Top 8 Museums to Explore in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to a diverse array of museums that cater to various interests, from traditional art to modern digital experiences. Here are some of the best Tokyo museums to visit on your next trip:

1. Tokyo National Museum
2. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
3. National Museum of Nature and Science
4. teamLab Borderless
5. National Museum of Western Art
6. Ghibli Museum
7. National Art Center, Tokyo
8. Tokyo SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum

1. Tokyo National Museum

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 9:30am – 5pm Sunday – Thursday, 9:30am – 8pm Friday & Saturday, Closed Mondays

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM) is the oldest museum in Japan, featuring over 100,000 artifacts, including samurai armor, swords, and traditional Japanese art. It offers a deep dive into Japan’s history and culture.

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

Address: 3-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 10am – 5pm Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 8pm Friday & Saturday, Closed Mondays

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) focuses on modern Japanese art from 1900 to the present. It’s known for its affordable entry fee and diverse collection.

3. National Museum of Nature and Science

Address: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 9am – 5pm Daily, Closed Mondays

The National Museum of Nature and Science is known for its many exhibitions on pre-Meiji science in Japan. It is also home to the remains of the legendary dogs Hachikō, and Taro & Jiro. If that weren’t enough, you can also find a life-sized blue whale and steam locomotive on display outside the museum.

4. teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

Address: 5-9, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 9am – 9pm Daily, Closed Tuesdays

The teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM invites visitors to explore their immersive digital art rooms with no boundaries. As art pieces flow from room to room, guests are encouraged to wander with intention to uncover the various connections & experiences.

• teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Admission Ticket
• teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Admission Ticket & Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket
• teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM & Tokyo Tower Main Deck Admission Tickets

5. The National Museum of Western Art

Address: 7 Chome-7-7 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm Sunday – Thursday, 9:30am – 8pm Friday & Saturday, Closed Mondays

The National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) was developed around the core art collection of Kojiro Matsukata in 1959 and specializes in art from the Western tradition.

6. Ghibli Museum

Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 10am – 6pm Daily, Closed Tuesdays

The Ghibli Museum showcases the works of Studio Ghibli, a renowned Japanese animation studio. The museum blends elements of a children’s museum, technology museum, and fine arts museum, and focuses on the art and techniques of animation.

7. The National Art Center, Tokyo

Address: 7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 10am – 6pm Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 8pm Friday & Saturday, Closed Mondays

The National Art Center, Tokyo is a unique museum without a permanent collection. Instead, it focuses on rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from Japan and around the world.

8. Tokyo SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum

Address: 1 Chome-3-33 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo (GoogleMaps)

Hours: 9am – 7pm Daily

The Tokyo SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum is not just an exhibition of miniatures; it’s an immersive experience that combines artistry, technology, and interactivity. Whether you’re an anime fan, a family looking for fun activities, or simply someone who appreciates creativity and craftsmanship, this museum promises a memorable visit filled with wonder and discovery.

• Tokyo SMALL WORLDS Miniature Museum Ticket
• Yurikamome 1-Day Ticket with National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation / SMALL WORLDS Admission Ticket

Check out these other must-try activities in Tokyo:

• Tokyo Asakusa Hanaka Kimono Rental + Hair Set
• Tokyo Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa Admission Ticket
• Tokyo Sky Hop Bus Ticket (1 or 2-Day Pass)
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo Admission Ticket

Looking for even more recommendations? Read more on our blog here:

• Top Things to do at Tokyo SkyTree
• Top 5 Omakase Restaurants in Tokyo
• Shopping List: Top 16 Things to Buy in Tokyo

To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!