaking.

It is worth to go especially with your kids. The curiosity field is full of fun and the design is child friendly. Kids can play there or do handicraft using the recycled or different materials. Clear briefing to kids and parents. The exhibition is also stunning 🤩 I like the earth 🌍 in the museum showing the information of earthquake in the world. There are few sitting areas for people to rest or eat the lunch. You can bring your own bento 🍱 or go to the restaurant in museum.

Great spot in Tokyo for families. The museum is full of hands-on exhibits where kids can actually touch and try things, which makes it way more engaging than just looking at displays. My children loved the robots and the giant earth globe that changes in real time — they were fascinated. It’s educational but also fun, so adults enjoy it too. Easy to get to in Odaiba, and a good option if you want something indoors away from the heat or rain. Definitely recommend if you’re visiting Tokyo with kids.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known as Miraikan, is a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by technology, science, and the future. Located in Odaiba, Tokyo, the museum offers an engaging blend of interactive exhibits, real scientific research, and thought-provoking displays that appeal to both adults and children. One of the highlights is ASIMO, Honda’s humanoid robot, which demonstrates advanced robotics and human-like motion with impressive precision. The Geo-Cosmos—a massive floating globe displaying real-time images of Earth—is absolutely mesmerizing and serves as the centerpiece of the museum. There are also fascinating sections dedicated to AI, space exploration, biotechnology, and climate science, each designed to make complex topics approachable and fun.

This place is like a giant science park where kids of all ages can experience the wonders of science. On the 3rd floor, you can interact with robots, consider what is real and what is not, and explore the science of humans aging. The fourth floor has a permanent section on humans in space, with a model of the Japanese module for the International Space Station there. The digital globe hanging from the top of the museum ceiling is a great visual for learning.

Highly recommended! Good to spend half a day over here already. The various robots and activities were interesting and engaging. Some activities you need to take a queue ticket in advance so you can enjoy. Especially enjoyed the dome theatre which is a new experience. There is a separate area at level 3 for toddlers.

We really enjoyed visiting the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Odaiba. My child had a fantastic time, especially playing with the VR exhibits he went through them three times! The staff were very friendly and helpful, making the experience even more enjoyable. The museum is spacious, well organized, and interactive, which makes it perfect for both kids and adults to explore and learn. It’s definitely a place I would recommend for a fun and educational outing..

If you visit Tokyo with your child or young relatives, please consider to go to this awesome museum. The price ticket can be bought at the ticket booth in front of the entrance and that is only available for the permanent exhibition that available at 3F and 5F floor. If you want to purchase for the special exhibition, the ticket booth is located inside the building. In the permanent exhibition, you can see many sciences and knowledges that has been made simpler and more interactive for the children (but the elders can also learn about that), such as quantums, what happen when people grow old, and the exploration of outer spaces. There is a dome for watch a movie. Prayer room is available here. There is also vending machine for softdrink, cafe for coffees, and a restaurant at the 7F floor. I love this place so much, that it offers many places to sit down and stretch your legs.

The National Art Center, Tokyo is such a beautiful space — the architecture alone is worth the visit! We went for the Shinseisaku and Bulgari: Kaleidos — Colors, Cultures, and Crafts exhibitions, and both were incredible in their own ways. The Shinseisaku Exhibition had an amazing mix of contemporary Japanese art, each piece so expressive and full of life. The Bulgari: Kaleidos Exhibition, on the other hand, was pure elegance — stunning jewelry and timeless design everywhere you looked. Each exhibition has its own ticket, but it’s absolutely worth it for the experience and curation. We also stopped by the café featured in Kimi no Na wa, and it was just as beautiful as in the film — a calm, light-filled space floating in glass. The perfect spot to take a break and soak in the atmosphere. Everything was well organized, and the overall vibe was inspiring from start to finish. Definitely a must-visit in Tokyo, and I’d love to come back for future exhibitions!

This review is for a visit I made last year(2024/12/06). I was reflecting on my visit here after a visit to another modern art museum. I would say that I'm no fan of modern art, but I really enjoyed my visit here. First off, the building is gorgeous and marvellous—you can gaze for a long time at the wonderful curves and angles that this structure has. You can totally just hang out and have a coffee if viewing exhibits isn't your thing. The light from outside casts amazing shadows inside the museum, due to the glass and angles of the structure. As for the displays, I would say that they have been curated carefully. There is cohesion among the exhibits, at least for me. It wasn't a tangled mess like other modern art displays. There are also spaces where people can hold seminars, and I believe there is a library as well. I loved that the museum had a cafe where we had a great lunch. Did I mention that entrance is free? Most of the exhibits are free except for the special ones. We also had the chance to meet the artist of an amazing exhibit. This is a must visit if you are in the area.

Amazing museum in Tokyo. Various exhibits that each deserve their own full day of observation. Highly recommend breaking the day up between exhibits so you can fully absorb the art. I will definitely be visiting again!

The architecture of this art museum is absolutely stunning—both inside and out. Seeing it in person was a treat; the design alone makes the visit worthwhile. It’s elegant, modern, and beautifully laid out. When I went, I visited a jewelry-themed exhibition, and the pieces on display were breathtaking. If you have the chance, I highly recommend stopping by to see them while they’re on show—it’s definitely worth it. That said, one thing to note is that you pay per exhibition, not for the museum as a whole. So, for example, there’s one area for Japanese-style art (¥1,200), another for Western-style art (¥1,200), and then an upstairs section for sculptures (around ¥1,200–¥1,400). Each is ticketed separately. I do understand the logic behind this system, but I do wish there were an all-access ticket option—something like a single pass for everything at a slightly discounted total. It’s possible such an option exists, but if it does, it wasn’t clear when I purchased my ticket. As for the logistics, everything was smooth. The location was easy to reach from the station, the process for buying tickets was quick, and card payment was accepted. There wasn’t much of a wait, even during the day. Overall, I’d say this museum is absolutely worth visiting—especially if there’s a specific exhibition that catches your interest. The architecture alone is reason enough to stop by, and the curated exhibitions make it a rewarding experience.

worth a visit. The architecture is unique and stunning, created with abundant natural light. A feast for a photographer with lights and shadows. The exhibits are well curated and a huge collection.

This place is very good and I recommend it to everyone. New exhibitions come there often, and the exhibitions change frequently. I went to the "YSL" exhibition and it was very comfortable. It's the same museum from the anime!

The National Art Center in Tokyo is an architectural masterpiece in itself. With its strikingly futuristic design and spacious, light-filled interiors, the building feels like a work of art. The natural light streaming through the massive glass curtain walls creates a warm, tranquil atmosphere that enhances the entire experience. One of the center’s unique features is that it does not have a permanent collection, meaning every visit offers a new and different exhibition. When I visited, a contemporary art exhibition was on display. Though the themes were complex, it offered fresh perspectives and left a lasting impression. The open layout, seating areas, and calming café inside the building also made it a perfect place to reflect and unwind after exploring the art. Even on a rainy day, it’s a great place to visit, as you can stay completely sheltered while enjoying the space. The building’s design has a near-futuristic vibe—so much so that it felt like a location straight out of a sci-fi film, perhaps even something from Star Wars. It reminded me of the kind of pavilion I imagined as a child when dreaming about the Osaka Expo I never got to attend. And even if you’re not there for a specific exhibit, just visiting to admire the architecture and enjoy a coffee at the café is satisfying in itself. Best of all, admission to the building is free. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy art, architecture, and a peaceful escape from daily life.

Worth visit to see permanent collections inc monet van hough Picasso miro. Huge collection of rodin statues. Oh its free entry if over 65!

The building itself is truly beautiful—Le Corbusier’s only work in Japan—and the proportions and rhythm of the façade are outstanding. However, I noticed one small issue. The bright orange traffic cones and barriers placed in front of the entrance contrast strongly with the architectural language and disrupt the visual coherence of the exterior. They also appear prominently in photos and make it difficult to capture the building’s aesthetic as intended. If possible, it would be wonderful if the cones could be removed during less crowded hours, or replaced with guidance equipment in more subdued colors that blend better with the environment. I believe this would allow the building’s original beauty to be appreciated even more. Thank you for your continued maintenance and management.

Fabulous Le Corbusier designed gallery with stunning permanent collection. Lots of great European masters Monet and Cezanne in particular. Paid extra to see the exhibition from San Diego gallery. Queued to buy ticket maybe buy online first.

Corb’s only work in Tokyo feels like a hybrid of Villa Savoye and Villa La Roche. It follows the “Modulor” concept precisely, regulating the dimensions and scale of the spaces. The only disappointment was that a mandated route skips some of the areas the architect intended visitors to experience, such as the balcony on the upper level.

A relatively small but compelling permanent collection, and only ¥500. They almost always have great exhibitions too. They have a not insignificant amount of Impressionist paintings and a bunch of Rodin sculptures.

I went there during the impressionism exhibition, it was mesmerising. All paintings were from Musee d'Orsay; paintings for Monet, Degas, pissaro, Manet and others .. really fascinating

Visited the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park and was able to access the special exhibition for free through my credit card benefits. Even though I only explored the special exhibition section, the sheer volume and quality of Western paintings and sculptures across the first and second floors was impressive. I discovered works by artists previously unfamiliar to me, like Gillis van Coninxloo, which opened my eyes to new artistic perspectives and provided a wonderful opportunity to appreciate masterpieces up close. What really sets this museum apart is the excellent multilingual support through QR codes that provide detailed explanations in various languages, making the experience accessible and educational for international visitors. While I didn't get the chance to compare it with the National Art Center, among all the museums and galleries in Ueno Park, this one definitely offers the most comprehensive explanations and creates the best environment for both learning and emotional connection with the art. It's a perfect blend of world-class exhibits and thoughtful visitor experience that makes you want to return for the permanent collection.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Worth a visit. It's a small museum and won't take long to explore but it's a great display of Yayoi's work and her life. I've been to her exhibition in Australia 2025 which was much larger but this was still very good.

The artworks that are displayed are very typical of her style and the space is well kept. It is very small and far away; two transfers from Shinjuku. The neighborhood close to the museum was nice and had some cute places to stop by. The gift shop area is limited. I am still looking for a Kusama pin badge!

