Art Lover’s Guide to Tokyo

From the Ghibli Museum to Tokyo National Museum, these are the top spots.

2 min read•Nov. 04, 2019•By Elen Turner

Hi, I'm Elen!

Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.

Given Tokyo’s enormity, the city has no shortage of galleries and museums where art lovers can get their fill of Japanese and international art. From galleries at the top of skyscrapers with spectacular city views to low-key venues displaying more-traditional art forms, here are a few of the best.

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Ghibli Museum

The colorful Ghibli Museum. | Photo Credit: cowardlion / Shutterstock

The Mori Art Museum, on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower in the Roppongi Hills development, displays contemporary Japanese and other Asian art. It’s attached to the Tokyo City View observation deck, and tickets include entry to both.

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum in the fall. | Photo Credit: cowardlion / Shutterstock

One of the oldest and largest collections of art in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum displays a huge collection of Japanese and Asian art (mainly traditional) and artifacts, including archaeological finds. It’s located in the large Ueno Park, which also houses other attractions, such as the Ueno Zoo.

National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)

MOMAT is one of the top museums in Tokyo. Here it is from the outside.

MOMAT is one of the top museums. | Photo Credit: ケイ60 / Tripadvisor

MOMAT, located near the Imperial Palace, displays Japanese and Western artists mainly of the 20th century. It’s a particularly good place to go to see temporary exhibits from abroad, as many big-name artists and art movements from around the world are displayed here.

Matsuoka Museum of Art

Outside Matsuoka Museum of Art. | Photo Credit: carlosk582 / Tripadvisor

While the Matsuoka Museum of Art displays some modern art (such as Henry Moore sculptures), most people come to see the ancient art and artifacts, such as Indian Buddhist stone carvings and Chinese ceramics.