Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Tokyo

Tokyo is progressive and forward-thinking in many ways and this can be seen in the extensive collection of contemporary art and culture seen in the city. A hub of creativity and design, Tokyo offers a vast array of gallery spaces, exhibitions, and pop-up shows showcasing the impressive work of both local and international artists. For those looking, here are some of the best contemporary art galleries in Tokyo worth checking out.

Taka Ishii Gallery

Opening its doors in 1994, the Taka Ishii Gallery quickly became a popular destination for contemporary art and today continues to serve as an icon of creativity in Japan. The focus of the gallery has been on the exploration of conceptual foundations and the integration and purpose of contemporary work, most specifically in relation to photos and graphics. The Take Ishii is committed to fostering the community and supporting young artists as well as established artists both locally and internationally. One of the best contemporary art galleries in Tokyo, the Taka Ishii has also extended into a second space the Taka Ishii Gallery Photography/Film exhibition which is found in the Roppongi district. The second location focuses on both historical and contemporary photographs and also shares film screenings.

6-5-24 3F Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo #106-0032
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on Sun, Mon and National Holidays

SCAI The Bathhouse

Easily one of Tokyo’s best contemporary art galleries, SCAI the Bathhouse is an iconic staple of Tokyo and a must visit for art lovers. The building itself is a bathhouse that dates back some two hundred years but has been remodeled and designed in an innovative way to become a creative space promoting art. Part of the charm of the space can be seen in the delicate details which remain from the original building structure juxtaposed against contemporary art. SCAI is found in Yanaka and carries the ambiance and vibe of Old Tokyo.

Kashiwayu-Ato, 6-1-23 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 pm–6:00 pm

Mori Art Museum

One of the most prominent and recognized institutions of contemporary art can be found at the Mori Art Museum. Situated sky high above the streets of Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum is some fifty-four stories high in a skyscraper found in the top of the central Mori Tower in the Roppongi District of Tokyo. The idea was to place the museum in a place that is visible from many vantage points in Tokyo. Beyond the impressive works of art and frequently updated exhibitions and installations, the museum also offers an observation deck with a full 360-degree view overlooking the city, a memorable view arguably more beautiful than the art itself!

53F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm; Tue 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

The only museum of its kind in Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography offers an extensive collection of photographs from both inside and outside of Japan. There are three galleries for exhibitions and space also offers film screenings. One of the best art galleries in Tokyo, the Metropolitan Museum of Photography also offers guests a creative museum gift shop, library, and cafe.

Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday)

Tomio Koyama Gallery

A contemporary space that elegantly showcases the works of artists such as Kishio Suga, Makiko Kuda, Richard Tuttle, and Mika Ninagawa among many others, the Tomio Koyama Gallery promotes both established and renowned artists along with new and emerging artists. Founded in 1996, space continues to inspire and attract contemporary art lovers and admirers. Found in Roppongi, the gallery has a second space in Shibuya, Tokyo.

106-0032 Tokyo, Minato, Roppongi, 6−5−24 complex 665
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on Sun, Mon and National Holidays

Mizuma art gallery

Founded in 1994, the Mizuma art gallery continues to serve as a center for contemporary art in Japan, once featuring predominantly Asian and Japanese artists but now showcasing work of western artists as well. Showcasing work of established artists such as Yoo Seung-Ho, Ota Mari, Akira Yamaguchi, and Aida Makoto in the past, the gallery strives to select and showcase artists with unique personal style and techniques, continually striving to push the boundaries of art and creativity. Found in the Ichigaya district, the Mizuma art gallery is one the best contemporary art museums in Tokyo and also opened a sister gallery known as Mizuma Action which is found in Naka-Meguro.

2F Kagura Bldg., 3-13 Ichigayatamachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0843
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed on Sun, Mon and National Holidays