Very good small museum featuring the work of Yayoi Kusama. Definitely worth a visit. Have seen both the Tate Modern and Melbourne exhibits, so this was fairly small in comparison. It was uncrowded which made it very enjoyable.

I went in expecting polka dots (and got them), but what really stuck with me were the early paintings from the ’50s, quietly intense and beautifully obsessive. The whole space is tightly curated, almost clinical, but it works in Kusama’s world. The timed entry and no-photos rules felt a bit rigid, they did help keep things calm. A thoughtful little shrine to a truly singular artist.

It was nice but no much to see! I wish they can have more. It takes less than 10 min to go through the whole exhibition. The best part is the view from the roof top! I was a little disappointed ☹️

1. new exhibition is on display since 15.10 entitled Fighting Woman/Painting Girl; 2. its relatively small museum, with four levels but not many artworks on display; 3. photos are allowed with two installations only; 4. tickets need to be booked in advance, 1100 yens; 5. at the tour end there is a small store - each client may purchase 5 items.

We entered 20 before our ticket time. People were very friendly! I wish it was larger. I love her work and want to see everything she has ever made which is an unrealistic expectation. It is a beautiful museum. Strongly recommend.

The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is awesome. I came here for the old Tokyo photography exhibit - A Traveler from 1200 Months in the Past. Admission was 700 yen. There were other exhibits and each one has their own admission cost. Video is not allowed and certain photos are not allowed to be photographed. It was great to see how Tokyo changed from patches of dirt to the way it is now.

Went there yesterday to watch a movie from Kumamoto titled "Boneless lantern." It is one of the most beautiful films I have ever watched. The film will help you understand what happens when we grieve for our loved ones - the pain and the beauty of its all. It also portray th beauty of community, something that is increasingly rare in the city life nowadays. The ticket costs 2,000 yen for adult. The film provide English, Chinese, and French subtitles depending on the showtime, which is available in the museum's website. It will be screened until 22 June. The museum shop on the second floor is wonderful with creative items. I bought many gifts and postcards with joy. Would love to come again the next time I visit Japan.

The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is currently hosting an exhibition of works by Luigi Ghirri. He doesn’t seem like the kind of person who became a photographer simply out of a love for taking pictures. Rather, he feels more like a thinker—someone who encountered photography as a medium for reflection and, through that, became a photographer. For fans of contemporary art, his work is easy to connect with. Some photos, for example, show people viewing paintings, captured from behind. The act of viewing itself—or perhaps the hesitation and awareness that comes with it—becomes the subject. If I could, I’d love to hang one of his works on my own wall and spend time reflecting on it myself.

Lovely museum. They had 3 exhibitions going on while I was there (one at each level) and you could choose which ones you wanted to visit. One exhibition cost around 1000 yen, 2 around 1500 yen and 3 at 2000 yen. I love the photography exhibition about Tokyo the most. The prints were beautiful and impressive. They also allow cameras. Makes for a great visit if you are popping by the area!

the museum for photography there are different exhibits depending on the day.

Beautiful museum with 2 exhibitions that were available to view at the time. Revolution 9: Homma Takashi and After the Landscape Theory. Bought tickets for both which I highly encourage. There’s lockers available for storing your bags which I recommend using. While a rather small art museum, you can freely digest the works here at your own pace. The gift shop is quite extensive with the numerous photography books available featuring Japanese and western photographers.

Got to see the B1 exhibition for free with college student ID. All three exhibitions were not big, I only spent around 30 minutes in the museum.

TeamLab Borderless Tokyo is an extraordinary digital art museum that immerses you in a continuous, borderless world of interactive artworks that flow seamlessly from room to room. The experience is like stepping into a living dream where lights, colors, and projections create a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic environment with no fixed path, making each visit unique. The museum is spacious and thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to explore freely and get lost in the ever-changing, dynamic art that moves and reacts to your presence. Highlights include the interactive fish coloring activity that animates your drawings onto the walls, stunning rooms with beautifully synchronized audio-visual effects, and the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere that inspires awe and joy. TeamLab Borderless is an absolute must-visit for art lovers and anyone seeking a magical, futuristic experience in Tokyo that goes beyond traditional art exhibitions. It combines innovation, creativity, and fun perfectly, making it a five-star attraction that will leave lasting memories and countless photo opportunities. Highly recommended for all ages and interests.

My fiancée and I spent a solid 1.5 - 2 hrs here (we booked a 9:30 am slot). You'll see reviewers online saying that you should allot at least 2 hours for this digital museum but I could see someone easily taking more time than that trying to be thorough with all the rooms and not missing anything. You can buy tickets online ahead of time but they also have a ticket desk sitting right at the museum entrance (just be wary that if you're buying same day tickets, a lot of slots might be sold out). There are also free lockers for folks to store their belongings before entering the museum which is super convenient. There are friendly staff littered throughout the museum managing the flow of traffic and capacity limits for certain exhibits. The museum itself is uniquely located on the basement level of the Azabudai Hills Mall. It did strike us as a high-end mall as all the shops seem quite bougie or luxurious. We even saw restaurants selling premium tempura and ramen lol. No exhibit is the same once you return to it which is the "cool" catch here and why it's called Borderless. Because the transport between "worlds" is borderless and instant. Several of the exhibits evoke a sense of more awe and wonder than others for sure. There are no designated routes outlined anywhere so you are encouraged to just wander back and forth between exhibits essentially. Very immersive experience and we had a lot of fun with photo ops and took our time!

Amazing experience! teamLab Borderless is such a cool and colorful digital art museum. Every room feels unique and immersive. It’s a lot of fun to explore any day of the week, but I definitely recommend going earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Also, make sure to buy your tickets in advance it saves time and guarantees entry. One thing to note: you can’t go into the tea room unless you purchase something first, which is a bit of a shame since I wish you could see what it looks like before deciding. Still, overall it’s a beautiful and inspiring experience absolutely worth visiting!

This was such an amazing and unique experience! My husband and 20 year old son loved it, as well! We went at 6 pm and it was not overly crowded. We ended up staying much longer than we anticipated because we had so much fun! Make sure to do the coloring of sea creatures and watch them come to life. Go to the tea house if you can!! It was so cool and totally worth it!

It’s a very nice exhibit. I found some of the projections a bit redundant.. many similar patterns… not different enough. Some rooms were more interactive. For example, in one room, you could colour some fish and they would project it swimming on the wall. One of my favourite parts is the En Tea House. You need to pay for your tea and the ice cream first and then they seat you. The projections show flowers blooming inside the teacup. It’s really lovely. I had prepaid for the tea when I bought my ticket but they charged me again… It was all a bit confusing in the dark so I didn’t have time to protest. They didn’t scan anyone’s ticket to see who had paid already. In all, it was a good experience.

An unforgettable, mind-blowing experience! teamLab Borderless in Tokyo is truly something out of this world. The moment you step inside, you lose all sense of where walls or boundaries exist — it’s like walking through a living dream of light, color, and sound. Every room flows into the next, and no two moments feel the same. The interactive art responds to your movement, the projections seem alive, and the atmosphere is pure magic. It’s easily the most immersive and breathtaking museum I’ve ever visited. You don’t just see the art — you become part of it. A must-visit in Tokyo, and honestly, one of the best experiences of my life!

This is undeniably one of those touristy experiences, and mostly for foreigners. Is it fun? Yes, it is very fun. It is very pretty. Kids love it. The different rooms can be very beautiful (sometimes even movingly so). I did get lost a bit inside and there were some exhibits that made me a bit nauseated (lots of moving lights!). This museum is located near a really fun part of Tokyo, so it is possible to make it a part of a day exploring this region.

If you are a modern art lover, you need to fully understand that Japan has a very long and robust history. This fact may complicate the meaning of "modern" art when viewed through this lens. The exhibits were not really modern by Western standards. I did see one Georgia O'Keefe which qualifies but not much else. The museum does prominently feature many Japanese artists, most of whom I'm sad to say Ive never heard of. Maybe this is my failing, I'm embarrassed to admit. There was one impressive installation that moved me, so it is highly possible that you will find something that touches your spirit. Sadly, I was left wanting more.

I went at 5:30 on Friday and entered for 300 yen. There are works by modern Japanese artists, and there were works by Kandinsky and Paul Cezanne in the middle. It was great. If you go in the evening, the night view is also worth seeing.

As someone with a keen interest in modern art, my visit to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo was a significant disappointment. The museum's collection is far from the contemporary and universal 'modern art' one might expect from its name. It is more accurately a museum of Japanese modern history told through art, and a name like the "Museum of Modern Japanese History" would be far more fitting. The curation felt aimless and confusing. Artworks with little apparent connection were placed together, making it difficult to follow any narrative and raising serious questions about the curator's intent. Furthermore, the dim lighting throughout the galleries hindered a proper appreciation of the pieces. The experience was like ordering a Coke and being served a Sprite—a complete mismatch between the label and the product. For travelers and art lovers seeking the kind of diverse, international modern art found in other major cities, I would not recommend this museum. To top it off, the museum shop was very small and lacked any compelling merchandise, adding to the overall letdown.

Loved the collection and the works inside. There’s also a lot of information written in English, which enchants the visit more. Tickets are 500 or 1500 yen depending on collection and exhibits.

Some great works able to cover in an hour, which included the time to read about the interesting pieces, a Matisse and a Cezanne were the most notable non Japanese pieces, the Japanese works were outstanding and there was a good mix of styles and influences, will pay extra for the additional collection on display next time, I’m sure there some important pieces there also.

The exhibitions were thoughtfully arranged and showcased a wide range of Japanese modern and contemporary art. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the evolution of art in Japan. The museum is spacious, quiet, and very well maintained.

Wonderful museum with a large collection. Really good place to learn about the influential Japanese artists and see their stunning works.

Great building, but be aware the prints are small, as is the information on the wall, I had to peer in hard! The museum was busy so waiting and scrumming is not uncommon. Staff very friendly and realising that there is a lot more to Hokusai than the great wave made it worthwhile… the 7 meter scroll painting is just amazing, as are the thousands of sketches that he made. Worthwhile visit, happy I went.

