20 Museums in Tokyo worth your time

A whimsical animation museum designed by Hayao Miyazaki featuring exclusive short films and a rooftop robot soldier.

What it is

• The Mitaka Municipal Animation Museum opened in 2001 based on Hayao Miyazaki's sketches.
• It is managed by the Tokuma Memorial Cultural Foundation for Animation.
• The facility is located within Inokashira Park in Mitaka City.
• Entry requires a strict reservation-only ticket purchased in advance through Lawson outlets.

What to see

• A life-sized Robot Soldier stands in the rooftop garden area.
• The Saturn Theater screens original short animated films produced by Studio Ghibli.
• The Straw Hat Cafe serves original food and drink menus to visitors.
• The building architecture features unique designs based on Miyazaki's personal sketches.

Getting there

• The museum is a 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station.

Official site

www.ghibli-museum.jp

Read more about Ghibli Museum

A local history museum featuring an Edo-period residence and archaeological artifacts located within a scenic riverside park.

What it is

• A municipal museum opened in 1974 to preserve the history of Ome City.
• The facility is situated within the grounds of Kama-no-fuchi Park.
• It features the Former Miyazaki Residence, a farmhouse built during the early Edo period.
• The site serves as a repository for regional archaeological and historical materials.

What to see

• The Former Miyazaki Residence, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
• Excavated pottery and stone tools from the Terakaido archaeological site.
• Historical documents and materials related to the Ome Railway.
• A collection of local artifacts and historical records from the surrounding region.

Getting there

• The museum is accessible from the JR Ome Station.

Official site

www.city.ome.tokyo.jp

Read more about Ōme City Provincial History Museum

A military museum at Yasukuni Shrine showcasing Japan's war history through artifacts like fighter planes and samurai armor.

What it is

• A military museum located within the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine.
• Founded in 1882 to preserve war-related materials and honor national martyrs.
• The facility features one basement floor and three above-ground floors.
• Reopened in 1985 after closing at the end of World War II.

What to see

• A Zero fighter plane displayed in the free entrance hall.
• Armor, swords, and historical military documents on the second floor.
• A Type 97 Chi-Ha tank located in the large exhibition room.
• The 1932 building structure rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake.

When to go

• The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from Kudanshita Station.

Official site

www.yasukuni.or.jp

Read more about Yūshūkan

A free museum on a merchant's former estate documenting the history of raw silk transport and regional trade.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to the history of raw silk transport and local merchants.
• The facility stands on the former residence of merchant Yagishita Yoemon.
• The museum opened to the public in March 1990.
• The main building features a traditional irimoya roof and high ceilings.

What to see

• Exhibition panels detailing sericulture and Silk Road history.
• Restored stone walls and archaeological remains on the site.
• A nearby section of the original road designated as a city monument.

When to go

• Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Hashimoto Station or Minami-Osawa Station.

Official site

www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp

Read more about Silk Road Museum

This hall displays historical armor, swords, and a saddle, including two National Treasures, worth seeing for their age.

What it is

• Museum displaying historical items dedicated to Musashi Mitake Shrine.
• Houses two National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and Tangible Cultural Properties.
• Items span from the Heian period to the Edo period.

What to see

• Statue of samurai Hatakeyama Shigetada on horseback.
• Akaito odoshiyoroi, or “red thread armor,” a National Treasure.
• Ornate war saddle, a National Treasure, presented by Emperor Shijo.
• Mikoshi portable shrine dedicated by shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi.
• Video exhibition of Daidai Kagura, a Shinto ritual dance.

When to go

• Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Daidai Kagura video features performances from June to November.

Official site

musashimitakejinja.jp

Read more about Musashi Mitake Shrine Treasure Hall

Kyōdo-no-Mori is an open-air museum preserving historic buildings and local artifacts.

What it is

• An open-air museum in Fuchu City, Tokyo.
• Preserves relocated buildings from Edo to early Showa periods.
• Exhibits artifacts excavated from Fuchu City ruins.
• Covers an area of approximately 14 hectares.

What to see

• Historic buildings, including a designated former town hall.
• A planetarium with a 23-meter dome.
• A plum garden with 60 varieties and 1100 trees.
• A restored Heian period 'maimaizu-ido' well.
• A designated tangible cultural property gate.

When to go

• Various events, including plum and hydrangea festivals.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Fuchu Station.
• Accessible by bus from Bubaigawara Station.
• Accessible by bus from Koremasa Station.

Address

東京都府中市南町6-32 Map

Official site

www.fuchu-cpf.or.jp

Read more about Kyōdo-no-Mori

A renovated railway museum in Tokyo featuring historic locomotives and retired Shinkansen cars for a low admission fee.

What it is

• A railway park and memorial hall displaying retired Japanese trains and vehicles.
• Founded in 1962 and operated by the JR East Hachioji Branch.
• Reopened in March 2026 following a major renovation and renewal project.
• Features a low admission fee for elementary school students.

