Nezu Museum

The Nezu Museum, a minimalist venue rebuilt by Kengo Kuma, combines traditional East Asian and Japanese art with contemporary architecture. The museum's high ceilings, bamboo walls, and massive windows overlooking the museum's lush surrounds in the Aoyama district make it feel more like visiting a smart friend's house than a traditional gallery. That's appropriate, given that the museum used to be the private mansion of Nezu Kaichir, the head of Japan's Tobu Railway. His own collection of pre-modern art accounts for a large portion of the museum's magnificent 7,400-piece collection.

Despite its notoriety, the museum has managed to remain relatively obscure, and browsing around the six exhibition areas on weekends is a stress-free experience. Take your time admiring the art, pottery, and calligraphy before heading to one of the city's most beautiful private gardens.

Location: 6-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato 107-0062 Tokyo Prefecture

Website: nezu-muse.or.jp