There are hundreds of art museums in the Tokyo area, but here are our favorite family, Tokyo art museums. Very few Japanese art museums have permeant exhibits, but instead rotate exhibits 3-4 times per year. The exhibits ration typically follow the seasons. To help make decision making easier, we update the below museum information to show the present exhibit as well as future exhibits if announced. We hope you find our favorite museum list helpful. Also, if you are looking for our favorite Tokyo science and tech museums, check here.
Favorite Family Tokyo Museum Exhibits – Museums Kids Love in Tokyo
1. Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills, Tokyo) (due to COVID-19 closed until March 13, 2020)
The Museum opened in October 2003 at the top of the central Mori Tower – a place visible from throughout Tokyo. The Mori Art Museum strives to be a place for enjoyment, stimulation and discussion – a place where what is important in our culture and society is openly debated, not only through the exhibitions that are shown there but also through a wide range of Learning programs.
Present and Upcoming Mori Art Museum Exhibits
Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life – How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow — What Is True Affluence, What Is It to Be Human, What Is Life?
2019.11.19 (Tue) – 2020.3.29 (Sun)
Heatherwick Studio: Building Soulfulness
2020.4.8 (Wed) – 6.14 (Sun)
STARS: Six Contemporary Artists from Japan to the World
2020.4.23 (Thu) – 9.6 (Sun)
Check out our other recommended attractions and restaurants around Roppongi and Midtown.
Address: Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (google map)
Open: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; Fridays, Saturdays 9:30 am – 8:00 pm; Admission ends 30 mins. before closing time. CLOSED Mondays unless National Holiday, then closed Tuesday. Check schedule here.
Admission: Over 65 ¥1,500, ¥1,800, Adult ¥1,800, University / Highs School student ¥1,200, Child (Age 4 up to Junior High School student) 600 yen (advance tickets to the art museums and the observation deck can be purchased here)
Senior (Ages 65 & over) 1,500 yen
Access: 5 min walk from Roppongi Station on the Oedo and Hibiya Lines
Website: https://www.mori.art.museum/en/exhibitions/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoriArtMuseum/
2. Miraikan – Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Odaiba, Tokyo) Due to COVID-19 Closed Feb 27 – March 15, 2020
Miraikan is a place where we can understand the things happening in our world today from a scientific point of view, and have discussions while considering the future that awaits us. In addition to exhibitions that provide people with a chance to enjoy hands-on contact with science and technology, Miraikan’s colorful line-up of offerings includes experienced based classes, and talks.
Energy.Transitions
2020, 1/17 (Fri) – 2020, 3/29 (Sun)
This exhibition features the future of energy that is essential for our lives. A new section introducing Japan’s energy situation was added to the earlier exhibition “energie.wenden (energy transitions)” held at the Deutsches Museum in 2017.
Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (near Odaiba)
Open: Wednesday – Monday 10:00 – 17:00, Closed on Tuesday, November 15, New Year’s Holidays (12/28 – 1/1)
Admission: Adult 630 yen, under 18 years 210 yen, under 6 years free; Special exhibit and permanent visit ticket Adult (Ages 19 & over) 1,900 JPY; Junior (Ages 7 to ages 18) 1,300 JPY; Child (Ages 4 to ages 6) 1,000 JPY.
Access: 5 min walk from the Fune-no Kagakukan station on the Yurikamome Line; 15 min walk from the Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line
Website: http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miraikan.jp/?ref=br_rs
Notes: The facility is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Parking is located under the museum (440 yen per hour / 1,650 yen maximum per day).
3. 21-21 DESIGN SIGHT (Roppongi Tokyo) Due to COVID-19 Closed Feb 27 – March 12, 2020
21_21 Design Sight is a museum in Roppongi in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, which opened in 2007. The museum, a design museum, was created by architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake.
Check out our other recommended attractions and restaurants around Roppongi and Midtown.
