Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum is one of Tokyo’s most refined cultural institutions, combining an important collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art with a breathtaking garden that makes it a true urban sanctuary. Located in the upscale Minami-Aoyama neighborhood and housed in a striking building designed by architect Kengo Kuma, the museum was founded in 1941 to display the collection of businessman and politician Nezu Kaichiro. The permanent collection comprises over 7,400 objects spanning ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, lacquerware, textiles, bronzes, and archaeological materials. Among its treasures is the famous Irises screen by Ogata Korin, one of Japan’s most celebrated paintings, displayed annually in spring. The museum’s collection includes six objects designated as National Treasures and 87 Important Cultural Properties. In addition to the main galleries, the 17,000-square-meter strolling garden behind the museum offers a rare respite from the city, with winding stone-paved paths, traditional stone lanterns, ancient Buddhist sculpture, and seasonal plantings that reward every return visit. A cafe within the garden provides a serene spot for rest and reflection. The museum is a short walk from Omotesando Station and sits in close proximity to high-end boutiques and galleries, making it easily incorporated into a broader exploration of this fashionable district.