Very interesting experience. I really enjoyed learning more about Hokusai and seeing his art in display. Fair warning for those coming, the art on the third and fourth floor is mostly replicas. The museum doesn’t hide this fact but some might be disappointed in this. The third floor had this really cool section where you could browse through replicas of Hokusai’s sketchbooks. I would have taken more pictures but they have a pretty strict policy on no photos.

Quick 10 minute walk from Ryogoku train station. The museum is located in the suburbs. There is a sold collection of Hokusai’s artworks. Entrance fees are 1500¥ per adult. You need to give yourself a good hour of time to see the works.

A must-see museum for an internationally renowned artist. An interactive tour explains the process of printing woodblock prints. Temporary exhibitions feature works by Hokusai that you may never have the chance to see in your life! A stunning reproduction of Hokusai at work takes you on a journey through time.

Loved this! Really small but easy to lose 2 hours viewing! Loved the interactive features and details and proper demonstrations into techniques, truly fascinating. The basic exhibit you go to see is small and comes at a very good price. But its worth it to get the full experience tickets. It was wonderful seeing stylistic developments over time and seeing what was his focus in his works over different periods and how his work changed. Inspiring!

Must visit for art lovers. Although the most popular paintings of Katsushika Hokusai isn’t presented here there are more beautiful works from him and his daughter as well as other artists that affected Hokusai’s style over the time

I visited here in May 2025, and it is a fantastic museum with tremendous national, cultural, educational, and aesthetic value. Great insights into the historical backstories and contexts which helped shaped his prolific artistic output. If you love the iconic Great Wave, then you will love finding out much more here. I would definitely pay for a return visit and I hope I can see it all again some day 🌊🇯🇵❤️

Lovely museum with a great exhibition when we were there. The house itself is beautiful and then the art was incorporated in the environment of the rooms. The garden is also lovely to walk around in. Not too crowded.

"The interior decoration is very beautiful, luxurious, and elegant. As I toured around, I could imagine how a prince and princess would live here. Unfortunately, the garden isn't in bloom yet, so there are no flowers to see, but the interior of the museum is definitely worth a visit."

This building has much more worth than the exhibition, personally. Such a beautiful decoration of Art Deco style design both exterior and interior. Walls, murals, sculptures, even air vents were beautiful Art Deco pieces. A must place to visit if you are a fan of art, history.

An exceptional museum that truly highlights the depth of Tokyo’s art scene. The galleries are spacious, the exhibitions are curated with real care, and the overall flow makes it easy to enjoy each piece at your own pace. I also appreciated how knowledgeable and courteous the staff were throughout the visit. The building itself is impressive—clean, calm, and thoughtfully designed.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a must visit place if you’re interested in historical buildings and if you’re a big fan of Art Deco. The Gardens outside are small but pretty and well maintained while the interior is a feast of Art Deco furnishings and lighting. One major point however… When waking around the building expect to be constantly monitored by the staff. They are in every room and are very aggressive towards anyone who gets too close to the pieces or doesn’t follow the route exactly. We witnessed many moments when visitors were shouted at by staff. It’s a very unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. I understand that the building has historical significance, but there’s really no reason to treat your paying visitors like naughty children. Honestly, it really spoiled the experience for me. Many other visitors have commented about the attitude of the staff but there is never any response or change of attitude from the museum management. It’s a shame.

I'm a massive fan of FLW and 1920s architecture. This building delivers, it is so elegant and refined with beautiful woodwork in the doors, gorgeous wallpapers, streamlined lighting and ironmongery fixtures and fireplaces. Most beautiful. Bonus to have the jewellry exhibit of Van Cleef and Arpels.

The exhibition space is very lovely and well facilitated. I have attended it for the Exhibition 😍 of Van Cleef and there was no photos allowed. The staff are very welcoming and friendly parking is very accessible.

It’s a small museum spread across three floors, but I genuinely enjoyed my time here. One of the highlights for me was the replica of traditional Japanese homes—it really made me feel like I’d been transported to a simpler time. My favorite was the second-floor exhibit, which presented a timeline of everyday Japanese life leading up to the present. The third floor focused more on the war and post-WWII period. As someone from a country that was under Imperial Japan during World War II, it was eye-opening to see what life was like in Japan at that time. It reminded me that in war, there are no real victors—only people who suffer. I left with a deeper sense of empathy and hope that we continue striving for a world with more understanding and compassion for one another.

This is a small but cosy museum. It tells a nice history of Shitamachi from the late-1800s to the early-1900s, and how the great earthquake and the war shaped the area and its growth (though it doesn't seem comfortable using the word, "war"). There's a nice recreation of what living in the 1800s look like with a digital screen to depict life at that time. It's on a much smaller scale than some other recreations in Tokyo, but it's nice and cosy nonetheless. It's quite a nice museum to visit, very well curated, and with heart.

Small museum covering the culture of the area. We had a fantastic guide (Fuji), and he described first-floor exhibits. He added information about his personal memories, which was really interesting. We explored the 2nd and 3rd floors alone. We spent about an hour and paid 300 yen each for adults.

This is a small but very interesting museum with some wonderful recreations of streets and buildings. I learnt quite a lot, especially about the earthquakes that have caused so much damage over the years. There are actual seismographs in the building. There's a small charge to get in but it is well worth it as this is a great way to spend an hour or so. It's also right next to the zoo so between the two and some food, this could be the perfect way to use one of your vacation days.

New museum illustrating life in this part of Tokyo. Helpful insights for a foreigner. It's very well presented, entertaining and informative. You can even learn how to use an abacacus.

After spending time wandering through beautiful Ueno Park we decided to visit this little museum on the edge of the park. After paying the entry fee we were approached by a Japanese lady who offered her services as a free guide to the exhibits on the first floor. She spoke excellent English and had a very engaging manner as a guide. Two other couples joined as we progressed through the exhibits and our guide Mika communicated well with everyone. It was a wonderful addition to what was already a lovely and well-organised museum. Recommended for a visit when you go to Ueno Park.

An interesting museum sutuated at the entrance to the park. Fascinating view into social life in Japan.

Went to the Van Gogh exhibition during the holiday/weekend time at around 11 am. Wasn’t crowded and didn’t book the tickets in advance actually. Got to enter right after purchasing. The wait time for purchase was ~3-4 mins. It was a good exhibition with quite a lot of works not limited to van Gogh but purchased/kept by his relatives as well. I can say that you will not be disappointed. It was not allowed to take pictures of the exhibits but at the end there is a pretty cool short video animating his famous works. You can also find merch store but the prices were quite high - saw a cute knitted mini-version of van Gogh 🥺

The diy exhibition was a must see. I don’t have pictures here cause photo was not allowed in diy which is in b1. Go up on the second floor exhibit 2 and 4 are free. Look closely at the quilt—the way the colors harmonize yet still create such dramatic contrast is pure genius. I can’t stop marveling at how the artist endured the long, solitary hours, carefully stitching together countless fabric pieces so flawlessly flat, without a single bunch or wrinkle. If you truly give your full attention to these artworks, they will leave you exhausted within two hours. It’s a mutual exchange—the artists pour out their energy creating them, and in return they ask for your presence and attention. I deeply respect, honor, and appreciate their hearts and souls, which you can clearly feel within the work itself.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum boasts one of the finest permanent collections in the world. Masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Bruegel, Bosch, and even Vermeer are part of its remarkable display. I was lucky enough to see them in person — and there happened to be a special Picasso exhibition on at the same time. Located in Ueno Park, surrounded by other outstanding museums and the zoo, it’s the perfect spot for a cultural day out in Tokyo.

We got to check out the Van Gogh exhibition which is there until mid-December ‘25. No pictures allowed and it was a really interesting exhibition of the Van Gogh family and their roles in art history as collectors. There was some interesting ties to the influences on Vincent Van Gogh, both from Europe but also from Japan. We also got to checkout a Gallery highlighting modern Japanese art. There was well over 100 paintings and was really nice to walk through. I highly recommend checking out this gallery on your visit to the museum

The exhibition has a good collection of Van Gogh artworks. There are many paintings I have not seen before, however the most famous/impressive ones (like Starry Nights) I wanted to see weren’t there. Also even I came on weekdays, it was way too crowded. For the super-popular exhibition like Van Gogh’s it would be better to control entry time slots or limit numbers of tickets per day even on weekdays. I reserved the tickets in advance but still had to queue in a very long line to get in. The light setting in the exhibition was also too dim, making it difficult to read detail caption next to the paintings.

The museum provides an elegant, well-paced environment. The exhibition itself adds intellectual and emotional layers by exploring Van Gogh’s legacy via his family collection, rather than only his art in isolation. I’d rate it highly for anyone interested in Van Gogh, modern art history, or how artists’ legacies are built and preserved. It strikes a great balance between accessibility (you don’t need to be an art scholar) and depth (there is meaningful content for those who want to engage more deeply). Taking photos is prohibited except at the end of the journey (exhibit).

Located in Ueno, close to many other museums ( like National Museum of the Imperial Collections), at the moment there are many traditional calligraphy exhibitions and local artist collections. For me, as an artist, was very interesting. Miro exhibition was not worth for me comming from EU I saw enough times in Spain etc etc but if you are interested please visit it.

Exactly what it says on the front door - no more, no less. It's equal parts gross and fascinating. But it's real. And it's a particular appreciation for science and the scientists who dedicate their lives to studying and discovering things like this. The museum itself does not cover a lot of physical ground - only two modest rooms on two floors, but a lot is packed into the space. Definitely worth your time.

Amazing, and a bit creepy, all the weird critters that can affect you (and/or other animals) in some horrible ways. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. The museum is small but very interesting. It is free to enter but please help it stay open with a donation if you can.

A wonderful experience as it’s so educational. It’s incredible and I like how they provide QR codes for access to page to find out more about the parasite. Really enjoyable and should be a stop in your Tokyo trip!

We had a great time at the museum!! The specimens were carefully preserved and very fascinating ( •͈૦•͈ ). Some of them even include the host of the parasites so people can see how these subjects were affected. I learned some interesting facts there (such as elephantiasis is caused by a type of parasite called nematode!). The staff members were really nice and helpful. There's no admission fee and the coin lockers are free as well so if you want to support them, you can use their donate box or buy something from the souvenir stand. The T-shirts and the key chains were my favorite. The museum was pretty small so you can definitely squeeze in a visit for 2 hours or less. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about parasites or just to satisfy your curiosity :)

It's a fascinating topic, and the museum pulls it off decently, with some amazing displays (the 8m tapeworm e.g.). Wish there was more english content, and a bit more to it. You can probably finish the whole museum in less than an hour. Lockers are free for a 100yen deposit.

