Nezu Museum, A Zen Oasis of Art and Elegance

6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
The Japanese-style backyard garden has a special Zen feeling
4.6

Introduction

Nezu Museum is located in the former residence of Japanese industrialist Kaichiro Nezu in Aoyama. It is a private museum that focuses on Buddhist art and tea utensils. The museum houses 7 national treasures and 81 important cultural properties, with the most significant exhibit being the masterpiece "Irises Folding Screen" by the Rinpa school painter Ogata Korin, displayed annually in May. In addition to the rich collection, the museum's affiliated Nezu Garden is also worth a visit. As a typical Japanese garden, it features flowing water, artificial hills, pavilions, and halls, exuding an elegant and delicate atmosphere. Especially in May when the irises bloom, it adds a unique charm to admire the screen paintings and enjoy the view of the flowers across the water. Furthermore, the garden also houses NEZU CAFE, where visitors can indulge in delicious tea treats while appreciating the scenic surroundings.
Address
6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours
Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-17:00, with admission stopping 30 minutes in advance
Closed on Mondays (except for public holidays, in which case it is closed on the following day), December 28-January 1, and during exhibition setup.
Transportation
Take the Ginza, Hanzomon, or Chiyoda subway lines to Omotesando station. Exit from A5 and walk for 8 minutes. Or, exit from B4 or B3 and walk for 10 minutes. Alternatively, take the Toei bus "Shibu 88" towards Shinbashi station, get off at the Minami-Aoyama 6-chome stop, and walk for 5 minutes.