SOMPO Museum of Art
A serene Shinjuku art haven featuring Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' and rotating exhibitions of Japanese & European masters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
SOMPO Museum of Art
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Shinjuku art haven featuring Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' and rotating exhibitions of Japanese & European masters.
"A hidden gem for art lovers in Shinjuku, offering a peaceful and well-curated escape from the city's energetic pace."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to skip the queue and ensure a smooth entry.
⏰ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to appreciate the art; 60-90 minutes is ideal for a relaxed visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'
Permanent Collection
Behold one of the few original 'Sunflowers' paintings by Vincent van Gogh in Asia. A truly rare and humbling masterpiece.
Seiji Togo Collection
Permanent Collection
Explore works by Seiji Togo, a prominent Japanese painter, whose art is always on display.
Rotating Exhibitions
Special Exhibition Hall
Discover high-quality exhibitions featuring contemporary and international art, often with a focus on European masters.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
Book Tickets Online for Smooth Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to skip the queue and ensure a smooth entry.
⏰ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to appreciate the art; 60-90 minutes is ideal for a relaxed visit.
🤫 Respect the Silence
The museum has a strict 'no talking' and 'no photos' policy to maintain a peaceful environment.
🖼️ Don't Miss the Upper Floor
The permanent collection, including Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers,' is located on the upper floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to skip the queue and ensure a smooth entry.
⏰ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to appreciate the art; 60-90 minutes is ideal for a relaxed visit.
🤫 Respect the Silence
The museum has a strict 'no talking' and 'no photos' policy to maintain a peaceful environment.
🖼️ Don't Miss the Upper Floor
The permanent collection, including Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers,' is located on the upper floor.
📍 Near Shinjuku Station
Conveniently located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, making it easy to access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The SOMPO Museum of Art is praised as a peaceful, well-curated gem in Shinjuku, offering a serene escape with world-class art, most notably Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers.' Visitors appreciate the quality of exhibitions and the quiet atmosphere, though the strict 'no photos' policy is a notable aspect.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A hidden gem for art lovers in Shinjuku
Located just steps from Shinjuku Station, the SOMPO Museum of Art offers a peaceful and well-curated escape from the city's energetic pace. The gallery itself is compact and modern, but thoughtfully designed — making the most of its space to highlight both Western masterpieces and rotating exhibitions.
The permanent highlight is clearly Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”, which is beautifully preserved and presented with excellent lighting and background information in both Japanese and English. Seeing this work in person is a rare and humbling experience.
When I visited, the featured temporary exhibition focused on post-impressionist landscapes, with bilingual descriptions that were informative without overwhelming. The museum staff were polite and helpful, and the entire venue was impressively quiet and clean — ideal for reflecting on the art without distractions.
💡 Pro Tips:
Buy your ticket online in advance to skip the small queue.
Don’t miss the upper floor, where the permanent collection resides.
Allow 60–90 minutes to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.
🎨 Overall, SOMPO Museum of Art is not large, but it is rich in quality and heart. A great stop for anyone looking to inject a bit of calm beauty into their Tokyo itinerary.
📍 SOMPO Museum of Art, Shinjuku
#TokyoArt #SOMPO美術館 #VanGoghSunflowers #HiddenGemTokyo #ArtInShinjuku"
Chu
"This is one of the most relaxing places in Tokyo, and for some reason not as famous as other art galleries despite the fact that SOMPO Museum has one of the Gogh’s Sunflowers in their permanent collection - this piece is exhibited always. They speciality is modern and contemporary Japanese paintings (XIX to XX century: Foujita, Seiji Togo - their works are always displayed) and western (mainly French from my experience) art. The Museum has strict „no talking” and „no photos” policy and is great place, when you need some peace and wanna run away from Shinjuku crowds. I usualy try to visit on weekdays, but this place is also not crazy crowded on weekends. The cherry on the cake is the new building - designed by TAISEI DESIGN place was opened in 2020. Fully recommended if you would like to see some less known yet still amazing gallery.
Their website is in Japanese and English so you can always check out what’s on."
Katarzyna A.
"You can see one of the famous and original paintings of Vincent Van Gogh titled “Sunflowers”."
MSC. Satya Sai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SOMPO Museum of Art is conveniently located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's busiest hubs. Follow signs for the museum or use a navigation app.
Yes, it is easily accessible by public transport. Shinjuku Station serves numerous JR, private, and subway lines, making it a central point for reaching the museum.
