Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a rare pocket of calm in the middle of the city. Located in Shirogane-dai—an area often associated with wealth, celebrities, or what people in Japan casually call “セレブ”—the museum feels quiet, refined, and slightly removed from the fast pace of Tokyo. Unfortunately, at the time of my visit, the museum building itself was closed (I believe until the end of March), so access was limited to the outer grounds and gardens. Still, the experience was far from disappointing. The garden alone is worth the visit. There’s a deep sense of silence and balance here, something that feels very wabi-sabi—subtle, restrained, and quietly beautiful. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll find a traditional tea room, carefully placed sculptures, and art pieces that blend naturally into the landscape rather than dominating it. It’s not a place for spectacle, but for slow walking, observation, and reflection. The beauty of nature is thoughtfully exhibited, without feeling artificial or forced. Admission to the garden is surprisingly affordable—under 200 yen—which makes it even more appealing. If you’re someone who enjoys quietness, minimalism, and peaceful spaces, this is a place I would highly recommend. The museum restaurants looked elegant and very much catered to a high-end crowd. I didn’t dine there myself, but it appeared to be the kind of place where reservations are common. Even on a Thursday, there was a waiting list, and visitors had to write down their names outside the entrance. Overall, despite the temporary closure of the main building, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum remains a beautiful and calming destination—an excellent place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a moment of silence in the heart of Tokyo.

An exceptional museum that truly highlights the depth of Tokyo’s art scene. The galleries are spacious, the exhibitions are curated with real care, and the overall flow makes it easy to enjoy each piece at your own pace. I also appreciated how knowledgeable and courteous the staff were throughout the visit. The building itself is impressive—clean, calm, and thoughtfully designed.

I'm a massive fan of FLW and 1920s architecture. This building delivers, it is so elegant and refined with beautiful woodwork in the doors, gorgeous wallpapers, streamlined lighting and ironmongery fixtures and fireplaces. Most beautiful. Bonus to have the jewellry exhibit of Van Cleef and Arpels.

This is used to be the residence of Prince Asaka, and was converted to a small museum that has regular art exhibition. The building itself is well preserved and the interior has been left not of less as when Asaka left it. Very charming art deco style with an extension wing. There is a large open space with a few pieces of sculptures, and a charming tea house and small Japanese garden. However, as a Chinese, walking through these conveys a deep sense of uneasiness, given Asaka atrocious history alleged war crime and his instrumental role in the Nanjing massacres. To think that Asaka lived here with comfort and style, while millions suffered and died because of his action, should give any visitors some chills. It well worth a visit, not just for the architecture, but for a reflection of the time when human nature was distorted by hatred and greed.

This building has much more worth than the exhibition, personally. Such a beautiful decoration of Art Deco style design both exterior and interior. Walls, murals, sculptures, even air vents were beautiful Art Deco pieces. A must place to visit if you are a fan of art, history.

If you love historical place and stuff, you gonna love this place. So much to see and so much stuff that will amaze you. Worth to visit .they have mini pond with koi fish and 2 garden that perfect for family photos etc. Note: entrance ticket fee -1000 yen, you can only enter within the time frame on your ticket. No early check in. Taking photos inside the museum is allowed but not video taking. There is souvenir stuff available for sale on their shop located at their Annex but pricey.

Gorgeous exhibit of renowned and historic jeweler Van Cleef and Arpels. Only downside to this museum is the inability to take any photos of the incredible collection. However, photos wouldn’t do any of the beautiful pieces justice. I’ve never seen such stunning precious stones. You have to see it for yourself. The exhibit is inside the art deco mansion which also showcases timeless architecture. I wasn’t able to explore the surrounding gardens due to the cold, but I’m sure in the spring/summer they are worthwhile.

Lovely museum with a great exhibition when we were there. The house itself is beautiful and then the art was incorporated in the environment of the rooms. The garden is also lovely to walk around in. Not too crowded.

I was surprised at the beauty of the garden in the center of Tokyo. I didn't get inside the museum. However, I would like to see a Western and Japanese mixed garden. It was in the middle of May, but I had fresh air. This secluded garden is well-maintained. The pond is so serene. I enjoyed my zen moment. Thank you.

I wrote about my visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum for the "Decoration never dies, anyway" exhibit on my blog. But now I want to focus on the actual building where the museum is located on Yelp. The building is actually the former residence of Prince Asaka from the Asaka branch of the imperial family which was founded in 1906 by Prince Yasuhiko, the eighth son of Prince Kuni Asahiko. Prince Yasuhiko went to France to study military affairs in 1922 but was injured in a traffic accident. He was joined by his spouse, Princess Nobuko who joined him and they remained in France 'til 1925. But during those years of staying in France, it was time during the golden age of Art Deco and both were fascinated by it. So, when returning to Japan, they wanted to incorporate Art Deco into their new residence and commissioned the French artist Henri Rapin to design the interiors of the rooms. The architect in charge of designing the building is Gondo Yokichi of the Works Bureau of the Imperial Household Ministry and a man who was also passionate about modern architecture while training in Europe. So, the residence is considered a work of art and when you are going to see an exhibit, along with the signs, you will see additional descriptions but for the actual room and how it pertained to the residence. The structure embodies the Art Deco style and more. In 1983, the residence opened to the public as the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. In March 1993, the main building［the former Prince Asaka Residence] became the first structure to be designated an Important Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. And in July 2015, the main building, tearoom, central entrance gate and other elements of the residence are designated as Important Cultural Properties. If you are in the Minato area and happen to be an art enthusiast, definitely visit the location (click here to see what exhibit is happening at the museum) to check out what new exhibit is currently ongoing and visit one of Tokyo's important cultural properties.

Its an excellently detailed art-deco building - everything from the woodwork to the grates to the ceiling tiles to the tapestry to the ... well, you get the picture. You can easily spend the best part of a couple of hours just noodling around the place!

An old imperial family retreat in Tokyo, the place has now been turned into a museum. To be more honest, it is a testament to art déco in Japan. The residence is an interesting mix between Japanese architecture and French artists. There is both Japanese and English audio commentary available on site (you just have to provide a name and an address to borrow some iPods and earphones for free) with insightful commentary on almost every room. All in all, for the price (and if you get the Grutto Pass, the entrance is free), it gives a wonderful insight into a period of Japan that is often forgotten.

Now under reconstruction and renewal. I went here several years ago. The museum was also closed because the planning exhibition was not held during the time I had visited. So I paid two hundred yen or so to enter the garden, which opens when the museum is closed. It is surrounded by greeneries. I felt at my ease and enjoyed taking a walk. One point I was aware of is that there are a lot of bird dropping on the pathway. It was covered over by a large cherry blossom trees. I was disappointed to see the scenic pathway dyed with white droppings. It's famous for cherry blossom viewing spots. However, when I visited here, the cherry blossoms withered. But it was a little early for new leaves to be fresh. Only taking a walk is advisable! Please come here as soon as the reconstruction is over!