Art in Japan

Discover 30 places to experience unusual art in Japan.

Nigao-e Coin Laundry

A small laundromat covered wall-to-ceiling with portrait drawings.

Japanese Sword Museum

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

Kyotomangekyo Museum

Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

R.T.O. Relief

A beautiful work of art designed to impress the Allied Forces.

Shiotama

Steampunk, humanoid sculptures crawl on all fours in a Tokyo plaza.

Rokugeishin

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

Asakura Gallery

Kawaii meets poisonous at this unique art gallery.

'Fossils of the 20th Century Civilization'

Composed of scrap metal, a pair of platform-length murals chronicle Japan’s history, from the Big Bang to the development of modern Tokyo.

Permanently Closed

'Astro Boy Mosaic'

Japan's iconic sci-fi hero rendered to 8-bit by notorious French street artist Invader.

Roppongi Hills Street Furniture

This quirky collection of furniture also happens to be a public art installation.

Kitagawa, Japan

Monet's Garden Marmottan

Nope, not the one in France. The only officially-recognized reproduction of Monet’s garden in Giverny is located in a remote corner of Japan.

Zenigata Sunae

This massive, Edo Period, coin-shaped sand painting is believed to be a source of great luck.

'WEB FRAME'

Designed by a computer, this intricate network of fluorescent green pipes has taken over a subway station.

Chichibu, Japan

Chichibu Chinsekikan (Hall of Curious Rocks)

This quirky little private museum is home to more than a thousand stones, carved by nature, that resemble human faces.

Ishigaki, Japan

Yonekoyaki Craft Center Shisa Park

Along the side of the road on a small Japanese island is an extensive garden of uniquely designed Shisa statues.

Maishima Incineration Plant

This whimsical garbage disposal facility receives around 12,000 accidental tourists each year.