Roppongi Art Triangle: Top Things to Do in Tokyo

by Japan Objects | TRAVEL

Tokyo has the highest concentration of world-class museums and top-notch galleries in all of Japan. The premier nightlife destination of Roppongi is no exception. At night, packed clubs and bars light up the main strip, so it might surprise you to discover that the area is a great place for culture during the day.

In fact, Roppongi is home to some of Japan’s largest museums, so if you’re looking for things to do in Tokyo, why not visit The Mori Art Museum, Suntory Museum of Art, and the National Art Center, collectively known as Art Triangle Roppongi. Here’s everything you need to know about this enriching trio!

Mori Art Museum

Located in the upscale mega-complex Roppongi Hills, the Mori Art Museum (MAM) showcases contemporary art and architecture. The museum has received high critical acclaim for its breadth of original exhibitions since opening in 2003, including Takashi Murakami: The 500 Arhats, which saw crowds lining up outside the door!

For contemporary art and pop culture MAM is ideal, and easy to navigate with children in tow.

Suntory Museum of Art

If traditional Japanese art is your thing, then you should head over to the Suntory Museum of Art in the luxurious Tokyo Midtown shopping complex. Opened in 2007, this museum features classic examples of Japanese glass, ceramics, scrolls, and more. In addition to its fascinating permanent collection and surprising original exhibitions, the Suntory Museum of Art also hosts the occasional traveling exhibition from renowned museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. And when you’re finished, the museum shop sells excellent souvenirs and is worth the visit!

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While You’re At Tokyo Midtown…

The Suntory Museum is not the only reason Tokyo Midtown features high on lists of things to do in Tokyo. The relaxing and family-friendly gardens at the back host the Design Sight 21_21 gallery, which is known for its creative and though-provoking exhibitions.

National Art Center, Tokyo

The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT) is one of Japan’s five national museums and is one of the country’s largest exhibition spaces. Don’t be put off by its nickname, the Empty Museum: although it has neither curators nor a permanent collection of its own, the museum is host to some massive and world-class art exhibitions! The limitless variety of art spaces is ideal for comprehensive insights into an artist’s work, such as the recent hit show Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul.

When you’re ready for a break, the unusual cafe atop an inverted cone is a great vantage point for such an inspirational space.

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How to get to the Art Triangle Roppongi

Suntory Museum of Art Tokyo, Famous Sites of the Sumida River

When you’re considering things to do in Tokyo without spending the whole day traveling, the Art Triangle Roppongi is ideally located to enjoy some of the city’s finest artworks! All three are easily accessible from Roppongi Station on the Oedo and Hibiya lines. Note that some exhibitions can be extremely popular, so arriving early is advised. And if you go to more than one of the museums, don’t forget to show your ticket stub to get discounted rates at the other two!