#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Art Museum #MOMAT Collection #Modern Art Tour

Dive into Japan's Art Culture with MOMAT's New Tour

The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT), situated in the heart of Tokyo near the Imperial Palace, has made an exciting announcement for international guests. Starting in November 2025, the museum will officially unveil its English appreciation program, titled Collection Tour “Explore with Us.” This engaging initiative is designed specifically for foreign tourists, offering a unique chance to explore the museum’s extensive collection with the guidance of knowledgeable volunteer staff.

Overview of the Program

The program consists of a compact 30-minute tour where participants can discover approximately five noteworthy pieces from the museum's collection. This innovative approach allows visitors to appreciate MOMAT's remarkable holdings, which include around 14,000 artworks — one of the largest collections in Japan. Each Thursday at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM, guests can embark on these enlightening tours, all at no cost.

In a special initiative during the spring season, when the museum attracts a high influx of international tourists, MOMAT will enhance the tour schedule. From March 13 to April 12, 2025, as part of the Spring Festival at the Museum, additional tours will be offered on two Wednesdays, March 25 and April 1. This expanded availability is particularly valuable for first-time visitors as well as those returning to Japan, providing a wonderful opportunity to engage with Japanese culture and art in a welcoming environment.

Popularity and Features

The museum not only boasts 18 important cultural properties but also hosts the acclaimed MOMAT Collection exhibition, showcasing approximately 200 selected works that span from the late 19th century to the present day in Japanese art. Previous programs presented in English have been well-received; however, Collection Tour “Explore with Us” stands out due to its participant feedback-driven focus. The tour has already garnered praise for its insightful commentary: participants have expressed sentiments that the explanations were enlightening and deepened their understanding of the artworks, making it a fantastic way to connect with Japanese artists and their creations.

Additional Resources

In addition to the guided tours, MOMAT also offers a multilingual museum guide app named Bloomberg Connects. This free application provides in-depth artwork descriptions and audio guides for the MOMAT Collection, alongside facility information, recommendations for the museum shop and restaurant, and curator talk videos, making it a valuable companion for every visitor. With this app, international guests can experience the museum's rich offerings at their own pace.

Program Details

• - Program Name: Collection Tour “Explore with Us”
• - Schedule: Thursdays at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM (approximately 30 minutes per session)
• - Special Dates: Additional tours during the Spring Festival running from March 25 to April 1
• - Location: MOMAT Collection Gallery (4-2F)
• - Eligibility: Open to English speakers
• - Participation Fee: Free, but admission to the MOMAT Collection is required.

For more details, visit the event page.

Visitor Information

Museum Name: Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00 PM, with last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed Days: Mondays and select periods for exhibition changes
Admission Fees:

• - MOMAT Collection: Adults 500 yen, University students 250 yen

Access:

• - Tokyo Metro Tozai Line “Takebashi Station” – 3-minute walk
• - From Tokyo Station – approximately 20-25 minutes on foot

For additional updates regarding holiday closures and admission fees, please check the museum's official website at MOMAT.