Overview

Museum Overview

This museum was founded in 1941 (Shōwa 16) based on the collection of East Asian antique artworks gathered throughout the lifetime of Nezu Kaichirō (1860–1940), an industrialist who served as president of Tōbu Railway. Its holdings comprise approximately 7,400 works, including 7 National Treasures, 87 Important Cultural Properties, and 94 Important Art Objects, and the high quality of its collection of East Asian art centered on Japan and China is internationally acclaimed.

Sword Display

Sanjō Munechika, a swordsmith of Yamashiro province in the mid-Heian period, is renowned as the creator of the National Treasure "Mikadzuki Munechika" (held at Tokyo National Museum) and is known as a master craftsman representing the Sanjō school—a supreme master smith of Yamashiro forging in the foundational period of Japanese swordmaking. This work possesses an elegant tachi form and distinguished blade pattern, embodying the refined dignity befitting a tachi worn by Heian-period nobility.

Crafts

The museum also houses multiple Important Cultural Property swords and sword fittings, which are sometimes displayed in special exhibitions. Among National Treasures other than swords, Ogata Kōrin's "Iris Screen" is particularly renowned and is displayed annually during April–May, coinciding with the blooming season of Japanese irises. Masterpieces such as "Nachi Falls" (National Treasure) and a Southern Song celadon tubular flower vase inscribed "Gingā" (National Treasure) allow visitors to appreciate the finest works of East Asian art transcending all categories.

Tea Room and Garden

The current building, fully renovated in 2009, was designed by architect Kengo Kuma. Its exterior, utilizing bamboo and natural materials, brings Japanese serenity to the refined urban landscape of Omotesandō. The bamboo grove along the long approach from the entrance to the exhibition galleries is exquisitely designed to guide visitors from the everyday into the realm of art. The interior lighting design is meticulously calculated to provide optimal viewing conditions for the artworks.

Appreciation Environment

The Japanese garden of approximately 17,000 m², despite being situated in prime Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, opens into a separate world evoking deep mountains and secluded valleys. Within this stroll garden with pond, tea houses are scattered, with abundant points of interest including stone Buddhist statues and clusters of Japanese irises. At the café "NEZUCAFÉ" within the garden, visitors can enjoy light refreshments and beverages surrounded by greenery. After appreciating the artworks, strolling through the garden and savoring the lingering atmosphere at the café offers an exceptional cultural experience unique to the Omotesandō and Minami-Aoyama area.