5) Tokyo National Museum
The institution itself is a national treasure—it’s Japan’s oldest museum. It also happens to be in one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks, Ueno, which wanders a hundred or so acres and bursts with attractions like ancient shrines, temples, ponds, and over a thousand cherry blossom trees. Comprising the world’s most comprehensive collection of Japanese art, the museum displays only the tip of the iceberg, rotating its 110,000 artifacts regularly throughout five distinct exhibition buildings. Items spark curiosity, like samurai swords and fabulous kimonos, while ancient sculptures of Buddha and woodblock prints complete the array.
6) Nezu Museum
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 mid century, the collection grew and now comprises over 7,400 pieces.
The POSITIVE Catholic 