Tokyo is a city of contrasts—ancient temples stand beside neon-lit skyscrapers, and this duality extends to its art scene. In 48 hours, you can experience centuries of Japanese artistic tradition alongside some of the world's most innovative contemporary work.
Day 1: Traditional Meets Contemporary
Morning: Yanaka & Ueno (9 AM - 1 PM)
Start your art journey in Yanaka, one of Tokyo's few neighborhoods that survived WWII bombings. This atmospheric area feels like stepping back in time.
- SCAI The Bathhouse (10 AM) – A 200-year-old bathhouse converted into a cutting-edge contemporary gallery. The juxtaposition is quintessentially Tokyo.
- Yanaka Ginza – Wander this charming shopping street, popping into small galleries and craft shops
- Tokyo National Museum (11:30 AM) – In nearby Ueno Park, this is Japan's oldest and largest museum. Focus on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) for an overview of Japanese art history
Lunch tip: Try a traditional set meal at one of Yanaka's old-school kissaten (coffee shops)
Afternoon: Roppongi Art Triangle (2 PM - 7 PM)
Head to Roppongi, home to Tokyo's most impressive concentration of contemporary art museums.
- Mori Art Museum (2 PM) – On the 53rd floor of Mori Tower, this museum offers world-class exhibitions plus stunning city views. Allow 2 hours.
- 21_21 Design Sight (4:30 PM) – Designed by Tadao Ando, this underground museum focuses on design and everyday objects elevated to art
- National Art Center (6 PM) – Even if you skip the exhibitions, the Kisho Kurokawa-designed building is worth seeing, especially at sunset when light pours through the undulating glass facade
Evening: Gallery Hopping & Dinner
Roppongi has several small galleries open late. End your day with dinner at a local izakaya, surrounded by the creative energy of the neighborhood.
Day 2: Digital, Street & Emerging Art
Morning: teamLab Planets (9 AM - 12 PM)
Book tickets in advance for teamLab Planets in Toyosu. This immersive digital art museum is unlike anything else—you wade through knee-deep water surrounded by digital koi, walk through infinity mirror rooms, and lose yourself in cascading digital waterfalls.
Pro tip: Wear shorts or clothes you can roll up. You will get wet.
Afternoon: Shibuya & Harajuku (1 PM - 5 PM)
Experience Tokyo's youth culture and street art scene:
- Shibuya Stream – Public art installations and murals along the river
- Cat Street, Harajuku – Small galleries, vintage shops, and street style that blurs the line between fashion and art
- Design Festa Gallery – A labyrinthine space where emerging artists rent walls to display their work. It's chaotic, colorful, and full of surprises
Late Afternoon: Nakameguro (5 PM - 7 PM)
This trendy neighborhood along the Meguro River has become a hub for independent galleries and design shops:
- Stroll the canal-side path, popping into galleries
- Visit Cow Books for art books and zines
- Check out small galleries in converted apartments
Bonus: If You Have More Time
- Naoshima Day Trip – The famous art island is 4 hours from Tokyo but worth it for serious art lovers
- Sumida Hokusai Museum – Dedicated to the master of ukiyo-e, including "The Great Wave"
- Nezu Museum – Pre-modern Japanese and Asian art in a stunning Kengo Kuma-designed building
- Akihabara – For a different kind of visual culture: anime, manga, and otaku art
Practical Tips
- Get a Suica/Pasmo card – Tokyo's subway is the best way to get around
- Museum passes – The Grutto Pass covers 100+ museums and is excellent value
- Closed Mondays – Many museums close Mondays; plan accordingly
- English – Major museums have English; smaller galleries may not
- Shoes off – Some traditional spaces require removing shoes
Where to Stay
For art lovers, we recommend:
- Roppongi/Azabu – Central to museums, good nightlife
- Shibuya – Great for street culture and shopping
- Yanaka/Ueno – Quieter, more traditional atmosphere
Explore more of Tokyo's art scene on our Tokyo city page and interactive art map.