These are 7 Best Contemporary art Galleries in Japan

Japan has many wonderful places and is home to great tourist attractions. People from all over the world come to visit the elegant Himeji castle, beautiful Disney resorts in Tokyo or the amazing temples in Kyoto that remind us of old times and traditions. Equally Japan is also a hub for great contemporary art galleries and museums that display and organize online exhibitions to show work from great contemporary artists. In the next part of this article we will analyze some 7 best contemporary art galleries worth visiting in Japan. Start preparing your suitcase and get started.

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7 Best Contemporary art Galleries in Japan

Take Ninagawa

Our first in the list of contemporary art galleries you ought to visit is the Take Ninagawa. This art gallery not only promotes its name but equally plays the role of an incubator of emerging artists. Over the years Take Ninagawa have produced impressive exhibitions such as the Japanese premiere of ‘Time Memory’ (2010~) by Shinro Ohtake. It’s really worth visiting these art galleries which display famous work by both emerging contemporary artists as well as our best artists.

SCAI The Bathhouse

This name doesn’t really sound like that of an art gallery but instead some places to take a bath. SCAI The Bathhouse is a well known modern art gallery in Yanaka, established in 1993. There are always numerous exhibitions, commission projects, and public works in SCAI The Bathhouse. So whenever you visit Japan or are in the Yanaka, think about washing your eyes. In addition to this , you can find work of great artists such as Lee Ufan, the lead figure of Mono-ha school, and sculpturists Toshikatsu Endo and Mariko Mori at this art gallery, SCAI.

Watari-Um: The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art

This is another one of the greatest contemporary art galleries you shouldn’t miss in Japan established in 1990. It presents a wide range of contemporary art in a magnificent , geometric Mario Botta-designed building in Shibuya. Its principal aim is to explore global trends in contemporary art, and Japan’s place within the contemporary arts. It equally exhibits work of diverse artists like Barry McGee and actor Tadanobu Asano.

Taka Ishii Gallery

Established in 1994, the Taka Ishii Gallery became one of the popular and best contemporary art galleries in Japan and continues to emerge as time passes. If you are a fan of photos and graphics then you are in the right place as this art gallery focuses on contemporary work in these two domains. As a matter of fact, this art gallery has extended a second space, the Taka Ishii Gallery Photography/Film exhibition which is found in the Roppongi district. This art gallery is equally committed in supporting young artists as well as established artists both locally and internationally.

National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto(MOMAK)

National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto is another one of the popular contemporary art galleries in Kyoto as well as the whole of Japan. This national art museum was designed by well-established Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. This national art gallery showcases an extensive collection of both local and international artists. The MOMAK promotes and preserves artworks belonging to the twentieth century both in Japan and internationally while highlighting local artists in Kyoto and the surrounding Kansai area. Visitors can explore and enjoy a broad range of artworks from painting, sculptures, textiles, lacquers, jewelry, metalworks, or photography.

Mori Art Museum 

Another one of the amazing Contemporary art galleries highly known to be a place for enjoyment, stimulation and discussion. Established in 2003, Mori Art Museum  aims to become one of the main platforms for regional and international contemporary artists. This museum is worth visiting as most of its exhibitions are famous around the world due to their originality and themes.

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art galleries  gently curved walls, quiet gardens showcase artworks from legends such as Nara Yoshitomo and Tatsuo Miyajima. It organizes many exhibitions each year and one of the most memorable has been Tabaimo’s exhibition. This exhibition showcases animated videos that explore the ills of contemporary Japanese society. In addition, do not miss enjoying Japanese tea at the very pretty garden-view café there.

Want to visit Tokyo ?

Discover some areas in Tokyo that are still accessible to the public and tourists. You equally have the opportunity to visit some famous landmarks in Japan and the best restaurants in Tokyo.

Where to stay in Tokyo

If you are still wondering where you will stay during your tour in Japan, then take a look at our guide of some famous hotels in Tokyo.