2024 Guide to the 8 Best Tokyo Museums To Visit In Japan!

by Miho Okamoto | Tokyo

Exploring Tokyo museums is a great way to spend time in Japan, showcasing the best of what the country has to offer, whether you’re visiting with family or on your own. If you love art or are interested in history, there’s something for everyone!

We've put together a list of our recommendations for the best Tokyo museums, from art museums to cultural museums that showcase Japan's rich heritage.

1. Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo

2. Tokyo National Museum

3. Edo-Tokyo Museum

4. Mori Art Museum

5. Ghibli Museum

6. teamLab Borderless Museum

7. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

8. Sumida Hokusai Museum

#1. Best Tokyo Museums: Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo

The Samurai Ninja Museum is the BEST rated museum in Tokyo on Google Maps and TripAdvisor! Located in the cultural center of Asakusa, the Samurai Ninja Museum is Tokyo’s top-rated museum on Google Maps and TripAdvisor.

If you want to learn about Japan’s samurai and ninja history, this is a must-visit spot.

Samurai Ninja Experience Tokyo: Experience Wearing REAL

Samurai Armor and Weapons You can explore real samurai armor and traditional weapons, like a Japanese sword, and even try them on! With the help of local expert guides, you’ll discover the secrets of these legendary figures and learn about Bushido, the way of the warrior.

FREE Guided Museum Tours in English

The museum offers free English-language tours every 30 minutes, providing a fun and interactive look at Japan’s feudal history that is both educational and entertaining. Whether you love history or are just looking for a unique experience, this museum offers an unforgettable adventure in Tokyo. Ready to become a real samurai or ninja?

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Book your unforgettable samurai and ninja adventure today and step into the world of Japan’s legendary warriors. Reserve your spot on our website to get 10% off, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates!

Address : 1 Chome-8-13, Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Tokyo 111-0035
Hours : 9:00 AM-6:30 PM (Daily)

#2. Traditional and Modern: Tokyo National Museum

Is the Tokyo National Museum worth visiting? The Tokyo National Museum is not only the museum with the longest history in Japan, it also houses over 100,000 works, some of which are National Treasures, as well as Important Cultural Properties of Japan!

Located in the tranquil beauty of Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest and largest cultural institution, featuring over 120,000 items that span thousands of years.

Tokyo National Museum: Six Floors of Traditional Japanese Art and Culture

Visitors can explore Japan’s rich history through carefully preserved artifacts, including beautiful samurai armor, delicate ceramics, and ancient Buddhist scrolls. The museum has six different galleries, each offering a closer look at Japanese art and history, allowing guests to experience the country’s cultural journey.

For anyone interested in Japan’s artistic and historical heritage, the Tokyo National Museum is a must-visit for both local and international tourists.

Must-See Special Exhibitions for Art and History Enthusiasts

While Tokyo National Museum tickets cost around 1,000 yen each, Tokyo National Museum also hosts special exhibitions that cover topics from modern art to traditional crafts that visitors can enjoy for a small additional fee, making it easy to explore even more of Japan's heritage.

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712

Hours: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Mondays)

#3. History: The Edo-Tokyo Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Museum is currently closed for renovations! Get ready to step back in time at the Edo-Tokyo Museum! This museum tells the captivating story of Tokyo's journey from a small fishing village called Edo to the bustling global city it is today.

With life-sized replicas, engaging displays, and hands-on exhibits, visitors can stroll through this Edo museum that reimagines the streets of Edo and shows how Tokyo has changed over the years. It’s a unique experience that combines historical detail with contemporary storytelling.

P.S. Keep an eye on its reopening – the Edo-Tokyo Museum promises to return better than ever!

#4 Art and Design: Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum has several modern art exhibitions in a variety of genres, including Western art. Located on the 53rd floor of the iconic Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum is a premier destination for contemporary art lovers and a vibrant art center in Tokyo.

