Must-visit places to experience Tokyo’s art scene

Lose yourself in Tokyo’s elegant art scene with this hard-to-miss itinerary in the city. From a museum that is a work of art in and of itself, to a park that is as pretty as a picture, make sure to add these items to your Tokyo itinerary.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, a five-star hotel in Tokyo and Tokyu Hotel Group’s flagship hotel has put together a list of locations recommended by locals to inspire and satiate the creative and artistically minded in Tokyo.

Nezu Museum

Aoyama, Tokyo

After its reopening in 2009, the museum became famous for its remarkable and diverse private collections of Japanese and Asian art which was owned by the Japanese industrialist Kaichiro Nezu, and for its striking bamboo architecture designed by Kengo Kuma, one of the world’s top trending architects. Kuma is dear to The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, as he is the designer of the hotel’s main lobby. The Nezu Museum is an artistic masterpiece itself, with a beautiful iris-filled garden that blends with an exhibition of the national treasure Kakitsubata-zu, or Irises Screen, by Korin Ogata, making you feel as though you’ve become a part of the famous painting’s world.

Mori Art Museum

Roppongi, Tokyo

Located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum is known as the “Sky Garden Museum” for its breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo. Its contemporary exhibitions have a global outlook, are engaging, and stimulate discussion, making it the perfect place to think peacefully amidst the enriched and vibrant art that relates to all aspects of life just above the hustle and bustle of the city. The Mori Art Museum is unique among private art museums, having been founded to serve as part of a new community, with a sky deck on the top floor boasting a spectacular 360° skyline view of Tokyo. For locals, this is the best place to take a break after a day of shopping in the area, within the cultural heart of the city.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Famous as a spot for “Hanami”, cherry blossom viewing parties, and with a variety of seasonal plants and flowers, Shinjuku Gyoen was originally part of a feudal lord’s residence during the Edo Period (1603-1868), but was opened to the public in 1949. This spectacular park is a natural form of art, filled with wonderful architecture and a range of different gardens, including English and French. The traditional Japanese landscape garden is the oldest, featuring large ponds surrounded by meticulously manicured shrubs and trees and beautiful pavilions. Be it in spring with the cherry blossoms or in the autumn with the red maple trees, Shinjuku Gyoen is a must-visit destination to take in the artistry of nature.