Tokyo has many different museums and it is almost impossible to name THE best one. Here are three museums that are surely among the best.
1. Nezu Museum (Aoyama)
It is like an oasis in the center of a shopping area. Although it is a private museum, it has an amazing collection which includes National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The collection consists mainly of Japanese art such as calligraphy, paintings, lacquer ware, textiles, and some archeological objects from China.
It was recently renovated and re-opened in October 2009. The new building was designed by an architect Kengo KUMA. The simple contemporary design of the building creates an interesting harmony with the Japanese landscape garden in the back, which is nice for a stroll on a sunny day.
2. Tokyo National Museum (Ueno)
It is located at the edge of Ueno Park, which is one of the most crowded cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The museum consists of five buildings with different themes, and the main building (Honkan, Japanese Gallery) can be the most interesting for those who want to have an overview of the Japanese history. It displays Japanese art in the chronological order from pre-historic age to the mid-19th century. The items displayed include earthenware, ceramics, swords, armor, Buddhist statues, paintings etc.
Have you seen the thousand statues of Buddha in Sanjusangen-do in Kyoto? If not, just to let you know I saw at least three of them displayed in this museum.
3. Mori Museum (Roppongi)
The museum is located on the 53rd floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills commercial complex. It is an contemporary art museum without a permanent collection. Whether you like it as a museum may depend on what they exhibit when you go, but what is great about this museum is that an entrance to the observatory deck is included in the admission fee (JPY1,500). It is at 250 meters above the sea level and you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is right in front of you. It is good to visit on a clear day, but the night view is also magnificent.
