Sumida Hokusai Museum

The Sumida Hokusai Museum opened in 2016 in the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, close to the birthplace of the artist Katsushika Hokusai, whose name it bears. The museum was designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA, and its distinctive aluminum-clad exterior is both a neighborhood landmark and a reflection of Hokusai’s forward-looking artistic spirit. Hokusai is one of the most celebrated figures in the history of world art, best known for his series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes the iconic image The Great Wave. The museum’s collection includes original prints, paintings, and illustrated books, as well as replica works and digital reproductions that allow visitors to appreciate the fine detail of Hokusai’s craftsmanship up close. Permanent exhibition galleries trace the arc of Hokusai’s long career while temporary exhibitions explore his influence on Japanese and Western art. Interactive stations and educational workshops, including hands-on woodblock printing experiences, make the museum especially accessible to younger visitors and first-time encounters with ukiyo-e. The museum is located a short walk from Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic neighborhoods, making it an ideal pairing with a day exploring Senso-ji Temple and the traditional craft shops of Nakamise-dori.