There are bags of Tokyo museums and art galleries in the Japanese capital and it can be tough to work out which ones to see as they are all well done. Art and culture are particularly well represented here, as is archaeology, science, and even sumo wrestling.
The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno and features the country’s largest collection of Japanese art and archaeological finds. Art treasures here cover the gamut, including paintings, prints, sculpture, scrolls and netsuke. There is also a collection of ancient 6th and 7th century paintings in the Tokyo National Museum.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is a favourite art museum for the many culture-vultures to Japan. It has been in existence since the 1920s and has vast collections of changing art, including pieces from museums of various countries of the world. Exhibits from the Louvre in Paris are a big hit. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum can be found within Ueno Park.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography in the bustling Ebisu Garden Plaza, not far from Ebisu Station, is also recommended. It features world class exhibitions and interactive exhibits and each part has a different entry fee.
Tokyo's Science Museum is holed up in a contemporary-looking, concrete structure in the Kitanomarukoen area of town and is a great museum to take the kids to. It features an array of interactive exhibits and is highly educational. Topics covered include space, light, energy, engines, computers and communications.
The Sumo Museum is a must-see museum in the Sumida-ku area of Tokyo. It is located next door to the sumo stadium and goes into the history of sumo wrestling, from the fearsome competitors to the outfits they wear as well as sumo dolls. Tours of the museum and the stadium are popular.
There are several other museums of interest in Tokyo, many of which focus on art; both contemporary and traditional. The Advertising Museum is a break from the norm and a fun place to visit. It delves into the history of Japanese creativity and design, although unfortunately all of the exhibits are in Japanese only.