Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tobikan) was founded in 1926 thanks to a generous donation by industrialist Keitaro Sato. This museum was established as Japan’s first public art museum, intended to be a “permanent art museum” promoting both traditional and contemporary works. Its fundamental mission is to serve as a “doorway to art” for all, providing art as nourishment for life and fostering an inclusive art community. The museum fulfills this mission by:

• Encouraging interchange among people to generate new values.

• Deepening art appreciation and vitality in art activities.

• Respecting tradition while promoting new artistic fusions.

• Offering encounters with masterpieces from Japan and across the globe.

The current building, completed in 1975, is a celebrated modernist design by Kunio Maekawa, a former student of Le Corbusier. Maekawa arranged the building volumes around a spacious central area to accommodate special exhibitions, art group exhibitions, and cultural activities, creating a neutral backdrop for art while maintaining a harmonious connection to Ueno Park. Its design features complex internal courtyards, voids, and pathways that act as public gathering spaces, blending the museum seamlessly into the urban fabric.

The museum’s programming is diverse and high-profile:

• Special Exhibitions: Hosting blockbusters from international institutions such as the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum, as well as retrospectives of Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Tarō Okamoto, and Tsuguharu Foujita.

• Public Entry Exhibitions: About 280 art group exhibitions per year, showcasing traditional Japanese arts like Shodo (calligraphy) and Shikki (lacquerware), alongside contemporary painting.

• Permanent Collection: Features twelve 20th-century sculptures and reliefs displayed outdoors in the plaza, including Inoue Bukichi’s my sky hole 85-2: light and shadow.

• Art Communication Programs: Initiatives like the “Tobira Project” and “Museum Start i-Ueno” encourage dialogue and art appreciation among children and visitors with disabilities.

Visitors can enjoy a complete cultural experience with two restaurants, a café, a museum shop selling art books and souvenirs, and the tranquil Sato Keitaro Memorial Lounge with views of the park’s cascading fountain. The museum’s prime location in Ueno Park makes it an ideal destination for a full cultural day alongside Tokyo’s other museums and zoo.

The museum is within Ueno Park.

By Train (JR and Subway

• JR Ueno Station: About 5–10 minutes on foot via the park’s central exit.

• Keisei Ueno Station: Approximately 7 minutes on foot.

By Subway:

• Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Hibiya Line (Ueno Station): Around 10 minutes walking through Ueno Park.

• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (Naka-Okachimachi Station): About 10–12 minutes on foot. 

By Bus:

• Multiple local buses stop at Ueno Park entrances. Check local bus routes for stops near Uenokoen or Ueno Zoo. 

By Taxi / Private Car:

• Enter via Ueno Park’s main road; taxi drop-off is available near the museum entrance.

• Limited parking is available at Ueno Park; consider using public transport during busy exhibition periods. 

By Bicycle / Walking:

• Bicycle racks are available near park entrances.

• The museum is easily accessible on foot from nearby Ueno Park attractions, including the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo.

• Check the museum’s website for the latest exhibition schedules and special event hours. Wear comfortable shoes to explore Ueno Park and neighboring museums. Take time to enjoy both indoor exhibitions and the outdoor sculpture plaza.

Admission Fee:

• Free general access to the building, café, and shop. Exhibition-specific fees vary per show.

Opening Time:

• Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM (may extend for special exhibitions)

• Closed: Mondays (except when Monday is a public holiday) and first & third Mondays of the month