The world of Japanese photography is an exciting, dynamic one - and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro is the place to delve into its depths.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Over the decades, Japanese photography has received global attention for its range of diverse, surreal, innovative, and exciting voices. The place to see and explore this visual art form is at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro, which was the first of its kind built in Japan. Amusingly enough, it also calls itself the ‘Top Museum,’ which if nothing else is a rather memorable moniker.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
This museum houses a permanent collection of work - over 33,000 works in total - and hosts an ever-changing series of exhibitions featuring domestic as well as international photographer. Intriguingly enough, the museum concerns itself with collecting not just still images, but also moving ones.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Those wishing to learn more about Japanese photography in general should pay a visit to the library on the fourth floor. It’s free and open to the public, with a good selection of reference materials, though these are primarily in Japanese. The museum also organizes lectures, workshops and photography-related events from time to time.
Entrance fees vary by exhibition, so be sure to check their website before visiting.
English name:
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Japanese name:
東京都写真美術館
English address:
Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-0062
Japanese address:
〒153-0062 東京都目黒区三田1-13-3 恵比寿ガーデンプレイス内
Opening hours:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday: 10am-6pm (last entry 5:30pm)
Thursday and Friday: 10am-8pm (last entry 7:30pm)
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
Varies by exhibition
Nearest Transport:
Train: 7-minute walk from the east exit of Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Tokyo Photographic Art Museum on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3280-0099
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is located in Tokyo's Ebisu district. See our complete list of things to do in Ebisu, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
