For lovers of traditional Japanese art, there are few better museums in Tokyo. View the best of arts ranging from lacquerware to glass at the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi.
Suntory Museum of Art - image © Florentyna Leow
Like most rich and powerful families, the Suntory family has amassed a huge collection of fine art pieces - their acquiring practices having begun in the late 19th century. Thankfully, they founded the Suntory Museum of Art in 1961, and now we get to enjoy the best of traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
Suntory Museum of Art - image © Florentyna Leow
While the original premises of the Suntory Museum of Art were in Marunouchi, it relocated to Akasaka-Mitsuke, and once again in 2007 to where it is now in Tokyo Midtown. Architecture lovers will not want to miss visiting this, if only because the museum building was designed by star architect Kengo Kuma.
The Suntory Museum of Art holds 5 or 6 exhibitions a year showcasing items from their collection. There are ceramics, scrolls, paintings, woven fabrics, lacquerware, Edo Kiriko glass, and much more. As a bonus, you can also pick up some exquisite craft goods from the museum gift store.
We think tea ceremonies are best witnessed in smaller, intimate spaces. But if you’re really strapped for time in Tokyo, you can sign up for a staging of a tea ceremony at the museum’s tearoom, Genchoan. Each staging seats up to 50 people and has a separate admission fee, which includes tea and sweets.
English name:
Suntory Museum of Art
Japanese name:
サントリー美術館
English address:
3F Galleria, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8643
Japanese address:
〒107-8643 東京都港区赤坂9-7-4 東京ミッドタウン ガレリア3F
Opening hours:
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10am-6pm (last entry 5:30pm)
Friday and Saturday: 10am-8pm (last entry 7:30pm)
Closed Tuesday
Admission:
Adults, college and high school students: varies by exhibition
Junior high school students and younger: free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: Directly connected to exit 8 of Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo line, and Tokyo Metro Hibiya line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Suntory Museum of Art on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3479-8600
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Suntory Museum of Art is located in Tokyo's Roppongi and Akasaka district. See our complete list of things to do in Roppongi and Akasaka, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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