Free entry Museum, no tickets Required! And it is filled to the brim with creepy crawlies and little monsters known to cause extreme diseases and disorders. Parasitology so much fun!!

If youre a meandering tourist, this spot was fun! Its free but accept donations. Lots of different specimens, photos, stories, and even merch. Its self guided and my son (9) and I spent about 30 minutes and were scarred for life so it was memorable >.< I personally find it interesting so it was a great bizarre detour but obviously avoid if you dont want to see actual parasites.

One of the best museums I have visited in Tokyo. I liked their different displays available. When I went in August 2025, they had a temporary local artist exhibition + they were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the museum, therefore they had a lot of very interesting paintings and arts ranging from 1945-till nowadays. Structure of the museum in itself is also quite interesting. There is a well furnished library on the basement with a lot of arts and design books! If you are into contemporary art, I would absolutely give it a shot.

Nice change of pace from the usual tourist sites. No lines. Architecture has beautiful lines, stood the test of time. Front desk staff spoke English and efficient. Nice contempo art in their permanent collection as well as colorful plentiful special exhibit that was well marked and annotated.

I always visit MOT when I'm in Tokyo, both for the art and the grounds. The exhibitions are well curated and always include lots of information on the art in English and Japanese. They also tend to have a lot of interactive features where you can engage with the art. The various patios, courtyards and ponds scattered around the building are great for enjoying a coffee from the onsite cafe or just wandering around. The gift shop is also fabulous - they offer tax free for foreigners and have a really unique selection of gifts and souvenirs.

Visited the permanent collection and was inspired, so many early Japanese artists I’d never heard of, presented with real care. It felt like a proper deep dive into local art history, not just the usual big names. The building’s calm and spacious, and the gift shop is worth a browse too.

Lovely museum that should be on everyone’s list to visit. They have a lovely collection, but mostly no photos allowed.

Spacious, quiet, and well-paced. This was my second visit—last time was for Ryuichi Sakamoto, and it left a mark. This time, I came for Kenjiro Okazaki and the MOT 30th anniversary collection. The curation was sharp, deliberate. Every piece had room to breathe. I never felt rushed, just gently guided. The space is cleanly designed, easy to move through, and allows the work to speak without distraction. One of the few museums where I feel both engaged and at ease. Worth returning to—again and again.

So many amazing Japanese artists rocking out! Loved the On Kawara stuff!! Really great museum of contemporary art, and only ¥500 admission!

I loved this place. You get a one houre very informative, impressive and also funny tour and see lots of cool stuff. You can also buy cool stuff there if you want. One great thing about it is also that when you buy a ticket it is reusable. So we got there at 1815 but performances are shown only between 1400 and 1700. So we can come here on another day and watch the performance free of charge. 👍👍👍

This place was great! Quite a collection! Also got to come back any day to watch the samurai show as long as you bring your tickets! All the staff are lovely. Free english tour guide as well explaining each armour or item etc. We also did the sword course, and that was very informative about all the different kinds of swords of Japan, the history of if, the making of... we love this place!

This place was very interesting. They kindly offered English tours at certain time intervals and the information was great weather you were new to samurai or had a base knowledge. The tour guide was able to answers the groups questions and was very helpful. There was even certain parts of the tour where you were invited to try on replicas. There were also live 15 minute demonstrations later in the day that you could come back and attend if you kept your ticket from earlier. They also sold interesting gifts in the gift shop. Including replica and real swords.

This museum is amazing. It has lots to offer on Samurai history, but also on Japanese history. The tour guides can speak English and they will show you armor and arsenal from the past centuries. Also they will teach you Japanese history (from self-isolation until industrialization). You can also wear replicas and pose for photos =)

We had to wait an hour because they are booked out with tours as it is a very popular place. So we came back an hour later after purchasing the tickets. It was 1900 yen per adult. I was very impressed with the way the whole tour was set up. Our guide was excellent, they spoke in English. You get to learn a lot and take photos also. If you're in to dressing up in traditional clothes and getting photos done they offer that as well after the tour. Also they offer a short show which I won't go it to detail of because it was really entertaining and I sat at the front with my heart racing the entire time with crazy expressions on my face. Really quite excellent. They also sell handmade Katana's there.

While a little disorganized at times, the staff made up with friendly and energetic approach. They were eager to share their knowledge and great with kids. Reservations ahead of time were essential to get the samurai sword training… which I recommend.

Excellent place to get to know about samurais and their lives, and also about the history of Japan. Not too much is written in English on the notes but the tickets come with free English tours. Unfortunately we were too busy to wait for the tour due to the flights. You can try some clothes and have photos taken, quite nice memory of the trip! The museum itself is so charming and old style housing, I wish I could live in there too! Excellent place. Staff members are great!

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, located in Tokyo Midtown’s Roppongi district, is a captivating destination for design enthusiasts and architecture admirers. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with fashion designer Issey Miyake, the museum seamlessly integrates into its surroundings with a minimalist aesthetic. The building features a distinctive folded steel roof inspired by Miyake’s “A Piece of Cloth” concept, and much of its structure is thoughtfully submerged underground to harmonize with the landscape .   Inside, the museum offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with natural light filtering through expansive glass panels, highlighting the interplay of shadows and space. The exhibitions, though not extensive in size, are thoughtfully curated, focusing on various aspects of design and often featuring works by prominent designers and artists. For instance, past exhibitions have included retrospectives on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped,” providing visitors with in-depth insights into the creative process .  Admission is priced at ¥1,600 for adults, which some visitors find steep given the relatively compact exhibition space . However, many agree that the unique architectural experience and the quality of the exhibitions justify the cost. The museum’s commitment to exploring the potential of design in enriching daily life resonates throughout its programs and installations.  In conclusion, while 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT may not offer expansive galleries, its architectural brilliance and the depth of its exhibitions make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in contemporary design and architecture. The museum stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating meaningful cultural experiences. 

Easy to combine with a visit to the National Art Center, otherwise do check the exhibition schedule before visiting the somewhat limited spaces. Was happy to catch a free Issey Miyake collab project. A stroll through the shady gardens made it worth going out of my way for, as much a design feature as the building.

Perfect place to hide from the sun/rain. No lockers but our things were kept by employees. We loved the ramen exhibit so I guess it depends on what’s on display at the time. Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Modern architecture, beautiful sorroundings. Top notch exhibitions. Must see in Tokyo if you’re into design, fashion, arts and modern thinking. These galleries are held by Issey Miyake.

We were a group of architects and designers who wanted to visit this masterpiece of Tadao Ando, Japanese architect. That was a great experience for us to see whatever we read in our books. We also visited a Disaster management exhibition that was interesting to see how Japanese society behaves in emergency situations

One of the youngest Tokyo galleries, established in March 2007 is the collaboration of fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT hosts a variety of exhibitions that cover diverse aspects of design, including graphic, industrial, fashion, and architectural design. Depending on the exhibition the place can get pretty crowded, so if you can get there on weekday. Place is not that big so expect to spend here 1h to 1.5h. If your cup of coffee is design I would fully recommend this one - while it may be less known than Mori or Nezu it is still worth visiting ❤️

Fantastic Gallery, the exhibits are well curated and thought out. Been to two now and both standouts of each trip

within Roppongi hills can hardly see it’s facade from the outside thoughtful rotating exhibits

Exhibition on a small collection of Emile Galle, mostly glassware in the 1880s. Quite interesting. Weekend lunch time was crowded.

Located in the building of Tokyo Mid Town, the museum has about 2 floors of exhibition. Mostly, they are those prestigious artifects involving people's everyday's life, including trunk, ceramics, glass and room separator, aligning with the fundamental concept of "Art in Life." I like the Western Kings on Horseback as this masterpiece is an early example of western-style painting in Japan. The painting refers to an image on the margin of a world map published in Amsterdam, magnified, colored, and finished in this large format. The kings are said to be, from the right, the King of Persia, the King of Ethiopia, and Henry IV of France. The identify of the figure on the far left is disputed, with the king of England. This piece also represents how Japan connected to the outside world and how miraculous it survive through the Tokyo bomb in WW II.

Love the latest exhibition (More and More: Unsettling Japanese Art)! The museum provides English description and makes Japanese art very approachable. Highly recommended. They do rotating exhibitions (no permanent exhibits), so check out the website in advance to check if it’s up your alley.

Museum is on 3F in shopping mall. It was hard for me to find it but at last I did find it. There is lot of boxes and ceramics and clothes and paintings. It’s pretty dark but I like it. Good atmosphere but not so many places to sit. Enjoy your visit.

Nothing impressive in terms of installation and architecture.The collection is interesting yet small, and it doesn't offer anything new that can't be found in larger institutions like the Tokyo Art Museum. Navigation is quite challenging, as the museum is located on the third floor of a shopping center. Additionally, there is nothing particularly impressive in terms of installation and architecture.

Suntory museum of art. Located in midtown Tokyo Roppongi. Medium sized art space but it has many Master pieces of modern Japanese art like ceramic ware and Ukiyo e painting. Very quiet and clean.

Very informative experience. My wife who is an architect loved our trip here even though it was far from where we are staying in Tokyo. I am not sure if these are replicas or relocated reconstructions because the quality is insane if it is replicas. We spent 3 hours exploring and would have probably done more if we had the time.

This was probably one of my most favorite things in Tokyo. The museum was so fascinating and there was a ton of information about each building available in English. We learned so much about the Edo period and the various types of buildings in Japan at that time. The space for the museum is also beautiful. The museum itself is a bit far away from the main Tokyo city center but well worth the subway ride and it was a really lovely break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Really lovely place to visit, would definitely recommend. We went on a tea ceremony event day, however all the same-day tickets were sold out by the time we got there, and you couldn't do advance reservation for the english speaking ones. Despite that, it was still a nice place to wander and learn about historic architecture. I walk past this museum a lot, so I'm glad I finally got to go inside! There are places in the museum serving food, which is helpful, but although they are good, I would reccomend eating beforehand, as they are very expensive...

