Museum

Where to Taste and Learn About Sake, Shochu, and Awamori in Tokyo

With Japanese cuisine drawing more international tourists, nihonshu (sake) and authentic shōchū elevate the dining experience. At the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, visitors can explore, learn, and savor Japan’s cherished alcohol culture. Engage your senses at a sake and shochu hub Operated by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, the Japan Sake and…

This Japanese Museum Combines Masterpieces and a Garden You’ll Never Forget – Gyokudo Art Museum

Kawai Gyokudō (1873–1957) was a painter who observed nature and human activity and elevated those scenes into the world of nihonga—traditional Japanese painting. His works, full of poetic sensibility, continue to captivate the hearts of art-lovers to this day. In his later years, Kawai Gyokudō devoted himself to the serene landscapes of Mitake in Ōme, Tokyo, where a museum now…

Tokyo Station Gallery: The Must-Visit Art Museum Inside Tokyo Station

Every day, about half a million people pass through Tokyo Station, one of Japan’s largest terminals. But did you know that inside this still-active station stands a museum that has preserved more than a century of memories? That museum is the TOKYO STATION GALLERY (hereafter referred to as the “Tokyo Station Gallery”), a special space where the building itself becomes…

4 Must-Visit Ukiyo-e Museums in Japan – From Popular to Hidden Gems

Born in Japan and now highly acclaimed in museums around the world, ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints) continue to captivate audiences far and wide. From the works of Katsushika Hokusai to Utagawa Hiroshige, Tōshūsai Sharaku, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, masterpieces by these renowned artists are displayed internationally. Of course, you can also enjoy ukiyo-e in museums right here in Japan. In…

すみだ北斎美術館

Step Into The World of A Japanese Art Legend: Ukiyo-e and More at The Sumida Hokusai Museum

Developed during the Edo period, ukiyo-e is a genre of woodblock prints whose distinctive compositions and vivid colors captivated the Impressionist painters of 19th-century Europe. Among the artists who created ukiyo-e, none left a greater mark than Katsushika Hokusai. Active in the late Edo period, Katsushika Hokusai was renowned for his bold compositions and expressive style, and is remembered as…

Tokyo’s Hidden Art Gem: Enjoy Edo-Era Ukiyo-e at Ibasen Museum

Ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese woodblock prints that vividly depict the daily lives and customs of Edo-period commoners, have today established themselves as highly regarded art worldwide. However, at the time, ukiyo-e circulated as publications, functioning as everyday items and becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the lives of Edo residents. From a medium rooted in ordinary life to an art…

Step Into the Witty World of Ukiyo-e: Kawanabe Kyōsai Memorial Museum, a Top Japanese Art Destination

Kyōsai Kawanabe (1831–1889) was an artist who flourished from the late Edo period into the Meiji era. Incorporating both ukiyo-e artwork (traditional Japanese woodblock paintings and prints) and Western painting styles, he was celebrated as a genius with “nothing he could not draw.” Thanks to the influence of cultural figures who knew Kyōsai personally, his broad range of styles and…

Tokyo’s Hidden Gem Museum: Explore Edo Life and Tobacco Culture Through Ukiyo-e

Located in Sumida, Tokyo, the “TOBACCO & SALT MUSEUM” (referred to hereafter as “Tobacco & Salt Museum”) is, as its name suggests, a unique museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of tobacco and salt. But that’s not all—the museum is also home to an impressive collection of ukiyo-e prints. These traditional woodblock prints from the Edo…

Harajuku’s Hidden Gem: Explore Traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e Art at the Ota Memorial Museum

Nestled slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and Harajuku, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art houses and exhibits a magnificent collection of ukiyo-e artwork (traditional Japanese woodblock paintings and prints) collected by the late businessman Seizō Ota V (1893-1977). The museum boasts one of the world’s largest ukiyo-e collections, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Katsushika…

The Ultimate Ueno Park Walking Guide: More Than Just a Sakura Spot

Known as one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Ueno Park in Tokyo delights visitors when approximately 1,000 cherry trees throughout the park grounds and surrounding areas reach full bloom in spring. However, Ueno Park is not just a springtime attraction—it’s a destination that offers something year-round. In addition to Ueno Zoo, the park is home to numerous museums…

Ueno Park Museum Guide: A Full Day of Art, History & Archaeology

Ueno, located in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), Tokyo, is often referred to as the Museum District. The reason for this can be found in “Ueno Onshi Park” (hereafter referred to as “Ueno Park”), which is known as one of Ueno’s foremost tourist destinations. Museums and art galleries are scattered throughout the grounds of Ueno Park, all within walking distance. It’s the…