Shinjuku is a major transportation hub. You can reach it via the JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Odakyu Line, Keio Line, and multiple subway lines, making it very accessible from all parts of Tokyo.
Yes, the museum is in the heart of Shinjuku, close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (offering free panoramic views), Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the bustling shopping and entertainment districts. +1
Absolutely! Shinjuku is well-connected, so whether you're in Shibuya, Ginza, or Asakusa, you can easily reach the SOMPO Museum of Art via Tokyo's efficient train and subway system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on current exhibitions. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, tickets are available for purchase at the museum. However, buying online in advance is recommended to avoid queues.
The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays. It is usually closed on Mondays, unless it's a national holiday. Always check the official website for exact hours and closures.
Information on discounts is not widely available in social media posts. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or inquire directly for any potential student, senior, or group rates.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon, is recommended for a more peaceful experience. While weekends are not described as 'crazy crowded,' weekdays offer the best chance for solitude.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The absolute highlight is Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers,' one of the few originals in Asia. The museum also features works by Seiji Togo and often hosts impressive exhibitions of European and Japanese art. +1
No, the museum has a strict 'no photos' policy to preserve the artworks and maintain a quiet atmosphere for visitors.
Most visitors find that 60 to 90 minutes is sufficient to enjoy the collections and exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
While the museum focuses on fine art, its manageable size and the iconic 'Sunflowers' can be engaging for older children. However, the strict 'no talking' policy might be challenging for very young ones.
The museum is described as a peaceful, quiet, and well-curated escape from the city's hustle. It's an ideal place for reflection and appreciating art without distractions.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The museum has a cafe, offering a place to relax and perhaps enjoy a light refreshment after your art exploration.
Specific details about the cafe's menu are not readily available, but it's generally expected to offer light snacks, coffee, and beverages.
Yes, being located in Shinjuku, there are countless dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants just a short walk from the museum.
Typically, museums do not allow outside food and drinks in exhibition areas. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
Shinjuku offers a vast array of culinary experiences, including ramen, sushi, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and international cuisine. You can find everything from quick bites to fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to protect the artworks and maintain the serene atmosphere.
While photography is not allowed inside the exhibition halls, you might be able to take photos of the museum's exterior or in the lobby area, depending on their current policies.
The surrounding Shinjuku area offers many photo opportunities, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic cityscapes and the vibrant streets of Shinjuku.
The restriction is a common practice in art museums to prevent flash photography from damaging delicate artworks and to ensure a focused viewing experience for all visitors.
While you can't share photos from inside, you can certainly share your thoughts and feelings about the art and your visit on social media, perhaps with photos of the museum's exterior or your overall Shinjuku experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+2 The Seiji Togo collection also provides a deep dive into modern Japanese art. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic 'Sunflowers'
The presence of this renowned work elevates the museum beyond a local gallery, positioning it as a destination for those seeking to witness world-class art. While the museum itself is not vast, the 'Sunflowers' serve as a powerful centerpiece, providing a memorable and humbling experience for all who visit. Its rarity in Asia makes it a unique treasure within Tokyo's cultural landscape.
Visitors often describe beholding the 'Sunflowers' in person as a profound joy and a highlight of their museum visit. The opportunity to see such a famous and historically significant piece in a more intimate setting, away from the overwhelming crowds of larger international museums, is a key part of its appeal.
Exploring Japanese and European Art
The museum also frequently hosts high-quality temporary exhibitions that delve into various periods and styles of European art, with a notable emphasis on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters. These rotating exhibits provide a dynamic experience, ensuring that repeat visitors can always discover something new.
+2 The thoughtful curation ensures that both the permanent and temporary collections are presented in a way that is accessible and engaging for a wide audience.This blend of Japanese and European art, from classic masters to contemporary pieces, makes the SOMPO Museum of Art a rich cultural destination. It offers a well-rounded artistic journey, allowing visitors to appreciate different artistic traditions and perspectives within a single, serene setting.
A Peaceful Retreat in Shinjuku
The museum's commitment to providing a peaceful viewing experience is evident in its strict policies, including a 'no talking' and 'no photos' rule. While this might seem restrictive, it significantly contributes to the serene ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the art without distractions.
Many reviewers highlight the museum as a 'hidden gem' for art lovers, precisely because of its ability to offer such a peaceful and enriching experience. It's a place where one can truly connect with the art, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone looking to add a touch of calm beauty to their Tokyo itinerary.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit