# Museums and big exhibitions in Tokyo

Tokyo has more major museums than almost any city in the world, and the real draw is the rotating special exhibitions: a few months of Impressionists, ukiyo-e, national treasures or a hit anime, then something new. Most of the big ones sit in a few clusters, so one area can fill a day. The list below is updated daily with the major exhibitions on now and coming soon.

## Special exhibitions and permanent collections

Japanese museums run two kinds of shows. The special exhibition (tokubetsu-ten or kikaku-ten) is the one on the posters in every station: borrowed works, a separate and higher ticket, and a fixed run of a couple of months. The permanent collection (josetsu-ten, also called the collection exhibition) is the museum's own holdings, cheaper or sometimes included with a special exhibition ticket, and usually far quieter.

Some of the busiest venues, such as the National Art Center and the Ueno Royal Museum, have no collection on show at all and only host exhibitions. Others, like the Tokyo National Museum, have collections so large that the permanent galleries alone are worth half a day. When a blockbuster is packed, the collection upstairs is often the calmest room in the building.

## Where to go: the main museum areas

Ueno Park is the biggest cluster, a short walk from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station. The [Tokyo National Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%9213-9) holds the largest collection of Japanese art, from swords and kimono to national treasures. The [National Museum of Western Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E8%A5%BF%E6%B4%8B%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%927-7), in a building by Le Corbusier that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, has Rodin sculptures out front and a strong Western collection. The [Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%928-36) and the [Ueno Royal Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-2) host big touring shows, and the [National Museum of Nature and Science](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E7%A7%91%E5%AD%A6%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%927-20) is next door for dinosaurs and space.

Roppongi has three within walking distance. The [Mori Art Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%A3%AE%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A86-10-1), high up in the Roppongi Hills tower, shows contemporary art and stays open late most nights. The [National Art Center](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E6%96%B0%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A87-22-2), in a wavy glass building, is one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan. The [Suntory Museum of Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%B5%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%B5%A4%E5%9D%829-7-4) in Tokyo Midtown focuses on Japanese art and crafts.

Around Marunouchi and Kyobashi you have the [Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%89%E8%8F%B1%E4%B8%80%E5%8F%B7%E9%A4%A8%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%852-6-2) in a rebuilt red-brick office building, the [Tokyo Station Gallery](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AE%E3%83%A3%E3%83%A9%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%851-9-1) inside the station itself, the [Artizon Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%82%BE%E3%83%B3%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E4%BA%AC%E6%A9%8B1-7-2&query_place_id=ChIJOzAxseKLGGARWxBlxNWWRPs), and the [National Museum of Modern Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E8%BF%91%E4%BB%A3%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%B8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%923-1) near the Imperial Palace. Out east, the [Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E7%8F%BE%E4%BB%A3%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%89%E5%A5%BD4-1-1) (MOT) sits in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, an area known for coffee roasters. For digital art, teamLab runs large venues in Toyosu and Azabudai, and the [Ghibli Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE%E3%82%B8%E3%83%96%E3%83%AA%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8B%E9%80%A3%E9%9B%801-1-83) is in Mitaka.

- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Minato](https://eventstokyo.com/en/minato.md)
- → [Events in Chuo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chuo.md)
- → [Events in Koto](https://eventstokyo.com/en/koto.md)

## Tickets, crowds and timing

For popular exhibitions, book online. Many big shows now sell timed-entry tickets (look for nichiji shitei, 日時指定) for a specific slot, and weekend slots can sell out. Some venues, like the [Ghibli Museum](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) and [teamLab](https://www.teamlab.art/e/), sell tickets only in advance, and the Ghibli Museum opens each month's tickets on the 10th of the month before. Buying online also saves the queue at the door.

Crowds follow a clear pattern. The last two or three weeks of a run are the busiest, because everyone remembers the show just before it closes. Weekends and public holidays are much busier than weekdays. If you can, go early in the run, on a weekday morning or during a late opening. Some museums stay open into the evening on Fridays, and sometimes Saturdays, and those hours are often the calmest.

- Check the closing day. Most museums close on Mondays, but the National Art Center and Suntory close on Tuesdays.
- Big exhibitions often close between shows for a week or two while the next one is installed.
- The exhibition shop can have its own queue. Popular goods sell out in the final weeks.

- → [How to buy event tickets in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tickets.md)
- → [What to do in Tokyo when it rains](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/rainy-day.md)

## Free days, discounts and audio guides

Permanent collections at some museums are free on certain days. In recent years the national museums in Ueno have opened their collections free on International Museum Day (May 18) and Culture Day (November 3), and Tokyo's metropolitan museums have done the same on Tokyo Citizens' Day (October 1). The National Museum of Western Art also opens its collection free on the second Sunday of most months. Special exhibitions are usually not included. Students and seniors often get discounts, and under-18s get into many permanent collections free, so carry ID.

Audio guides are popular in Japan and are often narrated by well-known actors. Most big exhibitions rent them at the entrance for a fee, and many have an English version, though not every show does. Some are now offered as a smartphone app, so bring earphones.

- → [Tokyo on a budget: free things to do](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/budget.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)

## Rules inside: photos, bags and lockers

Photo rules change from show to show. Many special exhibitions ban photography, some allow it in one or two marked rooms, and some permanent collections allow photos without flash. Look for the signs at the entrance: satsuei OK (撮影可) means allowed, satsuei kinshi (撮影禁止) means not. Video and selfie sticks are almost always off limits.

