Nezu Museum, Tokyo

The Nezu Museum in Tokyo's Minato area is an esteemed repository for Nezu Kaichirō's personal collection, showcasing pre-modern art from Japan and East Asia. Established posthumously in 1940 following Nezu's death, it opened to the public in 1941. Throughout World War II, the collection was safeguarded outside Tokyo's core, sparing it from the bombings that devastated Nezu's estate in May 1945. Resuming its exhibitions in 1946 after the war, the museum underwent extensive modernization from 2006 and unveiled its current architectural design by Kengo Kuma in the autumn of 2009.

Today, it is home to over 7,400 pieces, including seven National Treasures, 88 Important Cultural Properties, and 94 Important Art Objects. The collection spans multiple genres such as painting, calligraphy, metalwork, and textiles, among others. The museum's prized exhibit is Ogata Kōrin's 'Irises' folding screen, a National Treasure, displayed annually. Acquired by Nezu in 1914, the piece was historically showcased at private exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Additionally, the museum boasts a vast array of Japanese sword fittings from the Meiji industrialist Mitsumura Toshimo and ancient Chinese bronzes, enriching its diverse assemblage.

Why You Should Visit:
Although small, the collection is stellar and the galleries are tightly focused, fascinating introductions to Japanese traditional arts.
You can get lost in the amazing garden and on a nice day, you can spend a long time wandering around its secret paths.
There is also a beautifully designed café overlooking the gardens and several traditional tea houses within the gardens.

Tip:
To experience traditional tea ceremonies, make your reservation at the counter of the museum.