Nezu Museum（根津美術館）
A modern museum with an elegant stroll garden in central Tokyo
The Nezu Museum in Tokyo’s Minami-Aoyama district holds a prestigious private collection of Japanese and East Asian art. From calligraphy and ink paintings to Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, its exhibits cover a wide range of artistic traditions.
The museum’s origin dates back to Nezu Kaichirō, an industrialist and president of the Tobu Railway, who began collecting art in the early 20th century. In 1906, he purchased the property as his personal residence. After his death in 1940, his son opened the museum to preserve and display the collection. Although the original building and garden were largely destroyed during World War II, both have since been carefully restored.
The highlight for many visitors is the museum’s Japanese garden, which stretches behind the main galleries. Shaped by the area’s natural hills, it features two ponds connected by meandering streams. As you follow the winding paths, new elements come into view—stone lanterns, Buddhist statues, memorial stones, and tea houses nestled in groves of trees.
The garden is especially pleasant year-round thanks to its careful planting and traditional design. Throughout the seasons, you’ll see camellias, maples, and irises adding colour to the mossy landscape. The café near the main building offers panoramic views through wide windows, letting visitors enjoy a light meal or coffee while overlooking the peaceful scenery.
Today, the Nezu Museum blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary architecture, offering an oasis of calm just steps from Omotesandō. Its elegant design and cultural significance continue to attract art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and garden fans from around the world.
Read more in our eBook!
Nezu Museum Garden Guide
This eBook introduces the Nezu Museum in Tokyo, where a major private art collection is paired with a beautifully restored stroll garden.
Perfect for lovers of Japanese art, design, and quiet green spaces in the heart of the city.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
The closest metro station is Omotesando. Chiyoda line, Ginza line and Hanzomon line stop here. Use exit 4 or 5 and walk down the small end of Omotesando towards south east. After 400m you should reach the museum.
Address
- EN: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Minami-Aoyama 6-chome 5-1
- JP: 東京都港区南青山６丁目５−１
Admission fee
- (Recommended)
- Adults: 1300 yen
- High School and University Students: 1000 yen
- Free for Junior High School Students and below.
Special exhibition admission is +200 yen. Disability discount is -200 yen.
- Same-day ticket at the door (entry not guaranteed)
- Adults: 1400 yen
- High School and University Students: 1300 yen
- Free for Junior High School Students and below.
Special exhibition admission is +200 yen. Disability discount is -200 yen.
Facilities & Accessibility
- The Museum is completely barrier free.
- Multipurpose toilet with ostomate is available.
- The garden is mostly not barrier free. It has slopes and an attendant is adviced.
- Exhibition Rooms
- Garden with traditional tea houses.
- Nezu Cafe
- Museum Shop
Best time to visit
- Mid April for Wisteria.
- Mid April to Mid March for the famous irises.
- End of November to Beginning of December for autumn foliage.
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