Ah, Tokyo. This city is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Japan. Everything here is a combination of traditional and ultramodern things, from culture to architecture, from historic temples to famous landmarks. Apart from having several family-friendly hotels, the capital is also home to a range of out-of-the-box accommodations, such as party hostels! Tokyo is home to many attractions, and world-class museums are no exception. If you are thinking of lifeless museums, bones, and long descriptions that will make you fall to sleep - think again! Tokyo museums will excite you and allows you to journey from past to future in a unique way. Technology, tea ceremony, celebrated manga, and anime creations, not to mention the icon of our childhood, Doraemon - all of these are sure to give you a wonderful museum experience. What are you waiting for? Scroll down and discover the best museums in Tokyo, Japan.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Fujiko F Fujio Museum
I bet, Doraemon has become part of your childhood, especially if you live in Asia. If you are curious about anything that has something to do with Fujiko FFujio (the creator of Doraemon), then visiting Fujiko F Fujio Museum must be included on your list. Learn more about who is behind this pen name. Fujiko Fujio is a partnership between two manga artists, Fujimoto Hiroshi and Motoo Abiko. Inside, there is a theatre where you can watch movies that will remind you of your childhood. If manga (comic book) is your life, there is a room inside dedicated to manga readers.
2. Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
If you are interested in Taro Okamoto’s artworks, don’t miss the chance to visit Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum. Taro is known for his abstract and magnificent sculptures and paintings. There are also big drawings sketches, and other items from postwar history. This museum in Tokyo, which was previously his home and studio at the same time, is situated in the heart of the city, making this a good spot to relax after an exhausting tour.
Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
Address: 6 Chome-1-19 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Website: Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
3. Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
Shunkaen Bonsai Museum is a place for those who are interested in Japanese gardens and want to learn more about the cute bonsai. Situated in the district of Edogawa, this world-class museum was founded by a well-known Bonsai master, Kunio Kobayashi. Learn more about the traditional arts of Japan, admire the outstanding gardens and koi ponds, and capture the 1000-year-old pine tree masterpiece - all of these can be experienced here. Luckily, this amazing tour of Shunkaen Bonsai Museum is here to help.
Book Tours : Shunkaen Bonsai Museum Admission Ticket
4. The National Art Centre, Tokyo
Considered as one of the biggest art museums in Japan with a size of 14,000 sq m (150,694.75 sq ft), The National Art Centre is another gem that you must visit. A great design, colourful interior, friendly staff, plenty of exhibits - that’s what you see at this remarkable museum in Tokyo. Offering free admissions to everyone visiting, the institution features a wide range of high-quality exhibitions from traditional calligraphy to modern art.
The National Art Centre, Tokyo
Address: 7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Website: The National Art Centre Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Guide
Ayano
Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I wi... Read more
Tours by Ayano
5. Samurai Museum
It’s now time to discover the life of samurai soldiers in the past at the Samurai Museum. Samurai history for the period of Kamakura and Edo is fascinating. Japan faced difficulties 700 years ago, and samurai warriors became the heroes of the country. The museum features armour, weapons, artefacts, and interactive exhibits that everyone can enjoy. The highlight of the tour is wearing costumes with a sword and armour, and acting like a real samurai warrior.
Book Tours : General Admission Tickets to Samurai Museum
6. Mori Art Museum
Get a new perspective from above by visiting the Mori Art Museum. Founded by Minoru Mori, this outstanding modern museum presents a varied taste of arts, from design to fashion, from architecture to video and more. What’s greater about this is the location. Mori Art is situated in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, where you will have access to Tokyo City View observatory. The viewing area is on the 52nd floor, which is a superb spot to admire the breathtaking skyscrapers of the city. If you are lucky, you might even see a part of Mount Fuji.
7. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
If you are a science enthusiast, visiting the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation should not be missed. Known as Miraikan, this museum was established in 2001 and since then, it has served as a venue of learning about everything that is happening in the world today, from a scientific perspective. What sets apart this museum from the rest is the hands-on contact with science and technology. It has plenty of interactive activities like talks and experienced-based classes.
8. Tokyo National Museum
One of the biggest art museums on earth, the largest art museum in Japan, and the oldest national museum in the country, indeed, Tokyo National Museum boasts many and big things. Situated in the serene Ueno Park, this world-class museum is handled by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. It features a vast collection of artwork and cultural gems, not only in Japan but all over Asia as well. To save you time and hassle, booking this tour is a great idea.
Book Tours : Tokyo National Museum Regular Admission Ticket
9. Yayoi Kusama Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If awe-inspiring artworks and extraordinary experiences are what you’re seeking during your visit to Tokyo, then a ticket to Yayoi Kusama Museum is worth your consideration. Over the years, Yayoi Kusama has made her mark as one of the most prolific figures in the global contemporary art scene, as well as the avant-garde movement.
From her series of paintings from past and present to her immersive installations, such as the world-famous Infinity Mirror Room, you’ll soon discover what truly made Kusama an important part of Japan’s post-war modern art movement. This museum in Tokyo has showcased various exhibitions of her work, the most recent of which is set to open in the latter part of 2023!
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Address: 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0851, Japan
Website: Yayoi Kusama Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun, National holidays: 11:00am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon - Wed, may be closed for longer between exhibitions)
Price: 1100 JPY per adult (7.41 USD), 60 JPY (0.40 USD) per children aged 6 to 18
10. Suginami Animation Museum
Anime is one of Japan’s biggest-ever cultural exports, having provided tons of material to influence future artists locally and beyond. The Akihabara region of Tokyo is known as the de-facto capital of anime. However, it’s not exactly where this thriving medium got its start. If you’re curious about its actual origins, simply stroll further to Suginami, where you’ll find the Suginami Animation Museum.
A crucially important anime museum located in Tokyo, its informative and immersive exhibitions delve deep into the history of Japanese animation, with artifacts dating as far back as the early 1900s. Discover how the top anime releases are created from scratch, spin your own take on voice acting, and have a ball with the museum’s rich library of anime material from the past and present. As a bonus, admission to this museum in Tokyo is free.
Suginami Animation Museum
Address: 3 Chome−29−5, Kamiogi, Suginami City, 167-0043 Tokyo, Japan
Website: Suginami Animation Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free admission
11. teamLab Planets TOKYO
The moment you step into teamLab Planets TOKYO, you will be blown away. Experience the world’s first interactive digital art museum, which features light and colour exhibits. This world-class modern art museum in Tokyo uses 470 projectors and 520 computers to make 60 amazing exhibits. Admire colourful flowers and illuminated butterflies at Borderless World. Join the traditional and unique teahouse and be amazed when you see the flowers bloom in your teacup - all of these can be experienced at En Tea House. Children will have a good time at Athletics Forest, which has a creative physical space. Lastly, watch your artwork come to life at Future Park.
teamLab Planets Tokyo
Address: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Price: From 31 USD
12. Ghibli Museum
Situated in Inokashira Park, Ghilbi Museum is another exciting museum that features Studio Ghibli’s Japanese animation. You can experience the magic of anime with Hayao Miyazaki’s classic movies like Spirited Away, Ponyo, Totoro, and more. If One Piece is your game, you will love the Straw Hat Cafe that serves delicious Japanese fare. Colourful, life-size displays, exhibits, great films at the cinema - these are just a fraction of what to see and experience in Ghilbi Museum.
Ghibli Museum
Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Discover the beauty of art in Tokyo's museums
It’s not surprising to see and experience something out of the ordinary in Tokyo, especially in their museums. Combining culture, tradition, art, passion, and innovation, these are indeed a great recipe for a lovely museum experience.
Frequently asked questions about the best museums in Tokyo, Japan
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
