Where to See Ukiyo-e in Tokyo: 6 Must-Visit Spots for Art Lovers

1. Ota Memorial Museum of Art (太田記念美術館) – Harajuku

 

Best for: Ukiyo-e enthusiasts looking for a dedicated museum experience
Why visit? This is Japan’s only museum dedicated exclusively to ukiyo-e.
It houses over 14,000 pieces, featuring works by masters like Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Kitagawa Utamaro.
The exhibitions rotate frequently, making every visit unique.

Visitor Information:

English support: English pamphlets available
Website: Official Website
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Station

2. Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) – Ueno

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Best for: Seeing national treasures and museum-quality ukiyo-e
Why visit? This massive museum is home to some of Japan’s most important cultural artifacts, including ukiyo-e masterpieces like The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai and actor portraits by Sharaku.

Visitor Information:

English support: English guide app and pamphlets available
Website: Official Website
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station

3. Idemitsu Museum of Arts (出光美術館) – Marunouchi

Best for: Viewing rare hand-painted ukiyo-e (nikuhitsu-ga)
Why visit? This museum, founded by businessman Sazo Idemitsu, offers a unique collection of traditional Japanese art, including a variety of ukiyo-e.
Unlike most museums, Idemitsu features nikuhitsu-ga—original paintings by ukiyo-e artists rather than printed woodblock versions.

Visitor Information:

English support: Some English explanations available
Website: Official Website
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station, 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station

4. Waseda University Theatre Museum (早稲田大学演劇博物館) – Takadanobaba

Best for: Exploring kabuki and actor portrait ukiyo-e
Why visit? This museum specializes in Japanese theater and is a hidden gem for ukiyo-e lovers.
It showcases a rich collection of actor portraits (yakusha-e), which depict famous kabuki performers from the Edo period.

Visitor Information:

English support: Limited English signage, but some English information available
Website: Official Website
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Waseda Station

5. National Diet Library (国立国会図書館) – Nagatacho

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Best for: Researching ukiyo-e history through digital archives
Why visit? If you want to take a deep dive into ukiyo-e, this national library offers an extensive collection of digitized ukiyo-e prints and Edo-period books.
Registration is required for access.

Visitor Information:

English support: Limited, but the website has an English section
Website: Official Website
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Kokkai-gijidomae Station

6. Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints (アダチ版画研究所) – Itabashi

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Best for: Hands-on ukiyo-e printmaking experience
Why visit? Unlike museums, this workshop lets visitors experience the ukiyo-e printing process firsthand.
Adachi Institute specializes in creating high-quality reproductions using traditional Edo-period techniques, making it a perfect place for art lovers to understand the craftsmanship behind ukiyo-e.

Visitor Information:

English support: Some staff members speak English, and workshops can be arranged in English
Website: Official Website
Access: 10-minute walk from Toei Mita Line Itabashi-Kuyakushomae Station

Tips for Enjoying Ukiyo-e in Tokyo

✅ Check for Special Exhibitions: Many ukiyo-e collections are rotated regularly, so check museum websites for the latest exhibits.
✅ Visit Multiple Locations: Different institutions focus on different aspects of ukiyo-e, so visiting a few will give you a well-rounded experience.
✅ Consider a Printmaking Workshop: Places like Adachi Institute let you experience ukiyo-e beyond just viewing.
✅ Use Museum Apps & Guides: Some locations offer free English audio guides or apps to enhance your experience.

 

Whether you're a seasoned ukiyo-e collector or just discovering this iconic art form, Tokyo offers plenty of opportunities to see and appreciate these timeless masterpieces. Add these locations to your itinerary for an unforgettable cultural experience!