If you feel like taking your time appreciating art, we highly recommend the Nezu Museum in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo!
The Nezu Museum was founded based on the collection of ancient Japanese and Oriental art collected by the founder, Nezu Kaichiro, a businessman who was active from the Meiji to Showa periods.
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are considering going to Nezu Museum♪
- People who want to enjoy art at their own pace
- People who are looking for sightseeing spots in the Omotesando and Aoyama areas of Tokyo
- People who want to refresh themselves by looking at art and gardens
Access to Nezu Museum
Nezu Museum is located about a 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station.
Take the A5 exit from Omotesando Station and walk straight down the main street to arrive! As long as you follow the direction, it’s a straight road so you won’t get lost.
As you walk from Omotesando Station, you will suddenly see a green bamboo forest and a stylish logo, so you will soon arrive at the museum! A stylish atmosphere is floating around from the entrance.
Nezu Museum was reopened in 2009 after renovation, designed by architect Kengo Kuma.
The thin bamboo approach that leads straight to the museum entrance is beautiful.
The long approach leading from the main gate to the exhibition building is an iconic sight at Nezu Museum. It really gives you a Japanese feel!
Inside the Nezu Museum
Once you purchase your ticket and enter the building, a wonderful space awaits you.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, but you can also enter on the day without a reservation! Check the official website for more information.
There were a lot of foreign tourists in the museum.
Designed by one of Japan’s leading architects, Kengo Kuma, you’ll be drawn into the worldview that is filled with Japanese atmosphere.
You can feel the Japanese atmosphere and it’s very relaxing.
The lush garden visible through the glass is also lovely.
The weather was fine that day, and the contrast with the clear blue sky was outstanding!
You can also enjoy the harmony between the artwork and the Japanese garden.
The exhibits mainly consist of Japanese and Oriental art, including paintings, sutra copying, ceramics, bronzeware, and Japanese swords.
The museum’s most famous collection is the National Treasure “Irises” by Ogata Korin, which is traditionally displayed in a special exhibition held every year from late April to late May.
I was unaware of this fact until the day itself, so unfortunately I was unable to see it.
When I visited, a special exhibition of narrative drawings was being held.
You can take photos in the entrance hall, but please note that taking photos is not permitted inside the exhibition rooms.
Nezu Museum services
One of the great things about visiting Nezu Museum is that they offer free coin lockers! The fact that it’s free is also a nice plus!
You can leave your belongings in a coin locker and enjoy art without having to carry anything with you. This is a very appreciated service!
There are coin lockers not only on the first floor, but also on the basement floor.
Many people were using the coin lockers on the first floor, but the coin lockers on the basement floor were empty, probably because they are in an obscure location.
If the coin lockers on the first floor are full, we recommend trying the coin lockers on the basement floor.
Please note that you will need a 100 yen coin to use a coin locker!
The 100 yen coin is returned after use. Another service that I found useful was the parasol rental service.
They were available at the entrance to the basement floor. Summer in Japan is so hot!
They lend them out for free, so I recommend borrowing one and walking around the Japanese garden with it.
Nezu Museum Garden
If you visit Nezu Museum, be sure to stop by not only the exhibition rooms but also the Japanese garden!
This vast site, which was formerly the garden of the Nezu Kaichiro residence, covers an area of an astounding 17,000㎡.
There is no set route, so you can wander around freely in any direction you like!
There are four teahouses and eight sightseeing spots, so it will probably take some time to see them all.
I visited on a scorching hot day in midsummer, so I decided to take my time strolling around for about 30 minutes while looking at the map.
It would also be nice to take your time looking around during cooler times, such as in the autumn when the leaves change color.
The natural scenery here is so beautiful it’s hard to believe it’s in a prime location in Tokyo.
The fresh greenery of summer was lovely, but I’d also like to visit in the fall when the leaves change color.
There is also a large pond in the garden. The blue sky reflected in the pond is beautiful!
The contrast between the blue sky and the fresh greenery is beautiful and refreshing! The view of nature in the middle of a big city reminds me of Central Park in New York.
The waterside scenery is also beautiful!
There is even a small boat floating in the water, so you can explore the grounds as if you were on an adventure.
There is also a cafe called “NEZU CAFE” in the garden.
Unfortunately, it was fully booked and I wasn’t able to visit, but it seems they serve drinks like coffee and tea, and desserts like pound cake, baumkuchen, and apple pie.
It’s wonderful to be able to eat while looking at the garden. I’d definitely like to try it next time I go!
Summary: Let’s go to Nezu Museum!
What did you think of the Nezu Museum in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo?
You can take your time looking at the exhibits of Japanese and Oriental art, including national treasures and important cultural properties, and you can also feel nature in the Japanese garden.
It’s a refreshing spot that will make you forget you’re in the city, so we highly recommend this museum to anyone looking to spend an elegant holiday!
If you have a chance to go to Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, be sure to stop by the Nezu Museum ♪