Best Museums & Art Galleries in Setagaya, Japan

Setagaya, Japan, Setagaya, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Setagaya, Japan

1. Setagaya Art Museum

A unique museum dedicated to Japanese contemporary art, featuring works by both established and emerging artists.
  • Japanese Contemporary Art Focus: Specializes in modern and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for those interested in this period.
  • Changing Exhibitions: Regularly updates exhibitions to showcase different artists and themes.
  • Accessibility: Located in a convenient area of Setagaya, easily accessible by public transportation.

2. Mori Art Museum

Known for its unique architecture and contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Unique Architecture: The museum's distinctive wave-like design by architect Toyo Ito is a sight to behold.
  • Focus on Contemporary Art: Features exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

3. Sangyo Kobo Art Museum

A museum dedicated to the works of famous Japanese artist Kiyoshi Saito.
  • Works by Kiyoshi Saito: Features a large collection of artworks created by the renowned Japanese artist.
  • Rotating Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibitions to showcase different periods and themes of Saito's work.
  • Historical Context: Includes historical context and influences behind Saito's art, providing a deeper understanding of his works.

4. Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

A museum dedicated to the works and life of renowned Japanese sculptor Taro Okamoto.
  • Works by Taro Okamoto: Features a large collection of sculptures, paintings, and drawings created by the artist.
  • Historical Context: Includes historical context and influences behind Okamoto's art, providing a deeper understanding of his works.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

5. Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

A private museum showcasing works by contemporary artists from around the world.
  • Private Museum: One of very few private museums in Japan, offering a unique perspective on contemporary art.
  • Focus on Contemporary Art: Features exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world.
  • Intimate Setting: A smaller museum setting allows for a more personal and intimate viewing experience.

6. Setagaya Public Art Museum

A museum dedicated to the art of Setagaya, showcasing works by both local and international artists.
  • Local Art Focus: Features a large collection of artworks created by local artists, giving insight into the regional culture.
  • International Art: Also features exhibitions of international art, providing a global perspective.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

7. Setagaya Boro Art Museum

A museum dedicated to the art of boro, a unique form of Japanese textile art.
  • Boro Textile Art Focus: Features a large collection of boro textiles and artworks, showcasing this unique aspect of Japanese culture.
  • Historical Context: Includes historical context and influences behind the art of boro, providing a deeper understanding of its significance.
  • Artisan Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can learn about and create their own boro textiles.

8. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

A large museum featuring both Japanese and international art exhibitions.
  • Large Collection: One of the largest art museums in Japan, with a vast collection of works.
  • Japanese & International Art: Features exhibitions of Japanese and international art, providing a global perspective.
  • Changing Exhibitions: Regularly updates exhibitions to showcase different artists and themes.

9. Tokyo National Museum of Western Art

A museum dedicated to Western art, with a focus on post-19th century works.
  • Western Art Focus: One of the few museums in Japan dedicated solely to Western art.
  • Post-19th Century Works: Features works created after the 19th century, showcasing the evolution of Western art.
  • Permanent Collection: Features a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions, providing a comprehensive overview of Western art.

10. Seibu Museum of Art

A museum featuring both Japanese and international art exhibitions.
  • Japanese & International Art: Features exhibitions of both Japanese and international art, providing a global perspective.
  • Changing Exhibitions: Regularly updates exhibitions to showcase different artists and themes.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

11. Takashimaya Museum of Art

A museum located inside a department store, featuring both Japanese and international art exhibitions.
  • Department Store Location: Unique in that it is located inside a department store, making for a convenient visit.
  • Japanese & International Art: Features exhibitions of both Japanese and international art, providing a global perspective.
  • Changing Exhibitions: Regularly updates exhibitions to showcase different artists and themes.

12. Ghibli Museum Mitaka

A museum dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio.
  • Studio Ghibli Focus: Features exhibitions and interactive elements related to the works of Studio Ghibli.
  • Imaginative Designs: Showcases the imaginative and whimsical designs that are a hallmark of Studio Ghibli's work.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

13. Edo-Tokyo Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Tokyo, particularly during the Edo period.
  • Tokyo History Focus: Features exhibitions and artifacts related to the history and culture of Tokyo.
  • Edo Period Emphasis: Places a particular emphasis on the Edo period, offering insight into this important era in Japanese history.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.

14. Fukagawa Edo Museum

A museum recreating the atmosphere and lifestyle of Edo (old Tokyo) during the Edo period.
  • Edo Period Atmosphere: Features a recreated Edo-era town, allowing visitors to experience life in old Tokyo.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Many exhibitions include interactive elements, making for a more immersive experience.
  • Historical Context: Includes historical context and influences behind life in Edo-era Tokyo, providing a deeper understanding of the period.

15. Fureai no Oka (Hill of Friendship)

A park featuring sculptures by contemporary Japanese artists.
  • Contemporary Art Focus: Features sculptures created by contemporary Japanese artists.
  • Outdoor Exhibit: An outdoor exhibit, allowing visitors to enjoy the art in a natural setting.
  • Interactive Sculptures: Many sculptures are interactive, encouraging visitor engagement.