Museum with remarkable architecture in Tokyo

When you visit a museum, you can gain a deeper appreciation if you pay attention not only to the artworks in the museum, but also to its building. We introduce museums in Tokyo where you can enjoy distinctive buildings, including museums with old Western-style architecture, with futuristic architecture built by famous contemporary architects, and a museum where you can see a building with high historical and cultural value.

THE SUMIDA HOKUSAI MUSEUM

The Sumida Hokusai Museum introduces visitors to ukiyo-e illustrations, with a focus on Katsushika Hokusai, who was active during the Edo period. The building, designed by world-famous architect Kazuyo Sejima, makes use of pale, mirrored aluminum panels, giving it a distinctive silvery appearance that stands out, even from the window of a train.

THE SUMIDA HOKUSAI MUSEUM
https://hokusai-museum.jp/?lang=en

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, a museum that holds design-themed exhibitions, was designed by an architect, Tadao Ando. The building is characterized by its concrete exterior walls and triangular roof, and the design allows outside light into the exhibition rooms in the basement.

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
https://www.2121designsight.jp/en/

Meiji Jingu Museum/Suntory Museum of Art 

The Meiji Jingu Museum and Suntory Museum of Art were designed by Kengo Kuma, who was involved in the design of the National Stadium which became the venue for the Tokyo Olympics.
Located within the grounds of Meiji Jingu, which enshrines Emperor Meiji, who laid the foundations of modern Japan, as well as Empress Shoken (Emperor Meiji’s wife), the Meiji Jingu Museum is an open space where you can sense the trees, even inside. 

The Suntory Museum of Art, in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi, is a warm space which uses Japanese materials, including wood and Japanese paper, in its design, and here you can enjoy antique Japanese art, as well as glass from both East and West.

Meiji Jingu Museum
https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/whattosee/museum/

Suntory Museum of Art 
https://www.suntory.com/sma/

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, which has restored 30 buildings, including famous ones. Buildings of high historical and cultural value line its grounds, and the scenery of “retro” Japan expands through Toden trams and groves of trees.

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
https://www.tatemonoen.jp/english/

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