Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) is the first stop for anyone with a keen interest in Japanese history, art, design or fashion. It is the oldest national museum in Japan and has by far the deepest, richest variety of exhibitions. With over 110,000 objects and 87 national treasures, you will need at least a fewContinue reading “Tokyo National Museum”

NTT InterCommunication Center

NTT InterCommunication Center (NTTインターコミュニケーション・センター) is a free media, art and communications gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo. NTT is Japan’s main telephone provider, and this museum was started to commemorate the 100th anniversary of telephones in Japan. The museum has an excellent and selection of innovative, fun and thought-provoking art and multimedia pieces, and shows off someContinue reading “NTT InterCommunication Center”

Top 5 Free Art Galleries in Tokyo

Tokyo has a rich art community with a huge selection of large and small galleries. From huge complexes to galleries hosted in an apartment, there is something for all interests. Some charge a fee for entrance, but there are enough free ones to satisfy an art fan! SCAI The Bathhouse Located in an old bathhouse, SCAI TheContinue reading “Top 5 Free Art Galleries in Tokyo”

Museum of Yebisu Beer

Are you into beer? Want to try out some famous Japanese beer? The Museum of Yebisu Beer (ヱビスビール記念館) is the place for you! The museum features a good number of displays on the history of Yebisu Beer, as well as Japanese beer in general. The Tasting Salon is the highlight here, and the shops featuresContinue reading “Museum of Yebisu Beer”

Advertising Museum Tokyo

The Advertising Museum Tokyo (広告とマーケティングの資料館「アド・ミュージアム東京」) is a surprisingly interesting (and free!) museum, showcasing Japanese advertising over the centuries. From Kimono ladies selling beer to retro packaging, the museum is a fascinating change from the usual museums in Tokyo. Information Cost: Free Open: Tuesday to Friday 11:00 to 18:30, Saturdays and holidays 11:00 to 16:30  Closed:Continue reading “Advertising Museum Tokyo”

Meguro Parasitological Museum

The Meguro Parasitological Museum (目黒寄生虫館) is a truly ‘only in Japan’ experience! This free museum is dedicated to bugs, parasites and other creepy crawlies. It claims to be the only such museum in the world, and the experience is definitely not a standard tourist one. Be prepared to be both shocked and amazed! Especially at theContinue reading “Meguro Parasitological Museum”

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go (白川郷) and nearby Gokayama (五箇山) are secluded World Heritage villages known for their vernacular farmhouse-style houses called Gassho-Zukuri. These unique buildings have their style to withstand the heavy snow in the winter. Definitely a place to bring the camera. Budget travel tips If coming from Osaka or Nagoya, the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is a great wayContinue reading “Shirakawa-go”

Lake Toya (Toyako)

Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is one of the best hot spring towns in Japan for budget travelers. The combination of many free hot spring facilities, cheap bus routes and some super cheap accommodation makes the place stand out from the others. It’s also a hotspot for modern art. Budget travel tips Make sure you get toContinue reading “Lake Toya (Toyako)”