Paranomic City View Alongside One of the Best Tokyo Museums

Not only will the art amaze you, but the panoramic views of Tokyo are equally breathtaking. The museum features exhibitions showcasing the works of both Japanese and international artists, highlighting innovative creations that often challenge traditional ideas.

Whether you're here to explore thought-provoking installations or simply enjoy the cityscape, the Mori Art Museum offers a unique blend of art gallery experience and stunning vistas.

Guests are NOT allowed to take photos inside this museum.

Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 53F, Roppongi, Minato 106-6150

Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tuesdays)

#5. Anime: Ghibli Museum

To visit the Ghibli Museum, tickets must be purchased 1 month in advance! For fans of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting worlds, the open air Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is an essential stop. This whimsical wonderland immerses visitors in the heart of Studio Ghibli’s most cherished films.

Paradise for Anime Fans: Discovering the Enchanting World of Studio Ghibli

The museum feels like stepping into an animated realm, featuring winding staircases, stained-glass windows, and life-sized recreations of beloved characters that will make fans of My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away feel right at home.

Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

#6. Lighting Design: teamLab Borderless MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

The teamLab franchise has over 10 locations across Japan, and many more all over the world! Step into a futuristic dreamscape at teamLab Borderless, an interactive digital art museum located in Azabudai Hills!

As its name suggests, the boundaries between the physical and the digital dissolve here. Visitors can explore mind-bending installations that change with every step, responding to touch, movement, and sound.

Captivating Museum Inside the Tallest Building in Tokyo City

It’s a constantly shifting landscape of light and color, making each visit a unique experience. teamLab Borderless isn’t just a place to view art – it’s where you become part of the art itself. Get ready for an incredible multi-sensory experience that has redefined the possibilities of digital interaction.

Address: Garden Plaza B, B1, 港区虎ノ門５丁目９麻布台ヒルズ, Tokyo 106-0041

Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

#7. Modern Art: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum building is a stunning feat of Art Deco architecture. If you're looking for a peaceful and refined experience, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is the ideal getaway.

Peaceful Museum Getaway in the Heart of the City

Set in a beautiful art deco mansion surrounded by well-kept gardens, this museum feels like stepping into a more elegant time. It showcases a rotating selection of both Western and Japanese art, all displayed in the lavish interiors of the former Prince Asaka residence.

The blend of art, architecture, and nature creates a calm environment for those who want to explore a quieter side of Tokyo's rich artistic offerings.

Address: 5 Chome-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

#8. Hidden Gem: Sumida Hokusai Museum

The Sumida Hokusai Museum showcases exhibits about the life and art of legendary The Great Wave off Kanazaga artist Katsushika Hokusai.

The Sumida Hokusai Museum, located in the Sumida district of Tokyo, is dedicated to the life and work of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. Opened in 2016, the museum features a modern design that reflects Hokusai's innovative spirit.

Home of Legendary Japanese Artwork, The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including original woodblock prints, sketches, and paintings that showcase Hokusai's artistic evolution over his long career. The museum provides a comprehensive look at his famous works, such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," and highlights his influence on both Japanese and Western art.

Regular workshops and lectures are held to deepen the understanding of ukiyo-e and its cultural significance. With its focus on both education and appreciation of Hokusai's genius, the museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those interested in Japan's rich artistic heritage.

Address: 2 Chome-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0014

Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Immerse Yourself in Tokyo's Cultural Mosaic

Tokyo's museums reflect the city's vibrant identity, connecting the past, present, and future. Whether you're interested in ancient samurai history, modern digital art, or the emotional impact of art, Tokyo's museums provide a place for exploration.

As you visit these amazing spaces, you’ll learn more than just facts—you’ll feel the spirit of Japan’s rich culture. So, on your next trip to Tokyo, make sure to explore its history, art, and technology by visiting these outstanding attractions!

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Looking to find the best way to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japan? Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore traditional arts, savor delicious local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories. Reserve a cultural experience at mai-ko.com and experience Tokyo museums like never before!