10 Best artsy things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that is constantly buzzing with energy. Despite being one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, Tokyo somehow manages to maintain a small-town feel. This is due in part to the vast array of neighborhoods, each with its own character and flavor. From the trendy neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku to the more traditional districts of Asakusa and Yanaka, there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do in Tokyo.

And if you are an art lover, Tokyo is definitely a place you will want to explore. With over 100 museums scattered in the city, you will never be bored in Tokyo. From traditional Japanese art to modern masterpieces, Tokyo has something for everyone. In addition to museums, Tokyo also has a large number of art galleries and cultural centers. If you are looking for a uniquely Japanese experience, be sure to check out some of these places.

The Art Triangle Roppongi

The lively entertainment district of Roppongi houses three Tokyo’s innovative art museums: the Mori Art Museum, the National Art Center Tokyo, and the Suntory Museum of Art, also known as the Art Triangle Roppongi.

The Mori Art Museum features a constantly changing collection of contemporary art exhibits from around the world as well as a collection of art pieces by some of Japan’s most renowned artists.

The museum is located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo, providing stunning views of the cityscape below. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon appreciating beautiful art and soaking up some culture.

The Suntory Museum of Art in the high-end Tokyo Midtown shopping complex is where you will enjoy traditional Japanese art. The museum features rare and beautiful Japanese lacquerware, glass, ceramics, scrolls, paintings, textiles, and metalwork.

After enjoying the works of art, head to the museum shop for some souvenir hunting. And then to the café for some traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist.

If you’re looking for something more modern, head to The National Art Center Tokyo, one of Japan’s most important art museums. This cutting-edge center is dedicated to contemporary art and offers rotating exhibits by both Japanese and international artists.

When in the Roppongi area, you won’t want to miss this magnificent glass building designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan’s most renowned architects.

Ueno Park Area

If you’re interested in Japanese history and culture, be sure to also visit the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest national museum and largest art museum. It houses vast collections of art and archeological artifacts—over 120,000 items, including 89 national treasures and over 600 important cultural properties.

Explore the six buildings inside the museum complex. Honkan, the main building, showcases Japanese artwork from ancient times to the 19th century. Hyokeikan features temporary exhibitions. Toyokan displays Asian art and artifacts. Heiseikan houses ancient Japanese cultures and large exhibitions. Horyuji Homotsukan holds a collection of religious relics. And Kuroda Memorial Hall showcases a rotating collection of Japanese artist Kuroda Seiki’s paintings and sketches.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is another large art museum in Tokyo, with collections that range from ancient to modern times. The museum has permanent exhibitions on architecture, graphics, photography, and painting, as well as special exhibitions that change every few months.

On its website, the museum expresses its aspiration to be a “doorway to art”. The museum encourages the public, including children, to experience and enjoy art, and invites budding artists to showcase their works.

The National Museum of Western Art is a museum devoted to Western art. It showcases Kawasaki shipping magnate Matsukata Kojiro’s collection of Impressionist paintings and (French sculptor) Auguste Rodin’s sculptures.

The museum aims to provide the public with opportunities to appreciate western art. Since its opening in 1959, it has been active in art exhibitions, artwork and document acquisition, restoration and conservation, as well as education and publication of materials related to western art.

Other Areas in Tokyo

Unleash your inner child at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.

Located in the western portion of Tokyo metropolis, it is another popular tourist site in Tokyo. The museum showcases the art and works of Studio Ghibli, a world-famous animation production founded by Hayao Miyazaki. In the museum’s basement is Saturn Theater where you can watch original short animated films from Studio Ghibli.

The museum also features special exhibitions, shop, café, playroom and a lovely garden.

If you are interested in traditional Japanese art, the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku area is a must-see. It contains a large collection of artifacts from the Edo period (1603-1868).

Here, you will journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo as you see life-size models of the Nihonbashi bridge and houses of the Edo townsmen as well as dioramas of towns and buildings.

Besides the permanent displays, Edo-Tokyo Museum also holds exhibitions and organizes lectures and workshops reflecting Edo-Tokyo’s history and culture.

Fujiko F Fujio Museum, more popularly known as Doraemon Museum, features the works of Fujiko F Fujio, one of the most famous anime creators from Japan.

His most notable work is Doraemon, a character he created about 40 years ago but still popular among people of all ages worldwide. If you have a heart for Japanese animation, you shouldn’t miss visiting this museum located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

A museum like no other

MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: EPSON teamLab Borderless in the Palette Town complex of Odaiba, Tokyo is an astonishing borderless world of artworks in a three-dimensional 10,000 square meter complex.

This digital art museum “aims to tear down the borders between ‘one art and another’, ‘art and visitors’, and ‘oneself and others’ by allowing visitors to melt into the art and become part of it.”

Indeed, Tokyo is a haven for art lovers. Make the most of your visit to Japan and immerse yourself in the country’s awe-inspiring art scene. From traditional Japanese art to modern digital exhibits, Tokyo has something for everyone. So get exploring and see what amazing works of art you can discover in Japan’s capital city!

Updated: September 20, 2022

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