In this article, we will introduce recommended museums in the Tokyo area. We selected museums that can be enjoyed not only by individuals but also by couples and families with children. When visiting Tokyo, be sure to use this article as reference!
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Top 7 Recommended Museums in Tokyo
Today, Tokyo has transformed from what it used to be into a city of art, a city of culture. There are many unique museums scattered around, and it's very difficult to narrow them down to just seven because they're all wonderful facilities. However, in this article, we will introduce particularly recommended museums. Even if you're not interested in art, we will introduce attractive facilities that will make you want to visit a museum.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, is an animation museum themed on Studio Ghibli, located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo. It was conceived by Hayao Miyazaki and continues to this day.
Admission is by reservation only, and in addition to the standard plan where you can enjoy by yourself, there is also a plan with a professional guide who can help you understand and enjoy the world of Ghibli more deeply. Because it is a complete reservation and time-slot system, there is no overcrowding, and visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in the world where Ghibli's characters live. One thing to note is that while most museums have sections where photography is allowed, photography and video recording are prohibited inside the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka.
There is no designated tour route, so you are free to explore the areas you like. It's a spot that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, and you can visit as many times as you like. When you visit Tokyo, please immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Ghibli.
👉Mitaka Ghibli Museum & Inokashira Park Half-Day Tour | Tokyo, Japan
Mitaka's Ghibli Museum
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City, Tokyo (within the West Garden of Inokashira Park)
- Access: About 15 minutes walk from JR Mitaka Station
- Official Website (English): https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, located in Ginza Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. This unique museum features goldfish released into aquariums. The museum, which updates the long-standing Edo-era culture of goldfish appreciation for the modern era, has resonated both domestically and internationally, mobilizing a total of about 10 million people. From this fact, it has now become a museum loved not only in Japan but also around the world.
On holidays, it is bustling with couples and families with children, and there are times when it is crowded. With web tickets that can be purchased in advance and same-day tickets available, you can visit on a whim during your spare time. Inside the museum, you are free to take photos and videos as long as you do not use flash or light, so why not try a unique art experience for your travel memories? They also hold summer-limited events, so check their website before you visit.
👉[Summer Promotion] Tokyo Art Aquarium Museum Ticket
👉Art Aquarium Museum GINZA ticket
Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
- Address: 9th Floor, Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately at the exit of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line
- Official Website (Japanese): https://artaquarium.jp/
Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum
Located in Odaiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, the Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum is a mysterious art museum. As a participatory museum where you can enjoy taking photos with trick art as a backdrop, it is a popular facility for all ages. It is divided into three areas: "Edo Area", "Cheerful Ninja and Ghost Area", and "Masterpiece Gallery", each with a different concept, so both children and adults can enjoy a unique space without getting bored.
The theme is "Edo". The atmosphere inside the museum is as if you have time-slipped back to the Edo period, and you can experience the atmosphere of that time firsthand. There are tricks everywhere that children will enjoy, which will give adults a chance to return to their childhood. The estimated time required is about 1 to 1.5 hours, so it might be a good idea to visit between sightseeing and take a break.
Furthermore, events such as those using the Odaiba sightseeing pass and mystery-solving events are regularly held, making it a wonderful space where you can enjoy a fresh feeling no matter how many times you visit.
👉Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum Admission Ticket (Instant Reservation)
Tokyo Trick Art Labyrinth Museum
- Address: 4F, Decks Tokyo Beach Seaside Mall, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 2 minutes walk from Yurikamome 'Odaiba Kaihin Park' station
- Official Website: https://www.trickart.info/english/index.html
National Art Center
The National Art Center, located in Roppongi, Tokyo, is the fifth national museum in Japan, designed by the world-renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa. The museum is notable for its massive curtain wall made of glass. The biggest feature of this museum is that it does not have a collection. Therefore, a wide variety of planned exhibitions and open call exhibitions are always held, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of unseen art. The exhibition space alone is about 14,000 square meters, one of the largest in Japan, and in addition to this, there are libraries and lecture halls where you can research all kinds of information about the art you saw at the museum and deepen your understanding.
The museum is closed every Tuesday, and some exhibitions may have a short duration, so be sure to check the website before you visit.
The National Art Center
- Address: 7-22-2, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Right next to Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (directly connected to the museum)
- Official Website: https://www.nact.jp/english/index.html
👉Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2024
Mori Art Museum
The Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is a museum where you can experience contemporary art. Since its creation as a symbol of Roppongi Hills, it has been holding unique exhibitions that are not found elsewhere. Works from all over the world, including Europe, America, Asia, and Africa, are on display, allowing you to encounter art that you have not yet seen. The planned exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including movies, anime, and fashion, so you will never get bored no matter how many times you visit.
The museum is open until 10 pm except on Tuesdays during the exhibition period, and its location is just a short walk from Roppongi Station, so you can easily drop by after work. On the floor below, the 52nd floor, there is a restaurant with an outstanding view, which is a nice point to fill your stomach before heading home. If there are slots available on the day, you can enter without a reservation, but basically, it is by reservation, so you need to purchase a web ticket before entering.
Mori Art Museum
- Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
- Access: About 3 minutes walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Official Website (English): https://art-view.roppongihills.com/en/info/index.html
👉Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2024
National Museum of Western Art
The National Museum of Western Art is a museum specializing in Western art located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. The building was designed by Le Corbusier, a master of 20th-century architecture. While there are many of his works scattered throughout Europe, this building is the only one in Japan and East Asia. It's also a delight to be able to see the works of the famous sculptor Rodin, known for his Thinker statue, in front of the building before entering.
Being recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, the worldview inside the museum is unique and you can immerse yourself in art just by looking at the structure of the building. It's also attractive that you can have a special and unique luxury experience of appreciating art in a World Cultural Heritage site. The museum, located on a large site, has multi-purpose toilets and few steps, making it accessible for people of all ages.
National Museum of Western Art
- Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station
- Official Website (English): https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/
👉Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2024
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, a metropolitan museum located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. This facility is the first national museum in Japan and is loved as a historic building. The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, where you can encounter masterpieces from Japan and abroad, aims to be the "gateway to art" for many people. What's more, admission to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum itself is free (exhibition viewing fees are required). You can easily stop by the restaurant and museum shop in the museum, so it might be a good idea to take a look as a rest spot during sightseeing.
Many exhibitions and open call exhibitions are held independently. The museum is closed on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month (if it is a holiday or substitute holiday, the next day), so check before you go.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 7 minutes on foot from JR Ueno Station
- Official Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/en/index.html
👉Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2024
Enjoy museums in Tokyo!
From classics to hidden gems, Tokyo has a lot of unique museums. You can choose from the works and exhibitions you want to see, or choose by the theme of the museum. If there is a museum you want to visit, please go ahead and visit.
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