Museums in Taito-ku (Tokyo)

Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum displays sculptures, paintings, calligraphical and archaeological objects, and other decorative arts. Broadly divided into Japanese, Chinese and Korean forms, the museum's collections are nothing but an artistic preservation of Asian history and culture. Exhibitions, lectures and gallery talks are held regularly, so visitors can gain access to some valuable information about the world's largest continent—the museum also stores historical documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Centuries.

Asakura Choso Museum

Located in a nostalgic area of Tokyo, the collection is in the former residence of Fumio Asakura (1883-1964). In 1948 Asakura was awarded the Order of Culture. In government-backed shows, he often won prizes. Animals, figures and portraits executed in plaster and bronze give the visitor an historical overview of Japan's contribution to Western-style sculpture. The garden which is dominated by a pond is delightful, as there is something blooming throughout the year. The tranquil teahouse is in traditional Japanese style.

The Shitamachi Museum

Slip into the atmosphere of a working class neighborhood set in the pre 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake days. A mural on the landing between the first and second floors depicts peddlers, artisans and blue-collar workers going about their daily life during the Edo period. The extensive display of household items gives a fascinating peek into a lifestyle from days gone by. The exhibits have no explanations in English, but an English language guide is available. Guide dogs are permitted and there are wheelchair toilets on two floors.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Founded in 1926, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum displays a wide range of Japanese art forms in its six huge galleries. Apart from organising exhibitions of traditional Japanese crafts, graphic designs and calligraphy by contemporary Japanese artistes, the museum also holds art lectures and workshops for upcoming enthusiasts. Admission prices vary as per the exhibition. For more details, check the website.

The National Museum of Western Art

Located in the Taito-ku area of Tokyo, The National Museum of Western Art is known for its amazing collection of drawings, sculptures and paintings by European artistes. French laureates like Boucher and Fragonard feature in the museum's impressive art array. Visitors are treated to the rich artistic heritage of the West during the numerous thematic exhibitions held regularly at the museum's gallery. Parking is available at the nearby Ueno Park. Check the website for admission details.

Sogakudo

The forerunner of the Sogakudo, the Tokyo Music School was established in 1890. The building has been designated an important cultural property and was moved to its present site in 1983. The spectacular pipe organ alone is worth a visit. It is Japan's oldest concert hall organ and is the only one in the country (and one of very few in the world) operated by a special compressed air mechanism.

National Science Museum

This huge, two-building general science museum was established in 1877 and covers a wide variety of scientific knowledge including the evolution of living things, the Earth's formative history, nature, and astronomy. It has on display a giant dinosaur fossil, a moon rock and the stuffed body of Hachiko, the famous loyal Akita dog. If you cannot read Japanese, bring along a Japanese friend who can translate things for you, otherwise the range of sites to see would be limited.

Drum Museum

Acoustics and aesthetics team up at this museum where there is the opportunity to beat on drums from several countries. Drums have been used in Japan to emit sound to expel demons and evilness. Indeed, as a symbol of Shinto shrines, drums are considered sacred. Drum adornment is an art form, and the breadth of the collection here is impressive. However some of the instruments are fragile and are off limits.

Japan Toys Museum

There is a conglomeration of toys, both western and Japanese, the bulk of which are in crowded cases. It is tempting to try and pick the toys up and see them operate, but the display cases serve as effective barriers. Although this is not a "hands-on" museum, videos accessible to children are available. For a view of the Sumida River, there is a coffee shop on the upper levels.

Asakusa Historical Museum

Asakusa is proud of its history, which is rooted in the lives of common folk. Here is a culture that flourished from the mid-18th century through the early 20th century. This interesting museum attempts to bring alive some of the old traditions. A microcosm of an Asakusa neighborhood catches your eye on the second floor. This section of Tokyo became well known for its amusements after the old Yoshiwara district (government licensed red-light area) was moved to Asakusa. Do not miss the Las Vegas-like stage show "Review of Asakusa" "performed" by cardboard dancers.

The Ueno Royal Museum

The Ueno Royal Museum houses artworks of Japanese and international artistes. Sculptures, sketches, photography and paintings handling various culture-specific themes are displayed during the museum's exhibitions. The premises are wheelchair accessible, and there is a small coffee shop where visitors can stop for a cup of beverage and some snacks. Admission charges are different for every exhibition.

The University Art Museum

Housed within the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, this museum stores a huge collection of about 28,000 art objects in its four buildings, the Main Building, the Chinretsukan Gallery, the Masaki Memorial Gallery and the Toride Annex. Each of these establishments has several exhibition rooms where modern Japanese artwork is displayed. The museum's vast wealth of eastern-style paintings, ceramics, textiles, metal works and miniatures is used as educational and research material at the Tokyo National University. One part of the museum is dedicated only to the University students, this section contains works by students and teachers created as part of the curriculum.