Exploring Tokyo's after-dark art scene
At Tokyo's art museums, nightfall doesn't always mean shuttered doors and darkened exhibition rooms. Many of the city's galleries continue to inspire long after sunset, providing a fresh perspective on art, design, and nightlife. After hours is also a great time to explore the capital's array of public and street art. Below you'll find tips on how to make the most of Tokyo's art scene at night, along with a selection of recommended museums, galleries, and artworks.
Visit a museum after sunset
One of the most convenient ways to spend an evening amid art is to seek out a museum that stays open long after nightfall. The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi is the perfect example, welcoming visitors until 10 p.m. daily (excluding Tuesdays).
Other artsy after-dark destinations worth considering include MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: EPSON teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills and Shibuya’s PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO. Be sure to check the museums’ respective websites for details on reservations and closing times.
Enjoy extended opening hours at public museums
Some of Tokyo's public museums extend their opening hours on certain days of the week. The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum stays open longer on Fridays during special exhibitions, while the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo National Museum do the same on both Friday and Saturday evenings. When you're looking to kick off the weekend with some art, a little planning goes a long way.
Appreciate some museum architecture
Many of Tokyo's museums are worth visiting not only for the art exhibited inside, but also for their architecture.
Among the city's many striking museum structures that merit a closer look are the National Museum of Western Art, designed by Le Corbusier, the French architect known as one of the most influential proponents of Modernism in the twentieth century; and the National Art Center, Tokyo, the last museum designed by Metabolist master Kisho Kurokawa before his death.
Seeing these masterpieces lit up after dark makes the experience all the more special. And while we're talking illumination: one museum structure that truly shows its best side at night is the main building of the Tokyo National Museum, whose ornate facade lends a hint of majesty to Ueno Park.
Note, however, that the light-ups are usually limited to certain hours, with some museums only keeping the lights on while they're open. Be sure to check the details in advance.
Keep an eye out for art in the nocturnal city
Art can also be enjoyed in the streets of Tokyo after dark. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, look out for TOKYO Night & Light, a nightly projection mapping show that turns the structure into a giant canvas for the works of various creatives.
Noteworthy works of public art in the city include the “Love” monument in front of Shinjuku Island Tower, the giant spider “Maman” at Roppongi Hills, and avant-garde master Taro Okamoto’s “The Myth of Tomorrow” inside Shibuya Station.
An artsy nighttime stroll through Tokyo can take you in inspiring new directions. Check out some of the spots below for tips on where to start.
