Top 9 Art Museum Tours in Japan

1.teamLab Planets TOKYO Digital Art Museum Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,779 reviews · 1 day · from $25Our pick

Enter teamLab Planets TOKYO with a timed admission ticket and move barefoot through more than 10,000 square meters of light, sound, water, flowers, and mirrored rooms. Your movements affect parts of the artwork. Allow at least two hours, wear trousers that roll above the knee, and bring photo ID.

“the WOW factor. Would have been great to have access to the cafe before entry for those arriving early. Or perhaps some clear indication to nearby coffee cafes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kyomai Dance by Maiko Geiko and Visits of Gion Art Museum Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $20Top rated

At Gion Kagai Art Museum in Kyoto, you’ll watch a maiko or geiko perform two Kyomai dances in the Inoue style, then explore exhibits of Yuzen kimonos, Nishijin obi, kanzashi, makeup, and formal dress. The visit lasts about 20 minutes and admission is included.

“This was a great experience on our first night in Kyoto. The museum is interesting, the grounds are beautiful, and the dance was fantastic. I would highly recommend it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $5Best value

Pre-book entry to Tokyo Fuji Art Museum and explore at your own pace for about two to three hours. See Japanese, Eastern, and Western art, including paintings, photography, armor, ceramics, and seasonal special exhibitions. During busy periods, present your reservation name at the counter to receive your admission ticket.

“Special and permanent exhibitions are full of wonderful paintings”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Tokyo’s architecture, art, fashion, and youth culture with a private local guide. Visit Ginza, Tokyo International Forum, Roppongi, Omotesando, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Daikanyama by public transport. Guides have included Tomoya, Richie, Riley, and Masa.

“Riley is a very nice person with a very good command of English who was responsive to our suggestions and guided us knowledgeably.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kyoto 1 Day Suntory Yamazaki Distillery Tour and Asahi Art Museum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $163

Join an English-speaking assistant at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station for Monet’s Water Lilies at Asahi Group Museum, then tour Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. The five-hour outing includes a gift and distillery tasting, while extra lounge samples cost more. Guides may include Sachiko, Aya, Adrianna, or Woohee.

“If you enjoy Japanese whisky and particularly Yamazaki, this is one way to visit and tour the distillery without doing the lottery. Our guide Aya was marvelous—she is kind, fun, helpful, and great to chat with. There is a visit to Asahi museum aRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kyoto Half Day Yamazaki Whisky Museum and Asahi Art Museum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $65

Meet an English-speaking assistant at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station for a three-hour visit to Asahi Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art and Yamazaki Whisky Museum. See Monet, Picasso, and Chagall, learn about Japanese whisky, shop for gifts, and pay separately for a tasting of three whiskies.

“Our guide was Fuji-San and she was excellent in taking us through the Asahi museum and then the Yamazaki Distillery Tour. She gave us excellent tips about the local history and what to order from the tasting bar menu. In the end, she gave us a couple of parting gifts that truly made this day excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.1 Day Historic Obuse and Hokusai Mad Man of Art Tour in Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $165

Travel from Nagano to Obuse with an English-speaking guide such as Aiko, Dai, Kevin, or Nadine. See Hokusai’s former studio, original art, and his giant temple phoenix, then enjoy lunch and free time in town. Transport, admissions, and vegetarian lunch are included.

“Nadine was a fantastic guide. Really enjoyed her storytelling and she gave us some great recommendations for the evening and the next day that were fantastic!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 3 reviews · 1 day · from $8

Visit Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum on the 27th floor of Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building. See frescoes, 3-D projections, VR scenes with Kinutani, and twice-yearly special exhibitions. Add the Floating Garden Observatory for 360-degree city views from 170 meters up.

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Mt Fuji Prado Private Tour By English-Speaking Driver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Travel from Tokyo in a private Toyota Prado with an English-speaking driver such as Mirza or Shah. See Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Fuji Sengen Shrine, and more, with hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, drinks, and room to adjust the day.

“Mirza was a great guide. he is friendly with the locals, has a calm and casual demeanor, and has been living in Japan for 3 years. On his recommendation, we enjoyed some of the best naan we've ever had, recieved some good insight as to the Japan locale, and had a wonderful and easy experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review