Art Spaces in Japan

Edo-period strolling garden in Takamatsu with 75 acres of ponds, hills, and pine trees against Mt. Shiun.

One of Japan's three great gardens in Mito, famous for its 3,000 plum trees blooming in spring.

Edo-period garden in Kumamoto featuring a miniature recreation of the Tokaido road and Mount Fuji.

The former studio and home of avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto, preserved as a museum in Aoyama.

Former copper refinery on Inujima island transformed into an eco-art museum using natural energy.

World-famous art museum in Yasugi, Shimane with award-winning Japanese garden. Home to Yokoyama Taikan collection. Open daily, ¥2,300 admission.

Tadao Ando-designed museum in Akita featuring Fujita Tsuguharu's massive murals. Striking architecture with a spiral gallery. Open Tue–Sun.

Art museum and hotel on Naoshima Island designed by Tadao Ando, integrating art with nature.

Japan's first open-air museum set in the Hakone mountains with sculptures by Picasso, Moore, and others.

Japan's oldest and largest museum, housing over 110,000 works of Asian art and archaeology.

Circular museum in Shukkeien park featuring French Impressionist masterpieces.

Prefectural museum showcasing modern and contemporary art with a focus on local and international works.

Hokkaido's main art museum focusing on modern art with emphasis on regional and Ecole de Paris works.

Central Nagoya museum by Kisho Kurokawa featuring Ecole de Paris, Mexican muralism, and local art.

Japan's oldest public art gallery, renovated by Jun Aoki, featuring Japanese and Western modern art.

Tadao Ando's iconic concrete church in Ibaraki, Osaka, where a cruciform slit fills the interior with light.

Water-drop shaped museum on Teshima by Ryue Nishizawa, housing a single Rei Naito installation.

Kazuyo Sejima-designed museum in Sumida Ward dedicated to ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai.

One of Japan's three great gardens in Okayama, renowned for its spacious lawns and scenic rice paddies.

Contemporary art museum atop Roppongi Hills with panoramic city views.