Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum houses an impressive collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art. Carved stone Buddhas, classic calligraphy, ceramic pieces and paintings vie for attention in carefully curated and continually revolving galleries. Businessman and politician Kaichiro Nezu (1860-1940) was an avid collector who hoped to share his collection with the public—a mission continued by this museum and foundation.

The collection has more than 7,600 works of art, including seven National Treasures, as designated by the Japanese government. One of the six galleries displays utensils for Japanese tea ceremony, arranged to allow visitors to see a variety of tea utensils used during the tea gathering and how they are placed in an actual tearoom. The museum itself is a modernist wonder, combining the lines and angles of traditional wooden construction with modern materials to create a space full of light. The NEZUCAFÉ overlooks the 17,000 square meters of peaceful garden, just steps from busy Omotesando.