Gotoh Museum

The basics

Travelers interested in traditional Japanese art and artifacts should make a special trip to this out-of-the-way (but easily accessible) museum that specializes in pre-Meiji era (pre-1868) art. The museum’s modern Japanese–style building won architecture awards in the 1960s, so architecture enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit, and the flowering tree-filled gardens are a feature in their own right. Most travelers visit independently on a day or half-day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama.

Things to know before you go

• Admission to the museum is ticketed. Junior high school–aged kids and below are free.
• There are separate admission tickets to the museum and the gardens.
• Keep your phone or camera in your bag: photography isn’t allowed inside.
• Two wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow.

How to get there

The museum is in Setagaya City, in the southwest of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, a short walk from Kaminoge Station on the Tokyu Ōimachi Line. The trip takes 30-60 minutes from central Tokyo, or 30–50 minutes from Yokohama. The museum does have a small parking lot, but spaces are limited, so public transportation is the best way to go.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from mid-morning until late afternoon. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time, but be sure to allow more time for a visit, especially if you’re making a special trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. While the museum is usually closed on Mondays, it opens if a public holiday falls on a Monday, and closes on Tuesday instead.

Visit the Setagaya Art Museum

If you’re heading to Setagaya to see the Gotoh Museum, it’s worth visiting the nearby Setagaya Art Museum, too. Located in Kinuta Park, this museum also has a notable modern architectural style, and focuses on local artists from all periods, from prehistoric to modern times. The collection also includes some international works, such as those by French post-impressionist painter Henri Rousseau.