This private museum (part of the same corporation that brews beer and other alcoholic beverages) has a collection of 3,000 Japanese antique arts and crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, glassware, screen paintings, teaware, Noh costumes, kimono, ornamental hairpins, dyed fabrics, scrolls, and much more, which it shows in themed exhibitions that change several times a year. There are also visiting exhibitions, such as a recent exhibit of Imari porcelain shipped to Europe in the 17th century, courtesy of the Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka. An audio guide, when available, costs ¥500 extra. The museum, located in the thoroughly contemporary Tokyo Midtown complex, nevertheless conveys a traditional Japanese setting by employing wood, paper, and other natural materials in its design, augmented by focused lighting that puts art objects center stage in dimly lit rooms. In that way, the museum succeeds in its mission to help us view ancient art in a new way and see the beauty in everyday life, thereby bridging the differences of time, place, and culture between the artwork's creation and our own.
Tokyo› Attraction
Suntory Museum of Art (Suntory Bijutsukan)
Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Tokyo Midtown
Hours Sun–Mon and Wed–Thurs 10am–6pm; Fri–Sat 10am–8pm. Transportation Station: Roppongi (exit 8, 2 min.) or Nogizaka (exit 3, 3 min.) Phone 03/3479-8600 Prices Admission varies, averaging ¥1,300 adults, ¥1,000 high-school and college students, free for children. Web site Suntory Museum of Art (Suntory Bijutsukan)Map
Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku TokyoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.