All contemporary art museums to visit in Japan

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 21 museums in Japan. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Japan:

  1. teamLab Borderless1

    teamLab Borderless

     Tokyo
    TeamLab Borderless is a unique immersive and digital art museum that was launched in 2018 in Tokyo. The museum was designed and created by TeamLab, an international creative group consisting of various specialists including artists, programmers, engineers, animators, mathematicians, and architects. The aim of the museum is to explore the relationship between the self, the world, and new perceptions through art, as well as the continuity of time.
  2. National Museum of Western Art2

    National Museum of Western Art

     Tokyo
    The National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) is a public art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of Western arts. The museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate a wide range of Western art forms.
  3. Yayoi Kusama Museum3

    Yayoi Kusama Museum

     Tokyo
    The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the work of renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The museum provides an in-depth look into Kusama's artistic journey and her unique style that has made a significant impact on the global art scene.
  4. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum4

    Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

     Tokyo
    The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, situated in the scenic Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, is a government-supported institution. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a stroll through the park, making it an ideal destination for art and nature lovers alike.
  5. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts5

    Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

     Osaka Prefecture
    The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, located in the Tennōji district of Osaka, is a significant cultural landmark. The museum is situated on the site of the former residence of the Sumitomo family, a prominent Japanese family known for their contributions to various industries. The family donated the land, which includes a traditional Japanese garden, for the establishment of the museum.
  6. Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum6

    Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum

     Minato
    A hidden gem and one of Tokyo's most elegant museums that boasts an impressive collection of contemporary Japanese ceramic art. The biggest treat you can see here is the traditional Japanese pottery, which is widely considered to be a work of art in itself. A stylish restaurant is also part of the m
  7. The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto7

    The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto

     Kyoto
    If you are an art lover, you should definitely visit this interesting museum that displays many exhibits of contemporary Japanese art. Be sure to check the calendar section of the official website before your visit because there are many events and temporary exhibitions organized here every now and
  8. WATARI-UM- The Watari Museum Contemporary Art8

    WATARI-UM- The Watari Museum Contemporary Art

     Tokyo
    The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, often referred to as Watari-um, is a significant cultural institution situated in the bustling district of Shibuya, Tokyo. The museum was established in 1990 by Shizuko Watari, a prominent figure in the Japanese art scene. It has since become a key venue for contemporary art in Japan, showcasing a wide range of works from both local and international artists.
  9. Nagoya City Art Museum9

    Nagoya City Art Museum

     Nagoya
    The Nagoya City Art Museum, established in 1983, is a renowned institution for modern art located in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. The museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art.
  10. Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum10

    Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

     Nagasaki
    Opened in 2005, this museum mainly features Nagasaki-related artworks, that is artworks that either portray Nagasaki, or were made by Nagasaki-born artists. You can also find one of the largest collections of Spanish art here.
  11. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum11

    Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

     Hiroshima
    One of the largest museums in Western Japan with a collection of over 3500 artworks. Both emerging and established artists are presented.
  12. Hosomi Museum12

    Hosomi Museum

     Kyoto
    The Hosomi Museum, an art museum in Japan, is situated near Okazaki Park in Kyoto. It was opened to the public in 1998 and has since been a destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. Its location near the park offers a serene environment that complements the artistic experience within the museum.
  13. Meguro Museum of Art13

    Meguro Museum of Art

     Tokyo
    The Meguro Museum of Art, situated in the Meguro ward of Tokyo, Japan, was inaugurated in November 1987. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a variety of art pieces from different periods and styles.
  14. Hongo Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo14

    Hongo Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo

     Sapporo
    The Hongō Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo, is a significant cultural institution that opened its doors in 1981 in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is dedicated to the works of Sapporo-born sculptor Hongō Shin and offers a unique insight into his artistic journey.
  15. Fukuoka Asian Art Museum15

    Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

     Fukuoka Prefecture
    Come to this museum to see a grand collection of modern and contemporary Asian art. Opened in 1999, its aim is to support both Asian art and culture.
  16. The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama16

    The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

     Wakayama
    This modern building houses collections of modern and contemporary art by local artists and artists somehow connected to Wakayama. A special section of the museum is dedicated to prints.
  17. The National Museum of Art, Osaka17

    The National Museum of Art, Osaka

     Osaka Prefecture
    The National Museum of Art, Osaka, also known by the English acronym NMAO, is a unique subterranean art museum situated on the island of Nakanoshima. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes west of Higobashi Station in central Osaka. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  18. 18

    Narukawa Museum of Art

     Hakone
    Opened in 1988, this museum houses a large collection of Nihonga-style paintings. If you want to get a splendid view of the surrounding area, visit the museum's panorama lounge.
  19. Asakura Museum of Sculpture19

    Asakura Museum of Sculpture

     Tokyo
    The Asakura Museum of Sculpture is an art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the sculptures and life work of Fumio Asakura, a renowned Japanese sculptor who lived from 1883 to 1965. The museum provides a comprehensive view of Asakura's artistic journey and his significant contributions to the field of sculpture.
  20. 20

    Nakanoshima Kosetsu Museum

     Osaka Prefecture
    The Nakanoshima Fine Arts Museum is situated on Nakanoshima Island in Osaka, Japan. This location is not only scenic but also easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for tourists visiting Osaka. The museum offers a unique blend of art and culture, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore a wide range of artworks.
  21. 21

    Tokyo Opera City

     Shinjuku
    This opera-devoted complex features both a concert hall and an art gallery displaying contemporary art.