Japanese art – Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan

Ueshima Museum

Works by Lauren Quin and Annie Morris This new museum near Shibuya’s hip Miyashita Park is home to a collection that’s an extremely satisfying romp through a who’s who of international modern art, with a special focus on young Japanese artists bursting onto the world stage. An especially nice place to spend some time whenContinueContinue reading “Ueshima Museum”

Tomo Museum

The Tomo Museum showcases artists taking traditional techniques in whole new directions, and the way they exhibit each piece is a work of art in itself. It’s an especially nice place to visit on a hot or rainy day. This is the most spectacular ceramics museum in Japan. The galleries are designed to frame manyContinueContinue reading “Tomo Museum”

Roppongi Area

Roppongi is best known for sketchy nightlife, but it also offers a couple of provocative museums, a must-see art night, cherry blossoms from mid-March to mid-April, a fine display of koi nobori carp flags from mid-April to May 5th, and some of the best winter illuminations in Tokyo from late November through December. Most visitorsContinueContinue reading “Roppongi Area”

Yamatane Museum

“Autumn Colors” by Kaii Higashiyama, photo courtesy of Google Art & Culture This is the place to see masterpieces of Japanese nihonga painting, from venerable to contemporary. Their collection of works painted with powdered gemstones is first-rate, and they curate shows that are both enlightening and enjoyable. Visit in March and April for their annualContinueContinue reading “Yamatane Museum”

Sato Sakura Museum

“Sakura River” by Ryo Date This museum doesn’t just collect works painted with powdered gemstones in traditional Japanese nihonga style, they commission new works too! It’s an especially excellent stop in late March to early April, when the cherry blossoms are blooming along the Meguro River outside the door. Situated just a block from theContinueContinue reading “Sato Sakura Museum”

What museum shows are happening while you’re in Tokyo?

Here are links to the current exhibition schedules of all my favorite Tokyo museums in one place, so you can check what eye-popping art will be on display while you’re there! These are all great museums, but the ones with pictures are my personal only-in-Japan favorites. • ARTIZON MUSEUM Choice pieces of modern art byContinueContinue reading “What museum shows are happening while you’re in Tokyo?”

Nine must-see Tokyo museums you’ve never heard of

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! MAP TO ALL NINE MUSEUMS More great museums are onContinueContinue reading “Nine must-see Tokyo museums you’ve never heard of”