Nezu Museum

"An art museum integrated into a Japanese garden, known for its collection including 'Irises' by Ogata Kōrin. The museum was designed by Kengo Kuma." - Wakana Kubo

"This serene museum in the Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside—over 7,400 pieces—the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. The bulk of the museum’s art was once the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan’s Tobu Railway. Since the midcentury, the collection grew and now comprises over 7,400 pieces." - Anna Chittenden, Melinda Joe

"Just down the street from fashionable Omotesando is the Nezu Museum, with an exquisite Japanese garden. Architect Kengo Kuma's touches include a warm welcome with a bamboo wall at the entrance and rooms with picturesque views of the garden. The museum's renowned permanent collection comprises a vast selection of Japanese and Asian pieces, including lacquerware, calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings. The Nezu Café has three walls of windows to enjoy the garden over a light meal, coffee and cake, or matcha and traditional wagashi sweets."

"Just down the street from fashionable Omotesando is the Nezu Museum, with an exquisite Japanese garden. Architect Kengo Kuma's touches include a warm welcome with a bamboo wall at the entrance and rooms with picturesque views of the garden. The museum's renowned permanent collection comprises a vast selection of Japanese and Asian pieces, including lacquerware, calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings. The Nezu Café has three walls of windows to enjoy the garden over a light meal, coffee and cake, or matcha and traditional wagashi sweets."

"Traditional East Asian and Japanese art meet contemporary architecture in the Nezu Museum, a minimalist space redesigned by Kengo Kuma. High ceilings, bamboo walls, and enormous windows overlooking the museum’s leafy surroundings in Aoyama district make this feel more like visiting the home of a sophisticated friend than a conventional gallery. That’s fitting, since the museum was once the private residence of Nezu Kaichirō, the president of Japan's Tobu Railway. Much of its impressive 7,400-piece collection comes from his private stash of pre-modern works. Although it’s hardly unknown, the museum has managed to stay relatively under the radar and wandering through the six exhibition spaces even on weekends is a stress-free affair. Take in the sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy at your own pace, then make your way to one of the most exquisite private gardens in the city." - Diana Hubbell