Tokugawa Art Museum
Discover Edo period treasures, from samurai swords to the 'Tale of Genji,' at this Nagoya museum, complemented by a serene garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Tokugawa Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Edo period treasures, from samurai swords to the 'Tale of Genji,' at this Nagoya museum, complemented by a serene garden.
"A very fascinating and interesting museum. We loved reading about the history and seeing so much on display."
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Save yen by purchasing a combo ticket for the museum and garden. :ticket:
🚌 Tourist Bus Discount
Show your city tourist bus day pass for a discount on admission. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Samurai Swords
Exhibition Halls
Marvel at authentic katana and other samurai swords, including the famed Mikazuki Munechika.
The Tale of Genji Emaki
Exhibition Halls
See the National Treasure scroll depicting the classic Japanese novel, a significant influence on art.
Tokugawa Garden
Adjacent to Museum
Stroll through a serene Japanese garden with a large pond and impressive trees, offering a peaceful escape.
Edo Period Art & Artifacts
Exhibition Halls
Explore a rich collection of art and cultural items from the Owari Tokugawa Clan's era.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Tickets & Hours
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Save yen by purchasing a combo ticket for the museum and garden. :ticket:
🚌 Tourist Bus Discount
Show your city tourist bus day pass for a discount on admission. :bus:
🚫 No Video Recording
Photography is allowed without flash, but video recording is prohibited. :camerawithflash:
📅 Check Wednesday Closures
The museum is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Save yen by purchasing a combo ticket for the museum and garden. :ticket:
🚌 Tourist Bus Discount
Show your city tourist bus day pass for a discount on admission. :bus:
🚫 No Video Recording
Photography is allowed without flash, but video recording is prohibited. :camerawithflash:
📅 Check Wednesday Closures
The museum is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. :calendar:
🗣️ English Translations
Each exhibit has brief English translations for better understanding. :earth_americas:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tokugawa Art Museum fascinating, praising its well-organized exhibits and the historical depth of its collection, especially the samurai swords and 'The Tale of Genji Emaki.' The adjacent garden is also a highlight, offering a peaceful retreat. Some note the lack of audio guides and the museum's location outside the immediate city center.
"A very fascinating and interesting museum. We loved reading about the history and seeing so much on display for viewing, very impressive. The garden was just as enjoyable with great views to behold. We're so glad we decided to visit. Highly recommend."
Carol Del Signore
"Well organized museum and garden. Get the combo ticket to save a little. Also you get a discount if you bought the city tourist bus day pass. Day bus pass is super convenient. 500 yen for all day and goes to all the major attractions. Museum is kind of far from the city center. And Closed on Wednesdays. Found out the hard way. Google didn’t show it as closed."
Aki Tsu
"They don’t provide audio tour, brief English translation is provided with every exhibit. Quite a lot of replica is on display but isn’t that’s most of the other Museums do nowadays? Touring last about 1.5 hours"
Adrian C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via the Nagoya City Tourist Bus day pass, which offers a discount on admission. It's located a bit outside the city center, so the bus is a convenient option.
While the address is in Japanese on some maps, using a reliable navigation app and the provided address should help. Some visitors found it a bit hidden.
Yes, the Nagoya City Tourist Bus is a recommended way to reach the museum and offers a discount.
Information on parking is limited, but public transport is generally recommended for visitors.
The museum is a bit of a distance from the city center, making public transport like the tourist bus a good choice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is closed on Wednesdays. It's advisable to check the official website for exact opening and closing times, as Google Maps may not always be up-to-date.
Entry fees are reasonable, especially if you purchase a combo ticket with the Tokugawa Garden. The approximate cost for a combo ticket is around 1,500 yen.
While online booking options are not explicitly mentioned, purchasing tickets at the venue or as part of a combo is common.
Yes, you can get a discount if you have the Nagoya City Tourist Bus day pass, and a combo ticket with the garden also offers savings.
The museum offers a glimpse into Japanese history and culture, which can be educational for older children. However, there are no specific child-focused exhibits mentioned.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive collection of samurai swords, including the famous Mikazuki Munechika, and the National Treasure 'The Tale of Genji Emaki.'
Photography is permitted for personal use with smartphones, but flash photography is strictly prohibited. Video recording is not allowed.
Audio tours are not provided, but brief English translations are available for each exhibit, making it accessible for international visitors.
A typical visit to the museum takes about 1.5 hours, allowing time to appreciate the exhibits and potentially the garden.
The adjacent Tokugawa Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden featuring a large pond and lush greenery, offering a tranquil experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities within the museum are not detailed, the surrounding area of Nagoya offers numerous culinary choices.
It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks outside of exhibition areas to preserve the artifacts.
Nagoya is known for its unique cuisine, including Miso Katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).
📸 📸 Photography
The Tokugawa Garden offers picturesque scenery with its pond and traditional landscaping. Inside, focus on the intricate details of the artifacts (without flash).
Yes, you can take photos of the samurai swords with your smartphone, as long as you do not use flash.
Photography is allowed without flash for personal use. Video recording is prohibited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Owari Tokugawa Clan
Visitors can expect to see a wide array of items, including exquisite samurai swords, intricate kimonos, calligraphy, ceramics, and paintings. These pieces not only highlight the clan's wealth and status but also provide invaluable insights into the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the era. The museum's dedication to preserving and displaying these cultural assets makes it a vital stop for anyone interested in Japanese history.
Exploring the Tokugawa Garden
Visitors often praise the garden for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. It's an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the museum's collections. The combination of the art museum and the garden offers a holistic cultural experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in both the artistic heritage and the natural beauty of the region.
Samurai Swords: A Glimpse into Warrior Culture
Among the most celebrated pieces is the Mikazuki Munechika, a sword of immense historical and artistic significance. Seeing these blades up close offers a tangible connection to Japan's samurai past and the warrior ethos that shaped its history. The detailed explanations accompanying each exhibit help visitors understand the cultural importance and the artistry involved in creating these iconic weapons.
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