* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Okura Shukokan Museum
大倉集古館
Overview
Okura Shukokan Museum is Japan's oldest private art museum. It was founded by Meiji-era businessman Ōkura Kihachirō (1837–1928) and is located in Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Since it opened in 1917 (Taishō 6), it has continued to collect and exhibit Japanese and East Asian art. Its high quality, including 3 National Treasures and 13 Important Cultural Properties (as of 2023), gives it a special place in the history of Japanese art museums. The current building, completed after the 2019 renewal, stands in front of The Okura Tokyo and functions as a cultural hub for central Tokyo.
Swords and sword fittings are also included in the collection. Among the swords, the museum holds the tantō signed Norishige, an Important Cultural Property. Swords and sword fittings are sometimes displayed in the roughly five special exhibitions held each year.
As a cultural facility in central Tokyo standing in front of The Okura Tokyo, it also offers good access for foreign visitors.
Highlights
- Japan's oldest private art museum (opened 1917) — a pioneer among museums with over a century of history since the Taishō era
- Collection of 3 National Treasures and 13 Important Cultural Properties — a comprehensive collection covering swords, paintings, ceramics, and lacquerware
- Important Cultural Property "Tantō signed Norishige" — a tantō by the Etchū Province smith Norishige
- 2019 renewal — the exhibition building designed by Itō Chūta was moved intact, and a seismically isolated basement level was added when the museum reopened
- Central location near Toranomon Hills — the best access environment for inbound and business visitors
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.