A wonderful outside museum worth spending half a day exploring slowly. It’s not only photogenic but also a great place to learn about Japanese culture and history. Today I learned how to wrap with furoshiki here. The outdoor area is lush and peaceful, with many people sketching under the trees — such a charming cultural atmosphere.

This was a very enjoyable trip and I’d highly recommend it. It was a 400¥ for entry and you receive a map and cute ticket. The grounds and houses were really enjoyable and you could easily spend a whole day and enjoy a picnic there. I’d return!

This museum is truly amazing! I came here on a weekday, and it wasn’t too crowded. The areas are clearly labeled and easy to understand, and I could even explore inside the buildings. They also have a seasonal stamp collection for your booklet, which is super kute 🥰 Absolutely loved it!

I had wanted to see some old farm houses on our visit to Japan and this place did not disappoint. Lovely afternoon out and also some nice items in the gift store. I only had 2 hours here and I wish I had just a bit more time to see inside all the buildings. Highly recommend.

A FIRE FIGHTER MUST DO IN JAPAN. My husband works in the USA as a fire fighter - paramedic. We had a blast learning about the history of firefighting in Japan. They have replica, real and realistic renditions of everything fire fighting. We even ended up doing some of the children activities bc it was so fun! We purchased a ton of Tokyo Fire Department souvenirs for the guys back home. I included a picture of the shirts we got too!! Museum is multiple floors. I can’t remember which floor is “blocked off” but you can’t enter because it’s the actual floor for the local Fire Department. We did not buy advanced tickets. Just paid for admission when we got there. The entrance to the museum is actually by an exit to one of the train lines.

A must do for firefighters & firefighter wanna-bes like our 4yo. He was thrilled! He was beaming from ear to ear. It was also super interesting how the firefighting methods started in Japan and how it evolved over the years. It was so cool that they still have the old chariots & uniforms! The helicopter on the rooftop was a highlight! There were alot of interactive things to do too. So fun for the whole family!

I really enjoyed this museum and enough signs were in English that I felt it was time well spent, which was a little over an hour. On top of that, it was completely free! I was most intrigued by learning that the early-on firefighters used to fight fires partly naked to show off all their tattoos. I especially enjoyed being able to pick up some of the modern tools to feel how heavy they are (no photo, sorry). There were a number of things for people to be able to sit in, such as two different helicopters, but it was a long wait even though the lines weren’t long.

Kid friendly museum, we enjoyed the displays. It has a direct entrance from the train. Free entry, dont forget to pass by the gift shop!

First time been to a fire museum overseas. This museum is surprisingly well maintained. It's multi stories and there are many different engines, and a helicopter, on display. Everyone was friendly and helped explain the history of the department in the area, as well as providing wells of knowledge on each piece of history. There are lots of kids so it gets noisy every now and then. But it's the good kind. Also entrance is free!

Fabulous museum dedicated to the most badass and storied Disaster Response / Firefighting / EMS system in the world. Emergency managers, first responders, fire folks, and their families will love this museum. There are English translations for most exhibits. If you don't understand any Japanese, it might help to have Google translate on hand for visual translation if you want to dive deeper. Don't miss the gift shop in the basement!

It is so cool and amazing to see the differences and similarities in the fire service. Obviously the Japanese have been at it a long time. The original uniforms and early tools are unbelievable.

Despite the high quality of the exhibition, it has been for me a very frustrating experience as no photos are authorized. It is essential that during and after the visit of any art gallery & museum I can spend time to watch and understand what is shown. Therefore I quickly quitted the place.

A museum that showcase different exhibits. A great place to appreciate japanese art. There were 2 floors inside but the walkway was a bit narrow which could be difficult to pass when its crowded. Sadly, no pictures are allowed inside. During our visit, the exhibit featured Hirezaki Eiho who was said to be the "last ukiyo-e artist". It was an interesting exhibit. It took us about an hour to look around. They also have a small souvenir shop inside.

A small collection of good historical Japanese are work. Entrance fees are 1300¥ for adults admission. Cash only. Give yourself 30 minutes to see it all.

Beautiful art in a quiet space. In this neighbourhood full of touristy places, it was nice to find myself the only tourist among a number of Japanese taking their time to enjoy the current exhibit.

Small, beautiful museum w/monthly rotating exhibits/prints as they have 15,000 items in their collection. Please note the 1200 yen entrance fee is cash only. I neglected to bring yen w/me and they recommended an exchange shop around the corner that gave an excellent rate. Gift shop in basement takes credit cards. Will definitely visit again.

Huge rotating collection of woodblock prints and paintings. The English explanations are a good mix of historical context and artistic merit. The space is small but well laid out. Worth a visit for those who want to learn more about ukiyo-e.

Small, just two floors maybe 600 square feet each, but a very nice atmosphere, very well curated. Wish there have been a few more translations into English on some of the explanations of the pieces but there was enough do you understand the overall exhibit. Really nice gift shop especially for souvenirs.

The Tokyo Metro Museum is a fantastic destination for train enthusiasts and families alike! The exhibits are incredibly detailed and interactive, making it both educational and fun for all ages. I was especially impressed by the life-size train models and simulators that let you experience being a driver—it felt so realistic! The museum does a great job of showcasing the history and technology behind Tokyo’s iconic subway system. Staff members were friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a railfan or just curious about how the metro works, this museum is well worth a visit. Highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore everything it has to offer!

The Tokyo Metro Museum is an underrated gem and a fantastic value at just ¥220. There’s a surprising amount to see and do for the price, tons of interesting information that never feels overwhelming, along with interactive exhibits and old trains you can actually step inside. Some even let you play around with the controls, which is a blast. One of the highlights is the train simulator. It’s in Japanese only, so it might be a bit tricky if you don’t speak the language, but when I visited, an attendant kindly guided me through it, and it was a really fun experience. If you’re still in train nerd mode after that, check out the rest area with gacha machines. all train themed and then pop into the small gift shop. It’s mostly geared toward kids but still has a few fun items for adults too.

A little out of the way, but really amazing museum for train fans. It's smaller than the rail museum in Omiya, but a little easier to get to, and much less crowded (even on a weekday). There are tons of exhibits on the history, how subways are constructed, interactive exhibits for kids, etc.

Brilliant day out. The best bit was the metro simulator. Loved driving the train. So pleased we didn't have kids with us.... we would have had to share. It is worthwhile waiting to see the miniature train set working. The times are on a board by the display.

Plenty fun for a low price! There’s even a metro simulator experience where you pretend you’re the driver responsible to get people to work / home on time in a retired metro / subway carriage. Great value and worth seeing. It does also have some English translations on some exhibits too. Not to be confused with the railway museum, which are about trains (such as the Shinkansen and some JR lines with the pretend to be a driver experience outdoors). This is the Metro (Ginza line for example in an indoor simulated experience).

If you're thinking of someplace to bring your younger children but don't want to spend too much, come here. Adult tickets cost 220yen and child tickets at only 100yen. They get to learn about the trains in Japan and may even try the simulation.

I love museums like this one. The TM showed an integral aspect of Japan living. The train system is the best I've ever traveled on, and it was wonderful to learn about its founder and its development through the decades. It was also a look into Japan's modern history, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. The museum is great for kids and adults with many interactive displays. Some of the audio presentations are only in Japanese, so it's a good place to get some listening practice. It was not crowded and seems a little off the beaten path for most tourists. However, it is very easy to get to by train (what type of Metro Museum would it be if it wasn't?). It is a great attraction if you want to avoid the large crowds of tourists and learn more about Japan's modern history.

This is a lovely rather small museum that has very interesting content about advertisement in japan since the early ages. And surprisingly it is free which is rare in Tokyo. The museum shop is nice and we were helped by a very friendly lady who was at the desk and cheerfully guided us on how to make stamps at the machine. It was a great experience !

simply amazing, a bit smaller than expected but truly such a great collection of ads throughout them that really give context to history throughout japan. would recommend to any mad men fan. they also had english translations for everything and a cute gift shop and library upstairs. very local and off the beaten path to your typical tourist bit. best part is this is absolutely free!

I loved it, and would have enjoyed it even more maybe on a weekday with less people. It’s small but very complete. It’s interactive and you can complete a free postcard as you explore that is inspired from an old Japanese ad design. The access is free.

Very pleased to visit it! A brief, interesting exhibition about Japanese adverts, with more focus on the modern history. Nice way to spend a 1-2hours (depending on how much you go into details) and learn sth new. This is for free, very good location, the exhibition is in bith, Japanese and English

Bigger than the average 'small museum' in Tokyo. The early history is fascinating, and watching historical video ads is a good time.

Wonderful little museum with very interesting displays. I especially loved the interactive ad library. It's also free, but has a cute little shop with very interesting gifts.

Great museum, very informative and nice for adults and young as well. You will get a free postcard that you will rent by yourself at the stations.

The museum is in an old school. It starts on the 2nd floor and has 2 floors (2nd, 3rd). On the 2nd floor, you have a shop (toys), exhibitions, and a playground for kids. It is for small kids, my 10yo girl did not play much. On the 3rd floors, there are workshops where you kids can tinker. The free workshop is for small kids though, I would say 4-8 yo. My girls were 8 and 10. The 10 yo did not enjoy it much, when the 8 yo loved it. The other workshop (cutting wood with a jigsaw) you will have to pay. It’s for +13yo. Additional to workshop, you will find board & skill games and wood toys (kitchen, vegetable, etc). Our girls - both - enjoyed playing with all. Its a nice museum, but not groundbreakers. It’s with the time if you are around or want to spend time inside when raining outside.

Fantastic place for kids and even adults. The attendants were very nice, they taught us how to play some of these toys despite the language barriers. If you're interested in the workshops, remember to collect the badges early! Unfortunately I missed these.

