Art Exhibition Round-Up! 10 Tokyo Museums to Visit This Summer

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Tokyo: A City of Art!

Sure, you can find some high-quality sushi and beautiful temples in Tokyo, but this is also a city packed full of museums! In fact, there are so many great Tokyo museums that put on exhibitions of amazing art and artifacts, you could probably head to a new one every day for the rest of your life. That many museum trips might get a little exhausting, though, so instead we've put together a list of ten fun art events to check out over the next few months. With everything from traditional Japanese and Western artists to contemporary rockstars like Yayoi Kusama, Iranian picture books to artfully taken cat photos, this summer there's an exhibit for every kind of art lover!

 



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

① Yayoi Kusama’s HERE, ANOTHER NIGHT COMES FROM TRILLIONS OF LIGHT YEARS AWAY: Eternal Infinity

This exhibition of Yayoi Kusama's art includes some of the pieces that first brought her fame in New York 60 years ago, particular the Infinity Nets series. They really show you what some of her early interpretations of the polka dots she's now famous for looked like, and you can see a lot of her interest in repeating patterns. The exhibition includes some photographs and documents related to the creation of the art, as well. In addition to this important early work, there will also be a collection of Kusama's more recent work! This will include both one of her popular pumpkin sculptures, and a new piece that has never been exhibited before. It's a must-see exhibition for Yayoi Kusama fans!

Yayoi Kusama's Eternal Infinity
April 4 ~ August 31
Yayoi Kusama Museum
11:30 ~ 17:30
(Closed Mon, Tue, Wed)
Adults: 1,000 yen | Children 6-18 y.o.: 600 yen
​Official Website



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

② “Rabbits! River Otters! Hedgehogs!?” Stamp Art Exhibit

Stamps might not strike you as the most interesting thing to go look at (don't we all think of stamp collecting as a stereotype of boring people?) But it turns out that countries all over the world have been known to use small animals as stamp art, displaying these adorable creatures on envelopes delivered everywhere! Visit Tokyo's Philatelic Museum, A.K.A. Kitte no Hakubutsukan (切手の博物館), or stamp museum, to see a whole collection of cute critters on absolutely tiny canvases. If you're lucky, you'll get there on one of the days when they are specially displaying the original art that's used on Japan's standard 2 yen stamps (a sweet white bunny!)

"Rabbits! River Otters! Hedgehogs!?" Stamp Art Exhibit
April 3 ~ June 30
Tokyo Philatelic Museum
10:30 ~ 17:00
(Closed Mon)
Adults: 200 yen | Elementary/Middle School Students: 100 yen
Official Website



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

③ Vienna on the Path to Modernism

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Austria and Japan, this exhibition is perfect for any lovers of Viennese art! The exhibition is focused on the increasing push towards modernism during the turn of the century in Vienna, and features works from the famous Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. If you can't get enough of European art no matter where you're traveling, this is a great chance to see an impressive collection.

 

Vienna on the Path to Modernism
April 24 ~ August 5
The National Art Center, Tokyo
10:00 ~ 18:00
(Closed Tue)
General: 1,600 yen | University Students: 1,200 yen | High School Students: 800 yen | Children: Free!
Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

④ The Science Behind Pixar

There's no doubt that Pixar films are art, and you can see that in their lovingly perfected animation. This exhibit lets you behind the scenes, though, showing you how the art is created! Originally opened in 2015 at the Boston's Museum of Science, the exhibition has had more than 1.5 million visitors at 8 different North American locations, and now it has arrived in Tokyo! Get a deeper look into how concept art is created and transformed into the lifelike (but adorably cartoonish) animation that Pixar specializes in. Perfect for fans of all ages!

The Science Behind Pixar
April 13 ~ September 16
Roppongi Hills Observatory Tokyo City View
10:00 ~ 22:00
Adults: 1,800 yen | Students: 1,200 yen | Children 4-15 y.o.: 600 yen
Official Website
 



Image Source: Official Website

⑤ A World of Flowers ― Coloring the Four Seasons

If you've ever been to Japan before, you probably have some idea of how popular flower viewing is in the country. This exhibition is taking that same theme to the art world, taking place during the zenith of many flowers' growing seasons, late spring and early summer. The traditional Japanese art pieces from the Edo Period feature flowers of all kinds, and of course flowers representative of Japanese culture are all over the place, so you'll see plenty of cherry blossoms and camellias. Birds flit and insects frolic between the blossoms, making the exhibition a joy to tour. The art is arranged in the order of the seasons, so walk through the year and take in the masterpieces.

