Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum is surrounded by a choice Japanese garden, famous for these iris, which bloom in May

This museum (which is in Omotesando, not near Nezu Station, go figure) is a small art museum that showcases beautifully curated exhibits, focusing on traditional Japanese arts and crafts.

One of the most famous pieces in their permanent collection is this gold-leafed screen by Korin, which is exhibited once a year, at the same time that the iris in the garden bloom. The iris in the garden are the same variety as those in the painting! (photo courtesy of the Nezu Museum)
Their collection includes unexpected treasures like Meiji Era jeweled clocks…
…but the special exhibitions tend to be the finest examples of traditional Japanese arts, like dollmaking…
…or swordsmithing
After enjoying the exquisite art inside, it’s always pleasant to meander through the garden, enjoying the teahouses…
…and discovering picturesque little trickles of water hidden in the greenery

Open: Every day except closed on Mondays, Dec 29 – Jan 3 and during exhibit preparation

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00

Admission: Adult ¥1100 (¥1300 for special exhibition), student (high school and above) ¥800 (¥1000 for special exhibition)

For the upcoming exhibition schedule, check the Nezu Museum website

MAP

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While you’re in Japan, read a novel set in Tokyo!

“A genuinely gripping crime thriller which wrong-foots and perplexes the reader throughout, drawing us in emotionally . . . Highly recommended.”

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For nine years, Tokyo Detective Kenji Nakamura thought his mother’s death was an accident. Then he gets a call, and his life begins to unravel. Because if it wasn’t an accident…what was it? Read more…