Kengo Kuma's Courtyard for East Asian Art

At a Glance

The Nezu Museum in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, shows East Asian pre-modern art—about 7,400 works, including 7 National Treasures and 87 Important Cultural Properties. It opened in 1941 from the collection of Tobu Railway founder Nezu Kaichirō. Kengo Kuma's 2009 redesign defines the building's current form.

Kuma's 70-Metre Approach

Kuma reinterpreted the Japanese wooden vernacular with a 70-metre bamboo-lined approach that walks visitors out of Omotesando's noise into a quiet interior. Six galleries on two floors rotate permanent and special exhibitions, with sliding doors opening visually onto the gardens.

Collection Highlights

• Ogata Kōrin — Irises Screens, a National Treasure shown for a few weeks each April–May when the irises bloom.
• Shang and Zhou bronzes, one of Japan's richest private holdings.
• Korean Goryeo celadon, in a dedicated room.
• About 2,000 tea-ceremony objects.
• Ogata Kōrin lacquer boxes of the Rimpa school.

Garden & Tea Houses

About 17,000 m² of Japanese garden with four seasonal tea houses and ancient stone lanterns and Buddha images. The building, collection, garden, and tea house form one flowing route.

Tips

Eight minutes from Omotesando (A5). ¥1,100 for permanent, ~¥1,500 for special shows. Advance booking essential in Iris season. Closed Mondays. Budget 1.5–2 hours. Combine with Prada Aoyama or the National Art Center afterwards.