Asakura Museum of Sculpture

This place is amazing! It says that it's a museum of sculpture but the real wonder of this place is the home. A large, sprawling traditional style Japanese home with wonderful wood and furniture. The central enclosed garden and pond area is amazing. It was raining the day we were there so we didn't have a chance to go up to the roof garden. But I'm sure there are great views of the surrounding area. If you are in the Tokyo area be sure to add this to your itinerary! It's the best museum/house I've ever visited.

One of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Tokyo, the museum is not crowded like many other places, and it was interesting to explore this big traditional Japanese house-studio of a very notable sculptor Fumio Asakura. It was definitely a very interesting person, and you’ll find some curious facts (and artefacts) related to him. Photography inside is not allowed, but I took some pictures from the roof. The museum is very English-friendly, with detailed explanations, and there was a woman with very good English answering all your questions, thanks a lot 🙏

Such a lovely museum! I also got a guided first floor tour - the lady who toured me around was very nice and friendly. She answered my questions and also asked me questions about myself and my country. The view from the rooftop was also amazing! I also learned that one of Fumio Asakura's children was also a sculptor and there was an upcoming exhibit - wished I could have stayed longer in Tokyo to see it too!

Wonderfully designed museum letting you simultaneously become acquainted with Asakura's beautiful art and eye for detail through his works and his home. We came toward the end of the day and the museum was quite empty which we enjoyed given the calming and contemplative atmosphere. Took us 1.5 hours to really enjoy and take it all in so even though it's a small museum, plan to spend some relaxing time here.

November 2024 - Beautiful house and sculptures. We were lucky enough to receive a volunteer tour from an English speaking gentleman that really heightened the experience. We went during an exhibition and were able to take pictures of the cute cat sculptures. I could tell he loved cats 🐱

A museum in the artist’s former residence. A smallish collection of sculptures but an enjoyable mixture of seeing the artwork, the old home and rooftop garden. Likeable.

We stumbled upon this amazing place by chance, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. It wasn’t crowded, and several enthusiastic volunteers—who spoke excellent English—guided us through the house. We sadly don’t speak Japanese. After the tour, you’re free to explore the house again at your own pace, which was a great bonus. The house itself is beautiful and full of interesting details. The rooftop garden was under renovation during our visit, so we couldn’t see it, but the rest of the experience more than made up for it. We ended up chatting with a very kind lady who shared helpful tips for our future travels—unfortunately, I didn’t catch her name. One important thing to note: make sure to bring socks, as you’ll be asked to remove your shoes during the visit. No photos are allowed in the house.

A museum of Sculptor Asakura famous for his cat statuette but interesting to see for those who love Japanese Kawara-tile house architecture and the inner court Japanese garden of carp pond, with the rooftop balcony garden and the view from it!!