What can I say the toy museum is an absolutely must visit for any wood toys enthusiasts it’s fascinating ! Please take note if you bringing your kids under 7 they are plenty of activities like plays , workshops , playgroup ! There is a wooden treehouse playground on floor 3 absolutely buzzing with kids I would say definitely a place to plonk the kids to burn some energy! Hahaha I had fun seeing all the excellent wood made toys ! What a lost art ! So check it out if you got time in Tokyo and have young kids or you are just an enthusiast like me :)

What a heaven for kids. We spent nearly 4 hours there (my kid didn't want to leave). All the toys are wooden and of high quality. We went on a Saturday so there were a lot of kids, but I'm so impressed at how well mannered Japanese kids are and we all had a lot of fun. There are also toy making classes (all in Japanese) but you'll follow through just fine. In fact it's so much fun and it felt like an immersion. I'd also want to thank all the older local staff, they're extremely friendly and helpful. This museum is fun for both the young and the young at heart. Highly recommend!

Definitely young kids <3 imo. Great for babies though! If you are a toy history geek and want to check out Montessori - like toys over the generations, then you will love it! Otherwise, if you have restless and rambunctious kids like me, you will plow through it in an hour and be looking for more with little else around. My kids thought it was boring and kinda creepy and we would never go back.

Best decision ever~ our kids love the museum, lots of things to do and play. Tons of incredibly fun toys

We had an amazing time at this place. Can’t believe we spent a good 4hrs here. It was indeed good family bonding time as we spent time playing various games and wooden toys. Better to buy the tickets online as you will save ¥200 each person. Just save the QR code after the transaction and scan at the entrance. About 5 mins walk from the station. Highly recommended if you are traveling to Tokyo with kids.

Very small but kind of cute museum with various kites. If you liked kites as a kid it is worth the small entrance fee I think. They also have a stamp you can put into your stamp book.

Small museum/space but very interesting, filled with kites from stamp size to quite large ones. You can buy kites for your kids too.

The entry fee is 220 yen and cash only. The museum is very small, one would not take more than 15 minutes. I guess this is a make shift place and they are unable to show all the exhibits therefore. The highlight for me was the use of kites as aerial scarecrow.

Really cute museum. Pretty small, takes around 15-30 minutes depends how enthusiastic you are about kites. Some cute merchandise but not a lot. There is a clean toilet. It’s on the 2nd floor.

It's a little cute thing. Worth doing if you have 100 yen burning a hole in your pocket and ten to fifteen minutes to burn.

Amazing kites that showcase Japan's artistry and craftsmanship. Very dedicated and wonderful staff!

A very nice collection of kites. Many are very old but we'll preserved

Convenient location, just a short walking distance from the station, the zoo, and plenty of restaurants & shops. It’s also spacious, making it a great spot for running or jogging. While it’s especially popular during cherry blossom season, the park is just as enjoyable in the summer, with its wide greenery and relaxing atmosphere. That said, I don’t really enjoy the presence of a few loiterers in certain areas, which can make the park feel a bit less comfortable at times. Still, overall it remains a pleasant place to spend time, whether for a walk, some light exercise, or simply to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

A fun trip to the museum/park for a special gift! 🎁 ​My kid wanted to grab a birthday gift for a friend at the museum today, so we drove over. Man, it was absolutely packed! 😅 Couldn't even get into the underground parking, so we ended up using the partnered lot at Matsuzakaya. ​Right by the entrance, they had this amazing European-style Christmas Market event going on! 🎄 The park itself was gorgeous with all the stunning fall foliage—everyone was taking photos! 📸 ​This place is seriously cool: a stylish café, a zoo, art museums, and regular museums... it's such a charming and versatile park! Highly recommend checking it out. ✨

Euno Park is huge and completely free to enter, making it a perfect spot to spend a day outdoors. The park looks different in every season, and each view is absolutely mind-blowing. It features a zoo and a museum, adding to the variety of things to do. One of the highlights is the large lake—if you venture inside, you can enjoy a boat ride with spectacular views. There’s also a shrine where you can offer a prayer, adding a peaceful touch to the visit. Euno Park is most famous for its cherry blossom festival, where thousands of blooming trees, lights, music, and delicious food create an unforgettable vibe. It’s truly a must-visit place. Even if you just sit by the lake and watch the water, it’s a perfect way to enjoy your me-time.

Ueno Park is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Tokyo! It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and history! There’s always something to enjoy — locals relaxing, families picnicking, and street performers adding to the lively atmosphere. The park is also beautifully maintained and easily accessible by train. If you visit Tokyo, Ueno Park is a must-see, especially during sakura season — it truly captures the heart of Japan.

I came here at sunset and the park was still packed, but not noisy at all. It is beautiful and there are lots of things to see and places to explore, so I believe it’s worth coming back to and maybe in the morning as some of the attractions nearby were closing when I arrived. There’s a train station nearby (Ueno), so it is easily accessible by public transportation. I loved the unique lamps! Just don’t simply pass by them, try to enjoy the artwork 👌

A beautiful and cultural escape in Tokyo! Ueno Park is perfect for a relaxing stroll while enjoying nature, museums, and historic landmarks. The cherry blossoms in spring are breathtaking, and there’s plenty to see all year round, including ponds, temples, and street performances. Great for families, couples, or solo visitors who want a mix of culture and greenery. Don’t forget to visit the Ueno Zoo and nearby museums for a full experience!

Very pretty. The foliage is not in full effect yet in mid November but the park was beautiful nonetheless. There are a lot of people early Saturday morning but the park was huge so there’s a quiet corner for everyone.

Visiting this museum was truly an out-of-this-world experience. The entire arena is divided into multiple immersive sections, and each one transports you into a completely different environment. At one moment, you find yourself walking through a digital forest with animated wildlife surrounding you, and the next moment you’re wading through knee-deep water while vibrant colours and interactive visuals play all around. One of the highlights for me was the section where you’re given blank sheets to colour a character. As soon as you’re done, your creation gets scanned and instantly appears as an animated figure moving around the entire space. Watching your own artwork come to life in real time is an unforgettable experience. Every part of the museum feels like stepping into another dimension, something refreshingly unique and unlike anything seen elsewhere.

This place was on my absolute 'must visit' list when I visited Tokyo. We had so much fun here. Since we booked the tickets separately, I ended up with a different timing than my brother and his family but we managed to meet up inside. The experience was truly immersive and active participation (in a safe and sensible manner) definitely enhances the experience. I am glad they provide lockers to store our stuff and towels to dry off after we got wet. Each room is amazing and I spent so long there that we left during closing time! The kids love the rooms where they could be active and as for me, each room has so many photo opportunities. The ushers were very professional and offered advise on which room to go to first in order to maximise our time there. You can book your ticket and select your preferred time slots online and it is advisable for you to reach there an hour before your alloted time as the queue will start then.

Fun place for kids (and adults). We skipped the water area but we enjoyed other interactive areas! A lot of corners to take good pictures and to fully immerse yourself with arts. A bit challenging to do walk inside because it was dark and there were lots of guests (it was Sunday when we went there) But as long as you can wait patiently, you’re all good. The staffs are also very accommodating and well-trained. I forgot my cap inside and since re-entry is not allowed, the personnel outside contacted other people to look for the cap. They found it! All in all it was a fun experience :)

One of the best modern art/interactive experiences! We had to wait a bit (around 20mins) to get in with already purchased tickets and since we came in the afternoon (17.30) the place was quite crowded. However, crowds are perfectly managed so there is no overflow of people in each exhibition, which was amazing. A great place for people of all ages, fun and interactive in ways that is rare to experience somewhere else.

Really awesome experience. Our family also did the Borderless experience and would recommend Planets over Borderless. The water exhibit has you go shoeless and sockless and you eventually end up in water that was about halfway to my knee/to my knee (I'm 5'7") just as a heads up. The forest experience is super kid friendly with slides, drawing stations that turn your drawings into real animations, a ropes course of types, etc. lots of fun here and definitely loved by my kiddo under 8. Garden is less kid friendly - a beautiful display that moves up and down of orchids. So stunning. Open air was also kid friendly / touch friendly. Very pretty. There are free lockers and stroller stations in the water and forest areas so no need to stress about where to store stuff. I also accidentally left behind my son's coat and went back the next day hoping they could find it as I wasn't able to re-enter, it took about 15 minutes and they found it! I was so grateful. Overall I'd give this 5 stars and feel like it's worth the visit.

BRILLIANT EXPERIENCE!!! it's so worth it!! don't listen to nay sayers. this is sooo beautiful and stunning and fun. it's colorful, immersive, and unlike anything else. the staff was very very helpful and it was SO organized. funnn!!!! book the 9am tickets or it can get crazy. also the cafe at the end was really good, the yuzu ramen ruled

teamLab Planets TOKYO is a stunning, fully immersive digital art experience and easily one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo. The museum is divided into a series of interactive rooms where you walk barefoot through water, mirrored spaces, soft uneven floors, and dazzling light installations that respond to your movement, making you feel like part of the artwork rather than just a spectator. Highlights include the water-filled koi pond where projected fish turn into flowers as you touch them, and the crystal light rooms that feel like walking through an infinite galaxy of LEDs. Practical points: you must remove shoes, often roll up your trousers, and may be given shorts if wearing a skirt because of mirrored floors and water sections. Lockers, towels, and clear instructions are provided, and the entire place is very clean and well organized, though it can get crowded, so booking an earlier time slot is recommended for a calmer experience. Plan to spend 2–3 hours if you want to explore slowly, take photos, and enjoy the newer “Forest” and Athletics-style interactive areas added in 2025. Overall, it is highly recommended if you enjoy sensory, interactive art and don’t mind queues and water-based installations

For an experience this is a good place, but not exactly a museum. Entrance fee for an adult is 450yen. Inside, if you pay another 5000 with a reservation you can make ramen noodle on your own.( making the dough i guess) the 1F has a few walls with history of ramen and evolution of ramen in Japan. Also there’s a souvenir shop. In B1 and B2 there are retro type ramen shop which gives the vibe of old japan ramen alleys. Here you may choose a ramen shop to dine and you have to line up between 30~1hour depending on the popularity of the shop. And agin after paying you can enjoy your ramen. So the entrance fee is kind of exaggerated because it is not exactly a “museum”. As an overall it was a nice experience and ramen was good.

The history of ramen in Japan was interesting but the highlight was the ramen food mall in the basement. With the help of a young Japanese woman we queued up for about half an hour to order at our chosen restaurant. The wait was definitely worth it. One of the best konkatsu ramens I’ve ever eaten. Midweek would probably have been five stars.

