This is the place to go for Japan's largest collection of modern Japanese art. Its inventory of 12,000 works of art includes paintings in both Japanese and Western styles, prints, watercolors, drawings, and sculpture, all from the Meiji Period through the 20th century. From that, about 200 are selected for exhibitions that change four times a year, but there are usually works by well-known artists like Kishida Ryusei, Munakata Shiko, Kuroda Seiki, and Yokoyama Taikan. Occasionally works by Western artists are also included as examples of artistic styles from the same period. Expect to spend about 1 hour here, more if you spring for the ¥300 audio guide, but you might also want to head over to the nearby Crafts Gallery, since it's included in the ticket price. Occupying a disappointingly small part of a Gothic-style 1910 brick building that once served as Imperial Guard headquarters, it holds changing exhibitions of contemporary crafts that can range from pottery and metalwork to glassware and often includes works of living national treasures and great masters.
Tokyo› Attraction
National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Tokyo Kokuritsu Kindai Bijutsukan)
3-1 Kitanomaru Koen Park, Chiyoda-ku
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Sun 10am–5pm (Fri to 8pm)
Transportation
Station: Takebashi (exit 1b, 3 min.)
Phone
03/3214-2561
Prices
¥420 adults, ¥130 college students, free for seniors and children, free for everyone 1st Sun of every month (special exhibits cost more)
Web site
National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Tokyo Kokuritsu Kindai Bijutsukan)
Map
3-1 Kitanomaru Koen Park, Chiyoda-ku TokyoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.