Overview
As one of the world's most energetic city spaces, a visitor could spend an entire trip to Tokyo simply exploring the museums and galleries on offer in Shibuya City Ward. Contemporary art, national brand beverages, fashion as well as culture and history, the city has it all. Here is an introduction to just some of the museums and galleries of Shibuya and how to reach them.
Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum
Dedicated solely to clothing, the specialised boutique Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum is home to some 20,000 items of clothing from Japan and around the globe. Holding four exhibitions per year since its inception in 1979, the museum is the product of the world renowned Bunka Fashion College and comes with an easy admission fee of JPY500.
A 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Meiji Jingu Museum
A work of architectural art in and of itself, the building that is the Meiji Jingu Museum is home to scores of Imperial treasures and works of art related to the late Emperor Meiji and his wife. Exquisitely designed to blend in with its famous shrine surroundings, the museum comes with an JPY1000 admission fee.
Museum of Yebisu Beer
One of the most famous of all Japanese beers, the Museum of Yebisu Beer features displays of the original Yebisu brewer. Admission is free as the museum focuses on the history and craft of beer making and includes free daily tours. Paid taste testing and dining opportunities are also available.
A 5-minute walk from Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Nanzuka
A small basement gallery exploring the boundaries of contemporary art, Nanzuka is tucked away from the wild scramble of the city's famous crowds. Often collaborating with other industries, the gallery showcases a wide variety of mediums and genres, working with an exhibition schedule that changes monthly.
A 4-minute walk from Shibuya Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