Really fun visit with multiple ramen restaurants inside. They are rotating restaurants so they will always be eventually different. Can also get half sized ramen as well. Had a rich history section and a nice souvenir shop. Line up for ramen varies with what time you go.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a unique and immersive attraction combining a museum and a food court dedicated entirely to ramen. The venue recreates a nostalgic 1950s Tokyo neighborhood, complete with vintage storefronts, signage, and atmospheric details that transport visitors back in time. This themed environment adds a distinctive charm and depth beyond a typical food court experience. Inside, several renowned ramen shops representing different regions of Japan serve a variety of authentic ramen styles. Visitors can sample several small bowls from different vendors, making it an ideal place to explore the country’s rich ramen diversity in one spot. The ramen quality is generally good, with rich broths and varied noodles, although some critics note it may not beat specialized hole-in-the-wall shops found throughout Tokyo or Yokohama .The museum portion offers informative displays about ramen’s history and cultural significance, but it is relatively small and more appealing to ramen enthusiasts. The experience is highly popular and can get crowded, especially during weekends, so early arrival is recommended to avoid long waits.Overall, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum offers a fun, atmospheric experience to learn about and taste ramen varieties in an engaging setting, making it a must-visit for ramen fans and visitors looking for a flavorful cultural insight.

This is a definite must see in Yokohama. It packs a lot of interesting history in a small space. There’s a small-ish museum and two floors of a recreated 1950s neighbourhood full of authentic ramen shops. The ramen is definitely delicious and reasonably priced - for an attraction. You can also get a mini portion so you can sample from more than one shop. It’s only ¥450 to enter but you’re expected to buy at least one dish of ramen. Still worth it. It could use a bit of a clean in certain areas and the smoking room definitely needs to be removed - it’s completely unnecessary and stinks up a section of the museum. Weekends are super busy. We went on a holiday long weekend and it was rammed. There was no line to get in to the museum but we had to wait about 45 min to be seated for food. Worth it though.

Lovely Museum with very tasty ramen and a lot of Info on the history of ramen. A little unfortunate that you can't just order one ramen for the whole group and sit down in the restaurants. Everybody in the group needs to order at least one ramen bowl which can get expensive quick. Other than that I liked it here very much! Will come again to taste the rest!

Most visit place for the lovers of Ramen 🍜. Discover the history of Ramen, shop for varies instant ramen. Try out 6 different ramen restaurants. Number 1 store seems to be the most popular. If you have time you can even book ramen noodles making class. Definitely something to do for every one young and old.

A very nice museum, community center. It's basicaly a giant sound stage or movie set! You can walk inside (take off your shoes) the buildings, and around about 6 recreations of homes / businesses from the Edo period but themed around that city. They also have a day night cycle, so the lights dim at night and then light up for sunrise. They even had a moon projected on the the wall at "night." Well worth the 400 yen! They also had a great video on the screen about how they dyed fabrics etc. Very educational, I learned a lot about the craftsmanship of the art.

400 yen for regular adult entrance fees. A well constructed and well planned museum. Small and compact. The remake of the Edo houses were impressive. It’s like taking a stroll back to Edo Era. There were a few helpful guides. I was lucky to have a helpful guide Madam Mitsutake who was very kind and knowledgable and cheerful to guide us (me and two other travelers from Romania) through the houses. Seeing it through her eyes and words was indeed memorable and eye opening, as each of these houses were constructed with a story and background characters in mind. The section on the ukiyo as well as important festival celebrations were also very informative. Highly recommend.

A wonderfully detailed little museum (complete with stray cat on the roof!) depicting living in ancient Fukugawa in a delightful neighbourhood. It has day and night effects too! 🙂 There is a lot of info in English about accomplished locals through the ages.

The Koto City Fukagawa Edo Museum is a life-size reproduction of a Tokyo streetscape from the closing years of the Edo period (1603–1867). The re-creation goes to great lengths to show the lifestyles of the people at the time, right down to the homes they lived in and the daily goods they used. The museum's lighting also changes to reflect different times of day. Volunteer guides (including English-speaking guides) are available to explain the exhibits. I had a great time there and the guide was really funny and his explanations were so helpful in order to understand about life during eel Time. The museum is a three-minute walk from Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station on the Oedo and Hanzomon Lines, and a five-minute walk to nearby Kiyosumi Gardens. So perfect to combine with other sightseeing in Fukugawa

Absolutely fantastic! Unlike most of Tokyo's 'peer at stuff in glass cases' musuems, this is an interactive, hands-on experience that brings the Edo period to life. You are encouraged to walk into the replica homes, restaurants, and shops and pick up the various objects to better understand life in that period. They have English-speaking guides who wander the village and can answer any questions, too. The attention to detail was really cool - you can tell the curators spent a lot of time creating places that look and feel like someone's actual home or business. I spent about 45 minutes going through the town and the accompaying displays.

If you want to understand Tokyo before it became the neon-soaked fever dream it is today, come here. This place is criminally underrated. They didn’t just toss up a few dusty artefacts behind glass – they built an entire Edo-period street, scaled to perfection, with houses you can actually walk through. Touch the tatami mats, peek inside wooden cupboards, stand where samurai once probably argued about rice prices. Every 15 minutes, the whole place transforms from day to night, which is basically Disneyland for history nerds. Plus, the guides here are an absolute asset – knowledgeable, approachable, and ready to dive into any nerd-level detail you want. English signage is plentiful, so you won’t be staring blankly thinking “what’s this pot for?” Honestly, skip a couple of crowded shrines and temples, and come here instead. You’ll walk out smarter, more connected to Japanese culture, and with a newfound appreciation for minimalist living. Five stars – if I could bring my entire MBA class here for a lesson on craftsmanship and thoughtful design, I would.

Small museum offering a sensual, immersive experience. The main part of the museum is a recreated block of an Edo era town, complete with houses, shops, even a water filled coastal area. You get to enjoy the recreated architecture and artifacts, as well as lights and sounds that make it even more lifelike. That's how ethnographic museums should be done. There are also some additional more usual displays with written info etc. There are allegedly also volunteer guides on site but I didn't try their services. All in all you'd need about 40 mins or an hour to see this museum at a normal pace, but, of course, it can be done quicker, or you can really take your time and spend a few hours hanging out there as it has plenty of sitting options around the 'Edo town block'. I only wish the museum had a coffee shop inside/next to it. 4.5 stars - enjoyed the experience 🙂

Terrible experience, one of the worst! with great expectations, I came to see the 5 Stars of Ukiyo-e Artists, which was truly a fantastic exhibition. The problem is that very limited language support was provided at the exhibit. So I had to use my phone to take snapshots of the exhibit labels on Google Translate in order to understand the artwork. But then I was stopped by the staff because they thought I was taking photos of the paintings. After I explained, I only got in response was ‘sorry’ on repeat. Was the staff sorry that I should not have pulled out my phone or was she sorry that she made a mistake of approaching me? I couldn’t tell. Like I said, sorry on repeat. Anyhow, my experience was ruined. I felt like a thief trying to steal images from this exhibition while all I was only trying to do was get a better understanding of the background story of these masterpieces. No wonder I saw almost zero tourists at this fantastic show in a city full of foreign visitors. It almost felt like Japanese people were gatekeeping these art gems from the outside world. What a shame cuz this is indeed an incredible exhibit. Somebody needs to inform the management of the museum.

Specially travel to japan for the 5 greatest Ukiyoe painters' exhibition. My friend warned me to get the tix online in advance, otherwise I had to queue for extra 30 mins for tix. The tix costs yen 2000 (usd 15)， which is double the price of Tokyo national mesuem (you can find lots of national teasure class collection). Inside the exhibition, everything is a mess... over-crowded, can bearly observe the painting. I totally understand which is a profit making show, but please be responsible .... If you cannot handle such large amount of visitors, just cut the line. It is not that difficult to arrange online reservation for certain time slot for visitors. Visitors can enjoy the exchibiton and staffs are less over-loaded. The 2 stars is for the staffs standing under the intensive sunlight with me. Organizer deserves 1 star.

It is a blessing to be able to appreciate so many of Monet’s art works in one exhibition. Many of the pieces are not allowed for photos, but only some are permitted. However, the souvenir shop is kinda disappointing coz I’d expect some good-quality book or items. Perhaps anticipation was a bit too high after the exhibition.

I was expecting a large art museum, not just 2 rooms in a large building. There were only *replica* artifacts on display in very dimly lit rooms, which made no sense. We spent an exorbitant amount for the 15 minutes total we spent here. We walked through quickly trying to find the main art museum only to find out there was nothing else. The exhibits are rotating, but I'd find it hard to believe it's worth the admission price for any exhibit this small.

Came for their monet exhibit right at opening and no wait for same day ticket. Was extraordinary - I've seen my fair share of monet including including the l'orangerie but this was an exceptional curation that pulled together 60+ paintings across his lifetime to tell a story I hadn't heard of how his style evolved. It was excellently assembled, and the number of works with borrowed museums also was far greater than I've seen before. Normally you might see 2-3 museums collaborate but to pull this off they easily went past 10-15. Amazing job, and highly recommend others who are in ueno/tokyo to pay a visit. Worth the detour and glad I checked it out (only noticed by accident when walking in ueno and seeing the ads for it). Only complaint was they should have either spread the exhibit over more space to make it less crowded, and also make it more consistent in offering English translations as I had to pull out my Google translate in a number of areas

The current Monet exhibition is exquisite. You rarely get the chance to see several related paintings next to each other, giving you a much deeper understanding of how Monet developed his themes over the course of his life.

Came upon this randomly. Waited in linw for an hour. It was a very different museum experience as i viewed the whole thing in a massive cue going from painting to painting. Very slow but for me was nice. Lovely to experience japanese art with natives of all ages all around. I enjoyed it.

