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 paper arts vie for attention in carefully curated and continually revolving galleries. Businessman and politician Kaichiro Nezu (1860-1940) was a voracious collector who hoped to share his collection with the public—a mission continued by this museum and foundation.

The collection has more than 7,000 works of art, as well as 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 how the art surrounding this cultural heritage has developed over time. 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 Nezu cafe overlooks the 17,000 square meters of peaceful gardens, just steps from busy Omotesando.