A World of Flowers ― Coloring the Four Seasons
April 6 ~ June 2
Yamatane Museum of Art
10:00 ~ 17:00
(Closed Mon)
Adults: 1,200 yen | Students: 900 yen | Children ~15 y.o. : Free!​
Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

⑥ 100-Year Chronicle of Uniforms in Nippon

As it turns out, this year is the 100th anniversary of western-style school uniforms being brought to Japan! Japan's interest in the culture of high school life is clear to any visitors, and this exhibition gives you a chance to be a part of that particular sphere of Japanese thinking. Some of the pieces featured are actual items of clothing, so if you don't have a good idea of what a normal Japanese high school girl's uniform looks, they've got you covered. Much of the exhibit consists of a curated collection of uniform-themed, though, some of which was drawn by some pretty famous Japanese manga illustrators. This may not be your traditional art exhibition, but it's a great idea for anyone who wants to get into Japanese culture while in Tokyo!
 

100-Year Chronicle of Uniforms in Nippon
April 4 ~ June 30
Yayoi Museum
10:00 ~ 17:00
(Closed Mon)
General: 900 yen | Students: 800 yen | Children ~15 y.o.: 400 yen
Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

⑦ The Land of Poetry and Legends: Children’s Books in Iran

This exhibition is being held in Japan's International Library of Children's Literature, which is why it features children's picture books! This collection of Iranian illustrations gives you a fascinating look into another country's culture, and the topic makes it a fun visit for children of all ages. This particular exhibit especially features books based on culturally significant Iranian poetry and legends, as well as more general work from internationally-known Iranian illustrators and authors. Take a trip to the library and get in your daily dose of books and art at the same time!
 

The Land of Poetry and Legends: Children's Books in Iran
May 21 ~ July 21
International Library of Children's Literature, National Diet Library
9:30 ~ 17:00
(Closed Mon, 3rd Wed of the Month)
All Ages: Free!
Official Website

 



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

⑧ The Burrell Collection: A voyage to Impressionism

Scottish shipping tycoon William Burrell put together an impressive art collection during his lifetime, and included in that were a number of important Impressionist works. He was also interested in the work of his Scottish brethren who were influenced by the French Impressionists he collected. This exhibition features a number of works along that theme, and as they put it, "a journey through art trends from Realism to Impressionism." Eighty pieces make up this fascinating exhibition pulled from a formerly private collection, and brought to Tokyo for your viewing pleasure.
 

The Burrell Collection: A voyage to Impressionism
April 27 ~ June 30
Bunkamura
10:00 ~ 18:00
Adults: 1,500 yen | Students: 1,000 yen | Children ~15 y.o.: 700 yen
Official Website

 



Image Source: Art Agenda



Image Source: Art Agenda

⑨ Edo Livelihoods by Hokusai

Hokusai is most famous for his many views of Mt. Fuji, represented in beautiful block print, of which he created more than one collection. For most fans in the West, the name Katsushika Hokusai brings to mind the image of small boats being swallowed by a large wave in front of the famous mountain. But Hokusai created art depicting numerous subjects, which is clear if you visit his relatively new museum in Sumida, Tokyo. This particular exhibition features the people of Tokyo about their daily activities, with residents at work and at play. Head over for beautifully rendered block prints of merchants, street performers, doctors, and more!
 

Edo Livelihoods by Hokusai
April 23 ~ June 9
The Sumida Hokusai Museum​
9:30 ~ 17:30
(Closed Some Mondays)
Adults: 1,000 yen | Students: 700 yen | Children ~15 y.o.: 300 yen
Official Website

 



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website



Image Source: Official Website

⑩ Neko ga Kawaii Dake Ten (猫がかわいいだけ展), or “Cats Are Just Cute Exhibition”

Last but not least, it wouldn't be Japan (and this wouldn't be the internet) if there weren't cats! As the title implies, this is just an exhibit showing off some adorable kitties. Professionally taken photographs featuring cats doing all kinds of cute things, it's a must-see for any cat lovers out there!

 

"Neko ga Kawaii Dake Ten" Exhibition
August 15 ~ September 10
Shibuya Hikarie Hall
10:00 ~ 20:30
General: 800 yen | Children ~12 y.o.: Free!
Official Website

 

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    • HOKKAIDO

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      Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!

    • Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.

    • Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).

    • Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).

    • SAPPORO

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      Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.

    • Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

    • Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

    • FUKUSHIMA

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      Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.

    • YAMAGATA

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      Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.

    • Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.

    • Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.

    • TOCHIGI

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      Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.

    • Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

    • The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.

    • Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.

    • Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.

    • NIIGATA

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      Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.

    • SHIZUOKA

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      Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.

    • Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

    • Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

    • Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.

    • Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

    • CHUGOKU

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

    • HIROSHIMA

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      Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.

    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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