Japan houses several museums ranging from traditional art to contemporary art, science to anime. You name it. It is a perfect candidate for those who wanted to explore and know more about Japanese art.
Below is the list of popular and most visited museums in Japan:
1. National Museum of Western Art - Established in 1959, it is the only national institution in Japan that is dedicated to Western Art. NMWA contains Impressionist paintings and Auguste Rodin’s sculptures that was originally stored by the French government. It also exhibits the collection of Matsukata and works from the Renaissance to the 20th century that have been obtained since the museum’s opening.
Address: 7-7 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
2. Tokyo National Museum - It is the oldest museum in Japan built in 1872 and is one of the largest art museums in the world. TNM was first built in Yushima Seido Shrine and moved to its current location at Ueno Park. It displays numerous art works and artifacts not only from Japan but also from other Asian countries.
Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan
3. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation - This is also known as Miraikan. It is an interactive museum that comprises of inventions from the modern science and technology, global environment and space explorations. This is the place where the popular ASIMO robot is located.
Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto 135-0064, Japan
4. Mori Art Museum- Located at the 52nd and 53rd floor of Mori Tower, MAM offer various contemporary exhibitions. Visitors can also take a look at the Sky Deck and enjoy the spectacular overview of Tokyo.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi | 53F, Minato 106-6150,Tokyo, Japan
5. 21st Century Contemporary Museum of Art - A contemporary museum that offer explicable creations related to the field of art, music, performing arts and film. This is where the famous swimming pool is located.
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0962, Japan
6. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - This museum contains the historical events that lead to the explosion of the first atomic bomb in August 1945 and the destruction it caused to the humankind.
Address: 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
7. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum - Three days after the first bomb attack in Hiroshima, Nagasaki suffered from the the second atomic bomb attack on August 9, 1945. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum which opened in 1996 was dedicated to commemorate the events that happened before, during and after the attack. The events that lead to explosion and the devastation faced by the people.
Address: 7-8 Hiranomachi, Nagasaki, 852-8117, Japan
8. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum - Have you ever wonder if dinosaurs are real? There’s a museum in Fukui Prefecture dedicated to Dino studies and research. It is recognized as one of the famous dinosaur museums in the world. There are more than 40 dinosaurs skeletons on display.
Address: 51-11 Murokocho Terao, Katsuyama 911-8601, Fukui Prefecture
9. The Railway Museum - It is a unique historical museum which showcases old trains, train cars, even an old Shinkansen (bullet train). Visitors will get to know about the historical background of each models as well as its system and principles. It is perfect for both kids and adults.
Address: 3-47 Onari-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama 330-0852, Japan
10. Ghibli Museum- If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli animations, you should visit this museum by Miyazaki Hayao. Have Totoro welcome you in the entrance, ride the famous Cat Bus and see the life-size robot soldier at the rooftop but do not fear it’s the guardian of the museum!
Address: 1 Chrome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Make sure to visit one of these museums and appreciate Japan’s amazing art and culture.
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