Large bags and backpacks often have to go into lockers, and most museums have coin lockers that return your 100 yen coin when you take your things out. Pens are often not allowed in galleries, so take notes in pencil. Galleries are kept cool, so a light layer helps in summer. A big museum makes a good rainy-day plan, but on rainy weekends everyone has the same idea.

- Keep a 100 yen coin for the locker. You get it back.
- Lock your umbrella in the stand at the entrance. Wet umbrellas are not allowed in galleries.

- → [Going to events alone in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/solo.md)
- → [Date ideas in Tokyo, built around events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/date-ideas.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Ryuichi Sakamoto + Shiro Takatani Ambient Kyoto - Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ryuichi-sakamoto-shiro-takatani-ambient-kyoto-tokyo)** — Fri, Aug 28, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Azabudai Hills Gallery (Minato) · ¥2,200〜
- **[DESIGNART TOKYO 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/designart-tokyo-2026)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro) (Minato) · Free entry
- **[The 119th Nitten Art Exhibition](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-119th-nitten-art-exhibition)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Nov 22, 2026 (JST) · The National Art Center, Tokyo (Minato) · ¥1,200
- **[Roppongi Art Night 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/roppongi-art-night-2026)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 17:00 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Roppongi Hills (Minato) · Free entry
- **[[22 Spots Left] 🎨 Night Art Walk on October 31 (Sat) 5:00 PM – Roppongi Art Night – Freestyle Session](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/221031-1700-night-art-sampo)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 17:00 (JST) · National Stadium Front Plaza (Shinjuku) · ¥500
- **[Tokyo Performing Arts Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-performing-arts-festival-2026)** — Tue, Sep 1, 2026 – Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Toshima) · price on the official site
- **[Center Line Art Festival Tokyo 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/center-line-art-festival-tokyo-2026)** — Wed, Sep 2, 2026 – Tue, Nov 3, 2026 (JST) · Facilities around the JR Chuo Line between Nakano and Tachikawa stations (Koganei) · price on the official site
- **[Art Week Tokyo 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/art-week-tokyo-2026)** — Wed, Nov 4, 2026 10:00 – Fri, Nov 6, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Museum of Modern Art 100th Anniversary Exhibition: Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-museum-of-modern-art-100th-anniversary-exhibition-2)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Sun, Mar 28, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Taito) · price on the official site
- **[Design Festa Vol. 64](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vol64)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Big Sight West and South Halls (Koto) · ¥800〜¥1,000
- **[Eiichiro Oda "One Piece / The Scroll Ⅱ (Tokyo)"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/eiichiro-oda-one-piece-the-scroll-tokyo)** — Wed, Jul 8, 2026 – Sun, Nov 29, 2026 (JST) · Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Masterpieces of the Renaissance from the Musée du Louvre](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/masterpieces-of-the-renaissance-from-the-musee-du-louvre)** — Wed, Sep 9, 2026 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026 (JST) · The National Art Center, Tokyo (Minato) · ¥2,400
- **[TOKYO ATLAS International Art Exhibition](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-atlas)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 (JST) · Daiba, Aomi, Tennozu (Minato) · price on the official site
- **[ARTE TOKYO](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/arte-tokyo)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Various Locations in Tokyo (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[ARTE TOKYO (Tokyo International Arts and Culture Festival)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/arte-tokyo-2)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Odaiba Marine Park (Minato) · price on the official site
- **[Masterpieces of Europe: Treasures from the Cincinnati Art Museum](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/masterpieces-of-europe-treasures-from-the-cincinnati-art-museum)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Sun, Jan 10, 2027 (JST) · Ueno Royal Museum (Taito) · ¥2,400
- **[Brilliant Bursts of Light: A World Unveiled](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/brilliant-bursts-of-light-a-world-unveiled)** — Thu, Oct 8, 2026 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027 (JST) · Yayoi Kusama Museum (Shinjuku) · ¥1,100
- **[Kingdom Hearts 25th Anniversary Exhibition at Mori Arts Center Gallery](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kingdom-hearts-25th-anniversary-exhibition)** — Fri, Feb 5, 2027 – Sun, Apr 4, 2027 (JST) · Mori Arts Center Gallery (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F) (Minato) · ¥3,200
- **[Turner from the Tate: The Sublime in Dialogue with Contemporary Art](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/turner-from-the-tate-the-sublime-in-dialogue-with-contemporary)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Feb 21, 2027 (JST) · The National Museum of Western Art (Taito) · ¥2,200

## Questions people ask

**Are Tokyo museums closed on Mondays?**
Most are, and they open the next day when Monday is a public holiday. The National Art Center and Suntory Museum of Art close on Tuesdays instead, and the Mori Art Museum is usually open every day.

**Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?**
For regular visits, usually not. For popular special exhibitions, the Ghibli Museum and teamLab, book online ahead, since timed slots on weekends sell out.

**When is the best time to see a popular exhibition?**
Early in the run, on a weekday morning or during an evening opening. The last weeks before a show closes are the most crowded.

**Are there free museum days in Tokyo?**
Yes, for permanent collections. Many museums open them free on International Museum Day, Culture Day or Tokyo Citizens' Day, and some have regular free days. Special exhibitions usually still cost money.

**Can I take photos in Tokyo museums?**
It depends on the show. Many special exhibitions ban photos or allow them only in marked areas, while some permanent collections allow photos without flash. Check the signs at the entrance.

**Is there an English audio guide?**
At most big exhibitions, yes, rented at the entrance for a fee. Smaller shows may only have Japanese.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/museums