Art Lover’s Guide to Tokyo
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Given Tokyo’s enormity, the city has no shortage of galleries and museums where art lovers can get their fill of Japanese and international art. From galleries at the top of skyscrapers with spectacular city views to low-key venues displaying more-traditional art forms, here are a few of the best.
Mori Art Museum—Art with a View
The Mori Art Museum, on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower in the Roppongi Hills development, displays contemporary Japanese and other Asian art. It’s attached to the Tokyo City View observation deck, and tickets include entry to both.
Ghibli Museum—For Anime Enthusiasts
The Ghibli Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo—it’s worth getting your tickets as far ahead as possible to make sure you don’t miss out. The museum displays the work of one of Japan’s most popular anime studios, Studio Ghibli. While fans of such animated films as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro will likely enjoy the Ghibli Museum most, anyone interested in this aspect of contemporary Japanese culture will find this a fun destination.
Tokyo National Museum—Asian Art and Artifacts
One of the oldest and largest collections of art in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum displays a huge collection of Japanese and Asian art (mainly traditional) and artifacts, including archaeological finds. It’s located in the large Ueno Park, which also houses other attractions, such as the Ueno Zoo.
National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)—For Regular International Exhibits
MOMAT, located near the Imperial Palace, displays Japanese and Western artists mainly of the 20th century. It’s a particularly good place to go to see temporary exhibits from abroad, as many big-name artists and art movements from around the world are displayed here.
Matsuoka Museum of Art—Ancient Artifacts from Abroad
While the Matsuoka Museum of Art displays some modern art (such as Henry Moore sculptures), most people come to see the ancient art and artifacts, such as Indian Buddhist stone carvings and Chinese ceramics.
Tokyo Tours & Activities (7)
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Kid-FriendlyTokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour including Lunch
Experience the magic of Studio Ghibli during an enchanting tour to the Ghibli Museum and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, gain insight into the history of the magical movies during the comfortable journey to Mitaka, and then set out to explore the Ghibli Museum independently. Convenient transportation from Tokyo is included on this tour, as well as entrance fees and lunch. On Mondays, your visit to Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum will be substituted by a visit to Jindaiji Temple or Takahata Fudoson Temple.
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- 7 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$135.25
Private Sightseeing ToursTailored Tokyo city tour based on request
As the world’s largest city, Tokyo has a multitude of sights to see. Explore Japan’s capital with ease on a private tour that allows you to customize your itinerary according to your interests. With the help of your guide, you’ll devise a personalized itinerary and then travel between attractions using public transport for a more intimate glimpse into the city.
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- 4 to 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$270.50
per group
Nature and WildlifePrivate Tour - History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace
This private tour takes you to many important places in Tokyo to experience incredible art, learn about Tokyo’s history, and appreciate scenic nature spots too. Save time planning your own itinerary and benefit from a guide’s expertise and local knowledge. The tour goes to the Imperial Palace, Wadakura Fountain Park, the National Museum of Modern Art Crafts Gallery, Kitanomaru Park, and much more.
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- 4 to 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$96.61
Half-day ToursPrivate Ueno Park Architecture Walking Tour
Ueno Park is well-known for its springtime cherry blossoms and its important museums. But many visitors miss the fact that it is also filled with great works of architecture by the likes of Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, and Kunio Maekawa. Enjoy the opportunity to appreciate these works on this private guided tour, which takes you to each site, provides context, and includes entrance to the National Museum of Western Art and Tokyo National Museum.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$101.56
Price varies by group size
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Tour - A Tour of Fashionable City, Roppongi All the Must-Sees!
Most visitors to Tokyo known Roppongi only as a nightlife hub. This private tour introduces you to a different side to the district: its spectacular architecture. Your guide takes you to a museum used as a movie location, buildings designed by world-famous architects, and more.
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- 3 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$111.10
Day TripsEssential tour for fashion and art in Tokyo for 6 hours with local lunch
It is time-efficient tour for first visitors in Tokyo. You can enjoy fashion street from teens to adult in Harajuku, Omotesando and Aoyama area. Also you can taste sweets and foods in street like a crepe, a cotton candy, a shaved ice and ice cream and so on.
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- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$370.52
per group
Half-day ToursExpertly Guided Tour of Matsuoka Museum of Art in Tokyo
Join this 3.5 hour art-filled experience and satisfy your artistic curiosity! Matsuoka Museum of Art, located in Tokyo's Shirokanedai area, houses a broad range of valuable artworks and artifacts. During this tour, not only do you get to marvel at the sheer beauty of the exhibited pieces, you'll delve deeper into the backstories and secrets behind them. Enjoy browsing the stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and ceramics from around the world and different periods of time with in-depth commentary from an expert guide, and later engage in a lively conversation with him while having a lunch at a cafe.
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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$35.97