Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Shirokanedai Station · 6 min walk (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line)
- Hours
- 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30); closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) and New Year holidays
- Admission
- Exhibition tickets vary by show (typically ¥1,000–¥1,400, includes garden access); garden-only admission is ¥200 (adults), ¥160 (college students), ¥100 (high school and seniors 65+), free for junior high students and younger
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time to go
- Spring or autumn, especially during the annual 'Building Open to the Public' (建物公開展) exhibition, when temporary partitions are removed to reveal original room layouts and interior photography is permitted.
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Housed in the 1933 Art Deco residence of Prince Asaka, this museum seamlessly blends masterfully preserved French interiors with rotating modern art exhibitions. Visitors can admire exquisite Lalique glass doors, custom relief carvings, and elegant period details before stepping outside into the sprawling, peaceful Japanese and European gardens. It is a must-visit for design lovers seeking a serene escape from Tokyo's modern bustle.
What Japanese guides note
Japanese architectural guides note that the main building is preserved as an Important Cultural Property, meaning exhibition setups alter how much original wall and floor detail is exposed. Visitors must place large backpacks and umbrellas in lockers near the entry to safeguard historical interiors, and re-entry is not permitted after leaving the main gate. The grounds directly border the Institute for Nature Study, making a combined walking itinerary practical.
Details from local sources
- Completed in 1933 as Prince Asaka's estate, the building was structurally designed by Gondo Yokichi of the Imperial Household Ministry's Construction Bureau, while French artist Henri Rapin designed seven principal interior rooms. [source]
- The estate served as the official residence of Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida between 1947 and 1954, and later operated as the Shirokane State Guesthouse before becoming a public museum in 1983. [source]
- Indoor photography is prohibited during standard art exhibitions, but is permitted throughout the rooms during the annual architectural open-house exhibition. [source]
- The 1936 timber tea house Kōka in the Japanese garden was designed by tea practitioner Nakagawa Sanson and was designated a national Important Cultural Property in 2015 alongside the main residence. [source]
- A separate garden-only admission ticket of 200 yen grants access to the lawn, European, and Japanese gardens even during exhibition changeover periods when the galleries are closed. [source]
Insider Tip
Purchase a garden-only ticket if you want to skip the main indoor exhibits and just enjoy the tranquil, historic grounds.
Frequently asked
Can visitors take photos inside the museum building?
No, photography inside the historic residence and galleries is strictly prohibited during regular exhibitions to protect artworks and respect copyright. Photography is permitted only during the annual 'Building Open to the Public' (建物公開展) event or when designated by specific artists. Outdoor photography in the gardens is permitted year-round.
Do visitors need to reserve exhibition tickets in advance?
Yes, advance timed-entry reservations via the official online ticketing platform are recommended for special exhibitions to guarantee entry during an hourly slot. Same-day tickets are sold at the main gate counter, but availability is limited and tickets may sell out on weekends and holidays.
Can you visit the gardens without buying an exhibition ticket?
Yes, the museum sells standalone garden-only admission tickets for ¥200 for adults (¥100 for seniors 65+; free for junior high and younger). Garden visitors can freely explore the lawn, Japanese garden, and European garden even during exhibition installation changeovers when the main and annex gallery buildings are closed.
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