An oasis of Japanese and Asian art
The Nezu Museum, dedicated to a vast collection of over 7,400 works of Japanese and East Asian art, synthesizes traditional art forms, modern Japanese architecture, and a Japanese landscape garden into one harmonious complex.
*The museum admission fee is required for use of the garden and cafe.
Tips
- Explore exhibitions with widely different themes seven times a year
- Strolling through the 17,000 square meter Japanese landscape garden
- Lunch or tea at the Nezu Cafe inside the garden, with stunning views on three sides
The wide range of works in the permanent collection include, calligraphy, painting, ceramics and textiles, with a strong focus on Buddhist art. Special exhibitions change every four to six weeks.
As well as the art, there is the expansive Japanese garden, which is a reason in itself to visit. Find a moment of peace while ambling along the garden paths surrounded by ponds, streams, garden lanterns and well-preserved tea houses.
The museum was originally commissioned by Nezu Kaichiro, a Japanese industrialist and passionate art lover and collector, and opened its doors for the first time in 1941. The reconstructed building, which opened in 2009, was designed by internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
An eight-minute walk from the bustling fashion district of Omotesando, you can access the museum conveniently via the Hanzomon, Ginza, and Chiyoda subway lines from Omote-sando Station. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Note: You must enter the museum in order to access the gardens and cafe.