Present and Upcoming Exhibits @ 21-21 DESIGN SIGHT
- Secret Source of Inspiration: Designers
- 2019.11/22 (Fri) – 2020.3/8 (Sun)
traNslatioNs Understanding Misunderstanding
2020.3/27 (Fri) – 2020, 6/28 (Sun)
Address:21-21 DESIGN SIGHT . 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (google map)
Open: Open Wednesday – Monday (closed Tuesday); 11:00 – 20:00（Entrance until 19:30）
Admission: Adults ¥1,200 / University ¥800, HS ¥500, Jr. HS and under may enter for free
Access: 5 min walk from Roppongi station (exit 6) on the Toei Oedo Line, and Nogizaka station (exit 3) on the Chiyoda Line
Website: http://www.2121designsight.jp/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2121DESIGNSIGHT/
*****Favorite Family Tokyo Art Museums
4. The National Art Center (Roppongi, Tokyo) – Due to COVID-19 Closed Feb 27 – March 15, 2020
The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT) is a unique and innovative art exhibition facility: instead of maintaining a permanent collection, it makes the most of a total of 14,000 square meters of exhibition space, one of the largest in Japan, and focuses on serving as a venue for various art exhibitions. The NACT also promotes outreach activities through its educational programs, and the Art Library serves to collect and disseminate information related to art.
Present and Upcoming Exhibits @ The National Art Center
Japan-Hungary Friendship 150th Anniversary
2019. 12/ 4 (Wed) – 2020, 3/ 16 (Mon)
Timeless Conversations 2020: Voices from Japanese Art of the Past and Present
2020, 3/ 11 (Wed) – 2020, 6/ 1 (Mon)
Fashion in Japan 1945-2020
2020, 6/3(Wed) – 2020, 8/24(Mon)
Check out our other recommended attractions and restaurants around Roppongi and Midtown.
Address: Kokuritsu-Shin-Bijutsukan, The National Art Center, Tokyo 7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo
Open: Closed Tuesday, Open from 10:00 – 18:00 (Friday & Saturday nights open until 20:00)
Admission: Adults ¥1,500, College ¥1,200, HS ¥800 yen, Jr. HS and below free.
Access: Direct accèss from Nogizaka Station (exit 6) on the Chiyoda Line, 5 min walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 4a) on the Hibiya Line, or 4 min walk from Roppongi Station (Exit 7) on the Oedo Line
Website: https://www.nact.jp/english/
*****Favorite Family Tokyo Art Museums
5. Edo-Tokyo Museum (Sumida, Tokyo) – Closed Feb 29 – March 16, 2020
The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future.
Tenka-Taihei – Pax Tokugawana and the Shoguns’ role in the birth of a new culture
2020, 1/2 (Thu) – 2020, 2/16 (Sun)
The Tradition of Edo Creativity－The Skill and Soul of Craftsmen Give Birth to Japanese Beauty－
2020, 2/8 (Sat) – 2020, 4/5 (Sun)
The Pioneers －Masters of Edo Painting
2020, 4/25 (Sat) – 2020, 6/21 (Sun)
Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015
Open: Closed Mondays; Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 – 17:30 *If a public holiday, the following day is closed instead. Year End and New Year Holiday. Closed Dec 29-Jan 3 for New Years
Admission: Adult: 600yen, People aged 65 or over：300yen, University Students：480yen; Students（Junior high school & High school: 300yen; Under Junior high school：Free — The permanent exhibition admission fee for adults who live in Tokyo and are accompanied by children 18 years old or younger is half price on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month (Family Days) (up to two adults). The discount may not apply to special exhibitions. Please check in advance.
Access: 1 min walk from the Ryogkoku Stations on the Oedo subway line or 3 min walk from the Ryogoku station (West Exit) on the JR Sobu Lin
Website: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/
6. The National Museum of Western Art (Ueno Park, Tokyo) – Due to COVID-19 closed Feb 29 – March 16 – The National Museum of Western Art was established in April 1959 and was based on the Matsukata Collection focusing on the Impressionist paintings and Auguste Rodin’s sculptures previously stored by the French government. The museum’s purpose is to provide the public with opportunities to appreciate western art.
