These only-in-Japan museums and galleries are smaller (and far less crowded) than the ones listed in every travel guide, but they offer a rich dive into Japanese culture, with exhibits that are thought-provoking and visually spectacular. Every single one is well worth spending time at!
More great museums are on The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had!
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ARTIZON MUSEUM
Choice pieces of modern art by all the masters, with exhibitions designed and curated in unique ways
Modern art masterworks • Killer Impressionist collection, including many Japanese Impressionists • Exhibition design makes you think about the art in new ways • The building itself draws you in and gives glimpses of the art to come
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GAJOEN GALLERY at the Hotel Gajoen
1930s vintage rooms painted by different famous artists are the setting for exhibitions of top-notch Japanese art and handcrafts
Climb the “Hundred Stairs” designated cultural treasure • Opulently painted rooms are pieces of art in themselves • Fantastically curated exhibitions feature only-in-Japan art and handicrafts • Really excellent gift shop (but you can only visit if you have a ticket)
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HOKI MUSEUM OF REALIST PAINTING
The only museum in Japan dedicated to giant Realist paintings, displaying over 300 images that are as insanely detailed as photos, but seen through a painter’s eye
Portraits • Still life • Landscapes • Industrial scenes • Natural history • Animals
Note: This one is really off the beaten path in Chiba, about an hour and seven minutes from Tokyo Station by train
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MINGEIKAN – JAPAN FOLK ART MUSEUM
A collection celebrating the beauty of traditional objects used in everyday Japanese life
The collection includes:
Works by the famous Mingei Movement artists • Objects from all over Japan that inspired them • A wide variety of items, like pottery, weaving, embroidery, metalwork, painting, bamboo carving, lacquerware, and more
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TOMO MUSEUM
The most spectacular modern ceramic art museum in Japan
A collection of art that takes exquisite traditional ceramics techniques in whole new directions • Its galleries are a work of art themselves, designed to make enjoying each piece relaxing and thought-provoking
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UESHIMA MUSEUM
Brilliantly curated collection of choice modern art, including works by young, up-and-coming Japanese artists
Thought-provoking exhibit themes • Choice works by famous international modern artists • Fabulous work by young, modern Japanese artists • Displayed in a way that allows maximum appreciation of each piece
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YAMATANE MUSEUM
Museum dedicated to Japanese nihonga painting and other works on paper and silk
Works by both famous and emerging artists working in the nihonga tradition • Thought-provoking exhibition themes
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YAYOI-YUMEJI MUSEUM
Takehisa Yumeji’s paintings and the actual vintage kimono ensembles worn by his models
Gorgeous collection of Jazz Age kimonos • Takehisa Yumeji’s haute couture fashion illustrations
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YUSHŪKAN WWII MUSEUM at the Yasukuni Shrine
World War II Museum filled with memorabilia that tells the story of the war from the Japanese side
WWII timeline from the Japanese perspective • Hall filled with artifacts and memorabilia of the kamikaze • Actual Japanese planes, tanks, boats and weapons
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Other great museums you should shouldn’t miss while you’re in Tokyo, from
The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had!
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 