In May 2024, I visited the Artizon Museum in Tokyo, and it was such a peaceful and inspiring experience. The museum isn’t huge, but it's beautifully curated with a wonderful mix of classic and modern art. Every gallery felt thoughtfully arranged, making it easy to explore and enjoy each piece at your own pace. I especially appreciated the calm, quiet atmosphere, it gave me time to truly connect with the artwork. The building itself is modern and elegant, with wide spaces, clean lines, and lots of natural light, which made the visit feel even more special. The staff were friendly and professional, and there were helpful descriptions in English too, which made the experience smooth and enjoyable. If you're in Tokyo and love art or just want to escape the busy city for a few hours, I highly recommend the Artizon Museum. It’s a beautiful place to slow down and get inspired.

Great collection in a beautifully designed architecture. It is very enjoyable encounter with all the tycoon artists. Only couple minutes walk from Tokyo station, very lovely to be here.

Beautiful building housing a wonderful collection from a generous collector. It is peaceful, relaxing, and amazing. Take your time and enjoy the exhibits. Definitely worth the visit.

Booked tickets one day in advance. The museum has clear guidance signs, and the staff were all very attentive — greeting visitors warmly from the entrance to the exhibition hall. When I visited, it wasn’t crowded at all, so I could enter quickly and enjoy the exhibition in a calm atmosphere. The exhibition itself was well-curated, rich in content, and clearly showed the museum’s professionalism and artistic depth. The permanent collection is equally impressive, offering a great overview of various art styles and the museum’s history. There’s also a dedicated app that lets you scan artworks to access detailed information in multiple languages — super convenient and user-friendly. Overall, a wonderful experience. I’d definitely love to visit again!

This museum is located just a walk away from the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station. At first, the staff are all friendly. Honestly, the museum itself lack explanation about the location of the exhibition. Indie the building, the museum is apparently placed on the 4th,5th, and 6th floors. We were automatically taken to the 6th floor after the entrance on the 3rd floor by elevator. Even there was no sign written for the "museum entrance" on the 3rd floor but "lecture room" was written there instead. We as foreigners misunderstood the Japanese instructions and missed the 4th and 5th floor exhibition. Although at the end when we asked the staff whether we could re-enter or not, they allowed us, but we feel the hospitality changed. I guess the system of bringing the guest directly to the 6th floor from the 3rd floor is pretty confusing in my opinion.

Bought my tickets when I arrived at the museum. You start on the top floor and work your way down. A cool exhibit with multiple rooms and spaces. There’s also a viewing deck on the side. Perfect for an indoor activity!

Visited in July 2025, a well-curated Australian aboriginal women artists exhibition, along with fine collection of the Museum from Monet to Zao Wou-Ki, this is a must go if you are into modern art.

I visited this police museum today out of curiosity, as I have never visited one anywhere in the world. Anyway, this museum did "teach" me a few things - in particular how the livery of Japan's police vehicles had evolved over time. Whilst this police museum is six storeys high, level 6 was closed when I was there, and photography is not allowed for levels 4 and 5 (due to poor lighting for photo taking?). Anyway, this place is worth a visit if you are interested in history and law enforcement, and the police museum is air-conditioned and has public toilets therein.

It is primarily for kids. A surprisingly fun stop. The Tokyo Police Museum packs more into its space than you’d expect—vintage patrol cars, interactive exhibits, and enough history to make you appreciate the force’s evolution. Some displays could use more English explanations, but overall it’s an engaging and well-maintained glimpse into Japan’s law enforcement past and present.

So interesting for all ages. I barely took pics coz there was so much to see & do. I thought it was such a good use of space. My son loved this so much.

My child loved the museum. It’s free. They open at 9:30 am. Try to arrive early to beat the crown. Very clean & super friendly.

The memorial for the police officers who fell in service moved me deeply. Reading all the stories, many left for work that morning and never returned home. It was definitely an interesting place to visit.

I love this museum. The Police Museum is free. The first few floors are very kid-friendly and kinda silly. The top two floors are more solemn, serious and do not allow photography. The merchandise they sell is great, cheap and requires coins to buy from the vending machine.

A wonderful place for kids and free to enter. Even don’t know any Japanese, you can explain at least 90% to the kids.

View @ Yamatane Museum Of Art. . Founded in 1966 by Taneji Yamazaki, this is the country's first museum dedicated to the traditional nihonga (Japanese watercolour painting) style. . The museum exhibits a small, rotating collection of nihonga works, highlighting the subtle beauty and sophisticated techniques that define this unique art form. . The collection (comprising over 1,800 works, though only a few are displayed at any point) is a carefully curated assemblage that includes traditional watercolours, ukiyo-e prints, oil paintings, and ancient calligraphy.

Beautiful exhibition of traditional japanese art. About 1h visit with a wonderful gift shop & cafe. The sweets of the cafe are inspired by the paintings 🤯

The attention to detail in the exhibition spaces was astounding. An individual projector shines a rectangle of light to perfectly illuminate the surface area of a small sign. If you are interested in traditional Japanese art from the 20th century, this place is small heaven. Wonderful to see such high quality work preserved and presented here.

A nice little museum. Although the price of maybe a larger museum, sometimes smaller museums are easier to take in, take your time with. I visited this cute exhibit of dog and cat paintings and prints. They did have English titles and a QR for translation for many of the exhibits explanations. They had one small room for a second gallery, and of course a gift shop and cafe. I would definitely recommend if you are interested in their current special exhibit.

Beautiful small museum perfect for those who love Nihonga. In and out in about 30 minutes

Came here on a rainy Saturday afternoon and breezed through the current exhibits in under an hour, so we walked through a second time. The museum was smaller than I expected but I still felt it was worthwhile. If you’re in the mood for more art, head over to the Nezu Art Museum. We had time to kill so we stopped at the museum cafe and enjoyed the tea and sweets.

The Yamatane Museum of Art is located about a fifteen minute walk from Omotesando station in the basement of an unassuming building. It’s a smaller museum so you should be able to see and enjoy everything in about an hour. The museum is currently featuring an exhibit by the artist, Uemura Shoen. She is famous for her paintings of beautiful women, mostly from the early Showa period. To be honest, I prefer the beauty standards of today’s Japanese women, but nevertheless, the exhibit was well worth the visit. If you have some free time afterwards, the Nezu museum is close by and is a fine museum as well.

Great history of salt in the world. Explains the new methods of harvesting it in Japan. And also showcases all the different uses it has over just food and road. The tobacco part explains, how tobacco got to Japan and has a nice collection of smoking paraphernalia and a collection of cigarette packs from all around the world. Air conditioned, clean bathrooms.

The museum is divided into 3 parts. The 1st part is a kind of think/discover/learn approach or test what you already know about... only in Japanese, so it can be tedious at times to always use Google trad. Then you have the salt exhibition and on the 3rd floor the tabacco exhibition.

It's a peaceful place to spend a few hours and learn about history. The hole museum is easy to understand and the videos and touch things are very cool!

I was looking for something to fill the afternoon after visiting the Skytree tower. This place is a little treasure full of fascinating items, particularly the tobacco section on the third floor. But both sections are really well presented. I couldn't believe I was watching a video of the Salt Mine I visited in Poland, near Krakow. In the tobacco section I loved the international collection of cigarette boxes & cards and the large and varied collection of smoking paraphernalia. Only ¥100 entry cost and totally worth it.

Just a couple USD entry and so worth it. Staff speaks English and most of the exhibits are in English as well. Great interactive bits, interesting visuals, restrooms on every floor, seating everywhere if you need to rest. Just a beautiful abnd unique place.

It just 100yen per entry. Normal looking museum but when I got inside, I was literally spend half a day in there because there’s so much to learn about the history of salt & tobacco. Very informative and all displays are carefully curated. The interior is designed well and it has a relax atmosphere, there’s a resting area at each floor and everything is well maintained. Worth it!

The museum about tobacco and salt. They are many different kinds of tobaccos. 300yen for entrance fee.

Really interesting but small museum, though was a shame there was no signage in English as I wasn’t able to understand the context of many things. In a lovely area of Tokyo worth exploring. No photos allowed.

This was a great experience! Very quaint and antique vibes. The art, made by regular citizens shows another side to history and society. Loved it!

This was a beautiful and simple museum. It was designed but Soetsu Yanagi and built in 1936. All of the original displays and designs are kept true to when it was first built and has been preserved very well. I went to see the Korean Folk Art exhibition and there were a lot of lovely pieces and paintings. I could not take many photos of the pieces being exhibited themselves. My only complaint is that the objects did not have a lot of background information and there was no English or translations of anything. I would recommend they have explanations of the objects in other languages available on their website, or printed :)

The ticket was 1200 yen,but it was not worth that much for the price. cos it was a private group owner. this is a private museum about Japanese crafts

A good place to see Hokusal, the museum has a lot of his work. Also, some beautiful old Kimonos. Many exhibits from various centuries. Certainly worth a visit.

“Museum” is a misleading term for this place, it’s more of a shop you have to pay an entrance fee for!! They have very beautiful objects, but there are no explanations about anything, I was hoping to learn about some of the techniques and artisans. Save your money for actual shopping 😆

A nice museum that showcases traditional and authentic craftworks throughout different time periods. The building is ancient and very charming. The only thing is to be light and careful when walking because of the old wood. One hour largely enough to visit because the collection is quite small. The staff is very friendly. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood and want to have a calm moment, you should definitely come to this museum!

You'll definitely enjoy this place if you love fashion and its history. It's not big inside, so you can go around easily. Note that only cash is accepted.

Very disappointed & Not recommended, even sounds like they had great idea for the exhibition but unfortunately their exhibits were not really supporting the idea, and only English caption but no English description for the exhibition made it not Japanese friendly

Extremely disappointing. Two very small rooms. Nothing interesting besides seeing the horrific Nazi kimonos and the way Japan rebranded afterwards. Random spurts of Christian Dior dresses that have nothing to do with the content? Maybe no pictures are allowed inside because they don’t want people to know how bad this museum is.

When we went there was the University students exhibition, which displayed the costumes from 2 of their plays for their graduation projects. Admission was free! We spent about 40 minutes there. I don't think you'll enjoy this place unless you have a specific interest in theatre, costume design, or sewing.

Disappointing...!!! Museum closed and no information about it on the Internet...!!! It would be nice to give some warning...!! :(

Thank you for not informing about the closure neither googlemaps nor online on the website!

Currently closed from 5th - 21st Nov (2025), due to change of display