Your Guide to Nezu Museum: The Hidden Museum in Tokyo's Omotesando Area

Get to know Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum was founded in 1941 to preserve and display the remarkable collection of Japanese and oriental antiques gathered by Kaichiro Nezu (1860-1940,) the former president of Tobu Railway. This collection includes not only valuable artifacts but also an assortment of tea ceremony utensils, reflecting Nezu's personal appreciation for the art.

Highlights of Nezu Museum

With a collection of over 7,000 items, the Nezu Museum hosts a number of rotating exhibitions year round. Despite its urban location, the museum boasts an expansive Japanese garden, ideal for leisurely strolls after touring the exhibition. The museum's architecture also showcases a captivating bamboo-lined pathway, which is a must-see in itself.

Enjoy seasonal exhibitions

The museum holds around six to seven exhibitions a year, each spanning over one to two months. Additionally, the museum hosts public events such as lectures and tea ceremonies. Check the official website for the latest information.

View national treasures

The Nezu Museum's impressive collection comprises more than 7,420 items, including seven national treasures, 87 Important Cultural Properties, and 94 Important Art Objects. Among those, you’ll find Irises—a pair of six-panel folding screens frequently featured in history and art textbooks as a national treasure. These screens are showcased annually from mid-April to mid-May, coinciding with the blooming season of Japanese irises.

Admire Japanese irises at the Konin-tei teahouse

Visit the museum’s Japanese garden in late April and admire blooming irises in front of the Konin-tei teahouse. Note that a separate admission fee is required to visit the garden.

View maple leaves at the Hikin-sai teahouse

The vast 17,000-square meter Japanese garden is home to four teahouses, with Hikin-sai being a popular spot to view red maple trees in the fall.

Get inspired by the work of Kengo Kuma

Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Nezu Museum’s exterior is a remarkable sight on its own. The two-story building with a basement boasts a large roof reminiscent of a traditional Japanese house, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding garden.

Wander around the bamboo-accent interior

As you step through the main gate of the museum, you'll be greeted by an approach adorned with bamboo. There’s a bamboo wall on one side, and a bamboo hedge on the other side, creating a serene passageway to the museum's entrance.

Moving into the spacious atrium, you'll encounter ten Buddha statues displayed alongside the walls and windows. These statues are believed to originate from China, dating back to the 6th to 8th centuries, as well as the Gandhara region from the 3rd century. Visitors are also welcome to take photographs of these remarkable pieces.

Shop for souvenirs and original goods from the museum's collection

Head over to the museum shop and browse an extensive variety of original merchandise, including postcards, folding fans, stationery items, and original goshuincho books for collecting stamps from temples and shrines.

One of the most sought-after souvenirs are miniature versions of the Irises folding screens, which will add an elegant touch to any interior.

Taste traditional desserts at Nezu Café

Nezu Café, nestled in the Japanese garden, offers a serene atmosphere with a modern and cozy interior design. The shop offers an array of light snacks and desserts, including sweets, and meat pies, best paired with a cup of coffee.

For those looking for a taste of traditional Japan, opt for a bowl of matcha green tea, which includes a piece of traditional wagashi confectionery. Please note that the café is accessible to museum guests only.

Nezu Museum: Details and access information

Nezu Museum
Address: 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Official website: https://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/index.html

Access information:
The nearest station to the museum is Omotesando Station, which is surrounded by popular shopping areas such as Aoyama and Harajuku.
・10-min walk from Omotesando Station Exit B3 (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda, Hanzomon, and Ginza lines)

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Discover Nezu Museum

At the Nezu Museum, there's more to enjoy beyond admiring its collection. After exploring the exhibits, take a leisurely stroll through the garden while appreciating the museum’s architecture. Make sure to drop by the museum shop for unique souvenirs, and treat yourself to delicious snacks at the café.

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

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