Museum · Aoyama / Omotesando

Nezu Museum 根津美術館

Kengo Kuma's serene bamboo-lined museum of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art in Aoyama, with one of the loveliest strolling gardens in central Tokyo.

About

Built on the collection of railway magnate Kaichiro Nezu, this museum holds over 7,000 works, including seven National Treasures such as Ogata Korin's Irises screen, displayed each spring when the real irises bloom in the garden. Kengo Kuma's 2009 building is a quiet modern take on a Japanese house, approached along a long bamboo-walled path under a deep tiled eave. Galleries rotate exhibitions of tea ceremony utensils, Chinese bronzes, Buddhist art and screen painting. The real star for many is the garden: a steep, wooded valley of mossy paths, stone lanterns, four teahouses and a pond, which feels miles from Omotesando's boutiques. NEZUCAFE, with glass walls into the trees, is a calm lunch spot.

Highlights

• Ogata Korin's Irises screen (National Treasure), shown in spring
• Kengo Kuma's bamboo entrance approach
• Hillside garden with teahouses, stone lanterns and an iris pond
• Chinese ancient bronze gallery
• NEZUCAFE surrounded by glass and greenery

Tips

• Book a timed-entry ticket online, it is cheaper and guarantees admission on busy days.
• Late April to mid-May is peak (Irises screen and blooming irises); also gorgeous in autumn colours in late November.
• The garden is only accessible with a museum ticket, so allow at least 45 minutes for it.
• Walk 8 minutes from Omotesando Station exit A5 down Miyuki-dori past the designer flagships.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Blue Note TokyoLive Music & Karaoke · 180 m away
• Taro Okamoto Memorial MuseumMuseum · 190 m away
• Prada AoyamaLandmark & Tower · 290 m away
• Body & SoulLive Music & Karaoke · 350 m away
• SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama (Kengo Kuma Lattice)Photo Spot · 390 m away
• Sushi MasudaSushi & Seafood · 390 m away
• Tokyo Whisky LibraryBars & Nightlife · 410 m away
• Nishiazabu ButagumiRestaurant · 430 m away