Present and Upcoming Exhibits @ The National Museum of Western Art
Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London
2020, 3/3 (Tue) – 2020, 6/14 (Sun)
Address: The National Museum of Western Art, 7-7 Ueno Koen, Taito, Tokyo (google map)
Open: Closed Mondays Permanent Collection: 9:30 – 17:30
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:30 – 20:00
Extended opening hours: 9:30 – 21:00
Admission: Adults:¥1,600, College ¥1,200, HS ¥800, Jr. HS & below free
Access: 1 min walk from the Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote Line (Park Exit); 7 min walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Line; 8 min walk from Ueno Station on the Ginza and Hibiya Lines
Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/exhibitions/current.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumofWesternArt/
7. National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno, Tokyo) – Due to COVID-19 Closed Feb 29 – March 16, 2020
Established in 1877, the National Museum of Nature and Science (Kahaku) is one of the oldest museums in Japan. It is also the only national museum in the country that offers a comprehensive exhibition of natural history and the history of science and technology.
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD
2019, 11/2 (Sat) – 2020, 2/ 24 (Mon, National Holiday)
Special Exhibition WASHOKU
Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine
2020, 3/14 (Sat) – 2020, 6/14 (Sun)
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Open: Closed Mondays; Open Tuesday – Sunday; 9:00 – 17:00 (last admittance 16:30)
Admission: Permanent exhibits – adults 620 yen, high-school students and below free;Special exhibits vary but usually cost 1,700 yen for adults and 600 yen for children
Access: 5 min. walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), 10 min. walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station, or 10 min. walk from Keisei Line Keisei Ueno Station
Website: http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/
8. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
– Due to COVID-19 Closed Feb 29 – March 16, 2020Vilhelm Hammershøi and Danish Painting of the 19th Century
2020, 1/21 (Tue) – 2020, 3/26 (Thu)Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, 8-36 Ueno-Park Taito-ku, Tokyo (google map)(google map)
Open: Closed 1st and 3rd Mondays, Open 9:30 – 17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
Admission: Adults ¥1,600, College students ¥1,300, HS students ¥800, Seniors 65+ ¥1,000
Access: 7 min walking from JR “Ueno Station” Park Exit, 10 min walking from “Ueno Station” Exit 7, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, 10 min walking from Keisei Line “Ueno Station”.
Website:https://www.tobikan.jp/en/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TokyoMetropolitanArtMuseum/
Some of our other favorite Museums
Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art (Koto-ku, Tokyo)The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo was opened in March, 1995 in Kiba Park, to the East of Sumida River, as a center for the systematic study, collection, preservation and display of contemporary art, focusing primarily on postwar Japanese art but encompassing a wide range of subjects from both here and abroad.
Address: Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art, 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo (google map)
Open: Closed Mondays; Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 – 18:00 (if Monday is a national holiday, Museum will be closed instead on Tuesday)
Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, College 900 yen, HS & JH 600 yen, and elementary & under free
Access: From Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon Line: 9min. walk from the B2 exit.
Website: https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/exhibitions/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Museum-of-Contemporary-Art-Tokyo/135420939821863
Ota Memorial Museum (Harajuku, Tokyo)Ōta Memorial Museum of Art has been visited by both lovers of ukiyo-e in Japan and foreign people who are interested in Japanese culture as one of the few museums specializing in ukiyo-e. Ukiyo-e works on display are changed every month according to themes of exhibition. Therefore people can admire different charms of ukiyo-e whenever they visit the museum. Moreover, the museum has gotten involved in various activities such as organizing lectures and offering grant for budding ukiyo-e researchers for many years.Check out our other recommended attractions and restaurants around the Ota Memorial Museum (Harajuku/JingueMae and Omotesando/Aoyama)
Address: Ota Memorial Museum of Art, 1-10-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: Closed Monday, 10:30 – 17:30 (Last Admission: 17:00)
Admission: Adults 700 JPY, University and senior high school students 500 JPY
Access: 5 min walk from Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/exhibition-eng
