10 Cool Museums In Japan For An Insight Into The Country’s Intriguing History

• 10 Awesome Japanese Museums
• 1. Tokyo National Museum
• 2. Edo Tokyo Museum
• 3. Ghibli Museum
• 4. Hakone Open Air Museum
• 5. Nezu Museum

Japan as a country offers a rich culture and traditional heritage along with the pinnacles of modern development. This is the perfect mix which any traveler will find intriguing to explore. Along with the many popular tourist destinations, the country has a number of museums which will give you a detour of the Japanese culture, art, science, traditions, and technology from time immemorial till the present day. The museums in Japan have something of interest for everyone.

10 Awesome Japanese Museums

Here is a short compilation of the best museums in Japan that you must visit to gain insight into the country’s rich and intriguing history and culture:

1. Tokyo National Museum

In the list of the art museum in Japan Tokyo, this one tops the chart being the largest and oldest too. It houses some important artifacts and archeological things which holds immense historical significance from all the areas of Asia continent with the primary focus on Japan. The museum was opened in the year 1872. The museum is divided into five buildings which house different sets of exhibits. The collection is mainly related to traditional and ancient Japanese artworks and also some of them also have an Asian connection featuring the Silk Route area.

Location: Tokyo Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (till 8 PM on Fridays and weekends) | Closed on Mondays
Entry Fees: INR 375

2. Edo Tokyo Museum

One of the most popular museums in Japan Tokyo, this was established in the year 1993. The place is designed to showcase the life and times of the city’s ancient civilization starting from the days when it was founded in the 1600s till today. The museum comprises of a permanent exhibition area on the 5th and 6th floors housing objects depicting the culture, history, and lifestyle of Tokyo city. Edo, an area which is still present in Tokyo, was founded around some 400 years ago by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The museum has life-size models of the architectural wonders of the past, the tools used by Edo men, the fashion and style sense of that era and many more interesting inventions and trends which were followed by the rest of the world. The museum is sure to be a delight for everyone.

Location: Tokyo Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday | Open till 7:30 PM on Saturdays
Entry Fees: INR 400

3. Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum is one of the famous art museums in Tokyo Japan. It houses the animation works from the Japanese studio for animation named on the same lines. The place comprises a technology center, an art museum and an exclusive section for kids. There are many artworks placed inside which can be related to the movies made by the studio, popular all over the world. A copy model of the ‘Catbus’ from the 1988 animation film My neighbor Totoro and a Bouncing Totoro with all the main characters of this movie are some of the primary attractions among many more. The whole museum building itself is built with a unique design and concept. The place looks like it’s straight out of a storybook and definitely worth a visit to spend some relaxing time and take back loads of wonderful moments to cherish.

Location: Mitaka, Tokyo Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM; Tuesdays closed
Entry Fees: INR 625 for adults; INR 435 for 13 to 18 years; INR 250 for 7 to 12 years; INR 63 for 4 to 6 years

4. Hakone Open Air Museum

The first one of its kind open-air-museum in Japan, this place is famous for its collection of artworks, paintings and sculptures of world-renowned artistes amidst the beautiful mountains and valleys of Hakone. Located in the Ashigarashimo district, this museum has everything for an art lover. The highlight of the exhibits is a separate section featuring a number of Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, and murals. Some of the famous work that can be enjoyed here are Symphonic structure, Woods of Net and La Pleureuse. The interesting thing is that you can actually walk inside most of these awesome creations and get amazed by the wonderful creativity and craftsmanship of the artists.

Location: Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: INR 1000

5. Nezu Museum

Another one among the famous museums in Japan Tokyo is Nezu Museum which showcases the works of artist Nezu Koichiro. The artist is world renowned for his works in the area of East Asian art and ancient Japanese artwork. The present structure which got a makeover in 2009 and now boasts of more than 7000 artworks, some of them being National treasures too. Another thing which is not to be missed is its extensive and beautiful Japanese style garden.

Location: Minato, Tokyo Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM; Mondays closed
Entry Fees: INR 625