What to see

• The ED16 1 electric locomotive which is a designated Important Cultural Property.
• A Series 0 Shinkansen car displayed among the outdoor exhibits.
• Newly added train models including the 201 series, ED60, and 115 series.
• A memorial hall containing various railway exhibits and historical information.

Getting there

• Located near Ome Station on the JR Ome Line.

Official site

www.ejrcf.or.jp

Read more about Ome Railway Park

Explore a municipal museum dedicated to Japan's historic Freedom and People's Rights Movement.

What it is

• A municipal museum in Machida City, Tokyo.
• Opened in 1986 on the site of Ryosokan.
• Dedicated to the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.
• Land donated by descendants of Murano Tsuneemon.

What to see

• Exhibits on the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.
• Ryosokan, a literary and martial arts dojo built in 1883.
• The Ryosokan site, a Machida City historic site.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.
• Admission is free.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Machida Station.
• Accessible by bus from Tsurukawa Station.
• Parking is available.

Official site

www.city.machida.tokyo.jp

Read more about Jiyu Minken Institute of Machida City

See Mitsui family treasures, including National Treasures, in a historic Tokyo building.

What it is

• Museum exhibiting items from the Mitsui family.
• Opened in 2005 on the 7th floor of the Mitsui Main Building.
• Operated by the Mitsui Bunko Public Interest Foundation.
• Reopened in 2022 after renovations.

What to see

• About 4,000 items in the collection.
• Six National Treasures and 75 Important Cultural Properties.
• Many tea ceremony utensils are on display.
• Maruyama Okyo's 'Snowy Pines' painting.
• The 'Funashi Ogo Bochi', Japan's oldest dated tomb epitaph.
• The Mitsui Main Building is a cultural property.

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Official site

www.mitsui-museum.jp

Read more about Mitsui Memorial Museum

Explore Tokyo's police history and equipment at this free, interactive museum.

What it is

• Displays history and activities of Tokyo Metropolitan Police.
• Official name: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Relations Center.
• Established in 1961 as a PR center.
• Renamed Police Museum in 1994.

What to see

• Exhibits include a patrol car and a helicopter.
• See exhibits on historical events.
• View various police equipment.
• Children can experience wearing police uniforms.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during New Year holidays.
• Temporarily closes September 15, 2025, for redevelopment.
• Relocates to TOC Building on April 24, 2026.

Official site

www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

Read more about Police Museum

GALAXCITY is a Tokyo cultural complex with a planetarium and climbing wall, great for families.

What it is

• A cultural facility complex in Adachi-ku, Tokyo.
• Opened in March 1994.
• Renovated and reopened on April 1, 2013.
• Consists of a culture hall and children's center.

What to see

• Nishiarai Culture Hall has approximately 900 seats.
• Children's Future Creation Center has a planetarium.
• Planetarium uses a Konica Minolta SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II 7K projector.
• See still images from the Atacama Observatory.
• A 7.5-meter rope climbing wall is available.
• Some facilities are free to use.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Tobu Isesaki Line Nishiarai Station.

Official site

www.galaxcity.jp

Read more about GALAXCITY

This unique museum showcases 30,000 picture books from 100 countries and 80 languages.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to international picture books.
• Opened in 2021, building on a 2004 museum.
• Houses books from the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
• Located in Itabashi Ward Central Library.

What to see

• About 30,000 picture books from around the world.
• Books from approximately 100 countries.
• Books in about 80 different languages.

When to go

• Hosts the "Bologna Book Fair in Itabashi."

Getting there

• 7-minute walk from Kami-Itabashi Station North Exit.
• 3-minute walk from Kokusai Kogyo Bus Education Science Museum stop.

Address

東京都板橋区本町24-1 Map

Official site

www.city.itabashi.tokyo.jp

Read more about Itabashi Bologna Children's Book Museum

Explore Tokyo's water supply and its importance at this engaging, family-friendly museum.

What it is

• A museum operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks.
• Dedicated to the science and importance of water.
• Connected to the Ariake Water Supply Station.

What to see

• Aqua Tour to the underground Ariake Water Supply Station.
• Aqua Theater shows films about water.
• Aqua Laboratory explores water through demonstrations.
• Four underground floors of the water supply station.
• Reservoir with 20,000 cubic meters capacity.

Getting there

• 8-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station.
• 3-minute walk from Musashino University Mae bus stop.

Official site

www.mizunokagaku.jp

Read more about Tokyo Water Science Museum

See 1,800 Japanese paintings, including Important Cultural Properties, in a modern building.

What it is

• A museum specializing in Japanese painting.
• Opened in 1966 in Nihonbashi Kabutocho.
• Relocated to Hiroo, Shibuya-ku in 2009.
• Managed by the Yamatane Museum of Art Foundation.

