The Sumida Hokusai Museum
4.1
(6.5k)This contemporary art museum in Tokyo's Sumida Ward is dedicated to the life and work of Katsushika Hokusai, the renowned ukiyo-e artist. It features over 1,800 items, including paintings, sketches, and woodblock prints, with detailed explanations of his techniques. The museum building itself is a modern design by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kazuyo Sejima.
Address
2-chōme-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0014, Japan
Website
Opening Hours
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Thu)
Phone
+81 3-6658-8936
Worth it?
Worth it if you're keen to dive deep into Hokusai's art and don't mind that many pieces are high-quality reproductions
Skip if you're expecting a large collection of original works or a sprawling museum experience
Location
2-chōme-7-2 Kamezawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0014, Japan
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Highlights
The museum has a cool section on the third floor where you can browse through replicas of Hokusai’s sketchbooks.
You can see a real printing of 'The Great Wave' and the actual woodblocks used to create it.
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Who it's for
Enthusiasts of Hokusai or ukiyo-e art will find this museum particularly rewarding. It's also suitable for families with children, as it offers an engaging way to learn about Japanese art.
Know before you go
Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
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Reviews
4.1
Good
5 ReviewsVisitors generally find the museum's exhibits on Hokusai's work and techniques fascinating, despite the presence of many replicas. The museum can feel small to some, but the collection is considered special, and staff are often helpful with technical questions.
Fun facts
The museum opened in 2016 and was designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima, featuring five interlocking volumes clad in reflective aluminum panels.
Katsushika Hokusai was born and spent most of his life in the Sumida area of Tokyo, where the museum is now located.
