As anyone living in Tokyo knows, there are a lot of awesome places to visit. From stores to restaurants to nightclubs, Tokyo has it all. In addition, Tokyo is home to a variety of museums. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, you should consider visiting one. From art museums to natural history museums, there’s something for every type of museum enthusiast in Tokyo. Here’s a guide to some cool museums in Tokyo you should visit.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan’s most well known artists, has a museum of her own in Shinjuku. The five story building dedicated to showcasing Kusama’s artwork opened in 2017. Her iconic polka dots and eye-catching colors are present on every floor. Pumpkins, another object characteristic of Kusama’s art, are also present. A museum dedicated to Yayoi Kusama wouldn’t be complete without an infinity room, which can be found on the fourth floor. If you’re interested in reading about the legendary artist, you can find a reading room filled with books about her on the top floor.
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is open Thursday – Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are ¥1,000. The museum can be found at 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Bunkamura Museum of Art
The Bunkamura Museum of Art is more than an art museum. It is also a theater, concert hall, and cinema. The museum celebrates many different aspects of art, including live performances, music, and film. Whether you like looking at paintings or want to attend a concert, there’s something for you to enjoy at the Bunkamura Museum of Art.
The museum opens at 10 a.m. Closing times differ from facility to facility. The cost of admission also varies, depending on the exhibit you are visiting.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, better known as the Miraikan, is a dream come true for futurists. You can find exhibits showcasing the newest innovations in technology and science at the Miraikan. The museum has a dome theater, where films on science and space can be viewed. It is also home to research facilities where projects advancing technology and science communication are conducted.
The Miraikan is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets are ¥630. The museum is located at 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku.
Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for animation fans. It is dedicated to showcasing the history of and animations made by Studio Ghibli. Some of their iconic animations include Spirited Away and Totoro. The museum houses a small cinema where visitors can watch animated shorts. Some other items that can be found at the museum are original drawings and a rooftop garden that is home to the Robot Soldier from Laputa Castle in the Sky.
Tickets to the museum are ¥1,000. Due to the popularity of the museum, they must be bought in advance. The Ghibli Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays. It can be found at 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi.
Toriizaka Art Gallery
The Toriizaka Art Gallery is an amazing place that supports various communities. It was originally created to show the work of unrecognized Vietnamese artists. Now, the gallery works to make the world a better place through its fundraising events. Their events have benefited underserved groups, such as abused, neglected, and orphaned children. If you want to do something good for society while enjoying beautiful works of art, consider attending one of the Toriizaka Art Gallery’s events.
The art gallery is open only by appointment or for events. Tickets for events (which include food and drink) typically cost around ¥5,000.
National Museum of Science and Nature
The National Museum of Science and Nature is an awesome place for natural history enthusiasts to visit. The museum is quite large and houses an incredible collection of plants and fossils. It is also dedicated to celebrating technological advancements that have helped us learn about the natural world. Expect to see a variety of tools and equipment that have been used by scientists throughout history. The museum is located in Ueno Park, making it the perfect place for a weekend visit.
Opening hours are from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. most days and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are ¥630. The museum can be found at 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku.
teamLab Planets TOKYO
teamLab Planets TOKYO is filled with immersive media art installations. You might have seen photos of this museum on Instagram – it’s a popular place to take pictures. Most of the exhibits are located inside the facility, but there is also one outdoor exhibit. Even the dining facilities have a unique twist, featuring a plate of foods that can be eaten with “just one hand”.
Tickets to teamLab Planets TOKYO are quite pricey, at ¥3,200. That being said, the museum is popular for a reason. If it’s in your budget, the fantastic exhibits are worth the price. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The museum is located at Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku.