What to see

• Approximately 1,800 Japanese paintings.
• Six Important Cultural Properties.
• Main collections by Hayami Gyoshu, Kawai Gyokudo, Okumura Togyu.
• The building received the 2010 Good Design Award.
• Regular special exhibitions.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Ebisu Station West Exit.
• 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ebisu Station Exit 2.

Official site

www.yamatane-museum.jp

Read more about Yamatane Museum of Art

Explore the former home and art of a master sculptor at this unique museum.

What it is

• Public art museum in Kodaira City, Tokyo.
• Opened October 25, 1984, as Hirakushi Denchu-kan.
• Renamed Kodaira Hirakushi Denchu Art Museum on April 1, 2006.
• Collection centers on works donated by the family.

What to see

• Memorial hall, Hirakushi Denchu's former residence.
• Exhibition hall, completed February 1993.
• Works like Kagami-jishi and Jingyu on permanent display.
• Memorial hall designed by architect Hiroshi Oe.
• Exhibition hall designed by Shin Oe.

When to go

• Special exhibitions held every two years, in even-numbered years.

Official site

denchu-museum.jp

Read more about Kodaira Hirakushi Denchu Art Museum

Explore Shibuya's history and literature at this museum, featuring local artifacts and a recreated pre-war house.

What it is

• A museum and literary museum in Shibuya, Tokyo.
• Opened in 1975 as a local culture museum.
• Built on land donated by Zenchu Shirane.
• Renovated in 2005 to add a literary museum.

What to see

• Exhibitions on Shibuya's history from prehistory to modern times.
• A recreated pre-war house.
• Edo period tools and Jomon pottery to touch.

When to go

• Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
• Special exhibitions held two to three times a year.

Getting there

• 16-minute walk from Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Address

〒151-0011　東京都渋谷区東4-9-1 Map

Official site

shibuya-muse.jp

Read more about Shibuya Folk and Literary Shirane Memorial Museum

Tokyo's first comprehensive literary museum, with unique exhibits and a peaceful setting.

What it is

• Tokyo's first modern comprehensive literary museum.
• Opened in 1995.
• Operated by the Setagaya Cultural Foundation.

What to see

• Exhibition rooms on the first and second floors.
• Materials related to Mori Ogai and Jin'ichi Uekusa.
• Materials related to Mikio Naruse.
• A library, a literary salon, and a cafe.
• A life-sized Millennium Godzilla.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays.
• Closed during the New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Roka-koen Station.
• Roka-koen Station is on the Keio Line.

Address

〒157-0062　東京都世田谷区南烏山1-10-10 Map

Official site

www.setabun.or.jp

Read more about Setagaya Literary Museum

Explore Shinsengumi history through rare artifacts at this small, family-run museum.

What it is

• Museum preserving Shinsengumi-related materials.
• Founded by the Kojima family, tied to Kondo Isami.
• Current director is 24th head of the Kojima family.

What to see

• Letters from Kondo Isami are on display.
• Okita Soji's New Year's card is exhibited.
• Kondo Isami's training wear is displayed.
• Shinsengumi ink seals are preserved.
• Houses Tokyo-designated tangible cultural properties.

When to go

• Open on the first and third Sundays monthly.

Getting there

• One-minute walk from Ono Jinja-mae bus stop.

Address

東京都町田市小野路町950 Map

Official site

www.kojishir.com

Read more about Kojima Museum of Historical Materials

This museum displays works by Nihonga painter Kawai Gyokudo, including his studio and a dry landscape garden.

What it is

• Art museum opened in 1961.
• Dedicated to painter Kawai Gyokudo (1873–1957).
• Gyokudo was a leader in modern Nihonga style painting.

What to see

• Collection of over 300 works by Gyokudo.
• Paintings from his early nature studies to his last pieces.
• Detailed studies of animals and flowers.
• Replica of Gyokudo’s studio with a partially completed work.
• Studio filled with artist's brushes, paints, and mixing dishes.
• Karesansui (dry landscape) garden with river boulders.

When to go

• Works rotated to match the seasons.

Official site

www.gyokudo.jp

Read more about Gyokudō Art Museum

Explore the history and technology of Japanese banknotes and stamps at this unique museum.

What it is

• A specialized museum for banknotes and stamps.
• Opened in 1971 in Ichigaya, Tokyo.
• Became an independent administrative agency in 2003.
• Moved to Oji exhibition hall in 2011.

What to see

• First floor: anti-counterfeiting printing technology.
• First floor: three sections on printing.
• Rare Chapman intaglio engraving machine.
• Counterfeit prevention technology experience corner.
• Second floor: about 700 banknotes and stamps.
• Second floor: various related materials.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Oji Station.

Address

東京都北区王子1-6-1 Map

Official site

www.npb.go.jp

Read more about Banknote & Postage Stamp Museum