Japan's Art Scene: 5 Art Museums and Galleries You Shouldn't Miss

Japan’s art scene forms a beguiling mix of time-honored traditions and cutting-edge innovation.

Through ancient calligraphy and woodblock prints to avant-garde installations and contemporary photography, this country has a thriving scene of artistic expression that combines its deep cultural roots and its more dynamic modernity.

Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual observer, visiting Japan’s art museums and galleries is a must-read experience that can give you a deep insight of the culture and soul of the country.

In this article, We’ll take you through five of Japan’s must-sees in terms of captivating museums and art galleries.

1. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)

In the world of modern Japanese art, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, known as MOMAT, is the place to be.

MOMAT is Japan’s foremost institution of modern and contemporary art, situated in the center of Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace.

The museum’s extensive collection, which ranges from the early 20th century to the present day, includes works in various mediums like painting, sculpture, photography and design.

A highlight of MOMAT is its “Room With a View,” where visitors can gaze at the spectacular panorama of the Imperial Palace gardens while contemplating the art inside.

And the museum holds numerous special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the works of both Japanese and international artists.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the evolution of Japanese modern art or are looking for new and emerging artists to collect and admire, MOMAT offers a rich and immersive experience that is sure to leave you inspired.

2. The Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane, a masterpiece of art and nature!

The Adachi Museum of Art, located in quiet countryside of the Shimane Prefecture, is truly a crossroads of art and nature.

Though the museum is known for its breathtaking collection of modern paintings from Japan, it’s probably more famous for its lovingly tended Japanese gardens.

The gardens at the Adachi Museum have actually been rated the best in Japan for more than 10 years.

The museum’s holdings are primarily modern, with an emphasis on the great Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artist Yokoyama Taikan.

The art is carefully displayed in galleries with visual connections to the gardens, establishing a positive relationship between interior and exterior space.

Part art exhibition, part season-symphony, a trip to the Adachi Museum is a brush with not just the tulips and cherry blossoms of springtime but the snow-covered landscapes of winter as well, as the gardens transform their appearances with the seasons.

3. 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

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Also an architectural work of art itself, the museum was designed by the internationally renowned studio SANAA (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa).

Open-air spaces and transparent glass walls characterize the circular building and invite visitors to explore its numerous exhibits from different angles.

Internally, the museum features a fluid collection of contemporary art from Japan and abroad, spotlighting artists including Yayoi Kusama, Olafur Eliasson and James Turrell.

Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool,” where visitors walk beneath the surface of a pool, is one of the most iconic installations in the museum.

The 21st Century Museum is an interactive space for art — a space that encourages engagement and alternative viewing experiences.

4. Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (Roppongi Hills)

Perched high over Tokyo in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum showcases the best of contemporary art in an exciting space with breathtaking views of the city skyline.

The museum also shines a light on the work of contemporary artists in Japan, Asia, and beyond, with a special emphasis on themes that linger on culture, technology, and society.

The Mori Art Museum hosts some of the most daring and engaging exhibitions in Tokyo, and often hones in on large-scale installations, multimedia works and interactive art that engages all the senses.

Previous exhibitions have featured work from such world-famous artists as Takashi Murakami, Ai Weiwei and teamLab.

The museum’s location also makes for visiting experience unique — after visiting its exhibits, you can head upstairs to the Tokyo City View observation deck for a panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis below.

The Mori Art Museum offers a perfect blend of art and urban exploration.

5. The Sumida Hokusai Museum, Tokyo: A Celebration of a Master

If you are more interested in traditional Japanese art, the Sumida Hokusai Museum in Tokyo is another place that you absolutely must visit.

The museum is devoted to the life and work of Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most famous and influential artists, and it provides a deep dive into the world of ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and Hokusai’s lasting legacy.

Hokusai is most familiar for his signature work, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” but his output was wide-ranging, including landscapes, portraits and even instructional art books.

The museum, situated in the Tokyo neighborhood of Sumida, where Hokusai was born, offers a bearing collection of his works, as well as interactive displays that examine his techniques and his influence on both Japanese and Western art.

The building’s modern design — all sharp angles and reflective surfaces — stands in dramatic contrast to the traditional art contained inside, creating a space where past and present can converge.

For art lovers and history buffs alike, the museum is a haven of intimacy and enlightenment that brings you closer to one of Japan’s artistic giants.

Conclusion

From traditional Japanese tableaux to cutting-edge contemporary installations, Japan’s art scene is rich and diverse enough to offer something for everyone.

Whether it’s at the tranquil Adachi Museum gardens, the 21st Century Museum’s avant-garde exhibits or the Sumida Hokusai Museum for anyone more focused on Hokusai.

Japan’s art museums and galleries are portals to better understanding the country’s culture, history and creative spirit.

So, when you book your next trip to Japan, don’t forget to add these art destinations to your itinerary — you won’t regret it.