"At first, the somewhat austere, gray facade of the National Museum of Modern Art feels at odds with the surrounding greenery of Kitanomaru Park. Inside, however, is one of the finest collections of modern Japanese art in the world. Walking through the galleries on the fourth and second floors allows you to see some of the most turbulent periods in the nation’s past through the eyes of its most influential artists. Though the film portion of the museum split off last year to form the National Film Center, the Crafts Gallery is still a short walk away. While the slick triad of art museums in Roppongi fills up during peak times, a visit here tends to be far more relaxed; even on weekends, long lines are rare. That seems to suit the visitors just fine—the works here invite leisurely contemplation." - Diana Hubbell
