Explore Shinjuku’s diverse museum scene with must-visit destinations. The Shinjuku Historical Museum preserves the district’s history through permanent and temporary exhibits. The SOMPO Museum of Art, now in a more accessible location, showcases Japanese and Western art, including Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.” The Yayoi Kusama Museum features the avant-garde artist’s mesmerizing works and promotes a global peace message. The Fire Museum offers a comprehensive journey through Japan’s firefighting history with interactive displays and rooftop views. Housed in a pre-World War II building, the Tokyo Toy Museum creates a warm atmosphere with a unique collection and events. Lastly, the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum commemorates the renowned Japanese writer, providing insights into his life and literary works, with a cat motif inspired by his famous novel.
Shinjuku Historical Museum (新宿歴史博物館)
The Shinjuku Historical Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the Shinjuku district, preserving its legacy despite urbanization and war damage. The museum features permanent exhibits covering themes such as the Paleolithic era to the Edo period, medieval Shinjuku, and modern literature. It also hosts temporary exhibitions on various aspects of Shinjuku’s history and culture, including archaeological artifacts and literary figures. The museum aims to share these materials with the public to foster spiritual and cultural creativity and protect the region’s heritage.
SOMPO Museum of Art (SOMPO美術館)
The SOMPO Museum of Art, established in 1976, is a cultural gem known for showcasing Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.” With a focus on contemporary Japanese and Western art, the museum features around 630 pieces, including works by the renowned artist Seiji Togo. Its architectural design creates a welcoming atmosphere, and a specially designed room for “Sunflowers” ensures optimal conditions. The museum offers seasonal exhibitions, a shop for unique gifts, and a café with a view of Shinjuku. Promoting diversity in arts and culture, the museum recently relocated to a more accessible six-story building. Whether an art lover or a novice, the SOMPO Museum of Art provides a captivating journey through the world of art.
Yayoi Kusama Museum（草間彌生美術館）
The Yayoi Kusama Museum, founded by the avant-garde artist herself, showcases Kusama’s mesmerizing and original body of work, known for its global peace message. The museum features polka-dot and net-patterned images and installations using mirrors and lights, offering an unrivaled immersive experience. It presents Kusama’s collection biannually with events and lectures, highlighting her influence on the art world. The museum, not exclusively for art enthusiasts, attracts those intrigued by Kusama’s unique style and vision. To visit, purchase timed tickets in advance from the website and plan for a 90-minute slot. Located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, it’s a 10-minute walk from Waseda Station or Ushigome-Yanagicho Station. Don’t miss the chance to explore the captivating world of Yayoi Kusama’s art and join a journey of self-discovery.
Fire Museum (消防博物館)
The Fire Museum offers a captivating journey through Japan’s firefighting history, spanning from the Edo period to the present. Visitors can closely examine authentic firefighting vehicles, explore interactive displays for children, and enjoy a diorama explaining Edo firefighting techniques. The museum features a small cinema screening disaster prevention animations and films, and there’s even a chance to sit in a firefighting helicopter cockpit. Conveniently located near Yotsuya Fire Station and Tokyo Metro Yotsuya 3-chome Station, the museum has five floors of exhibits providing a comprehensive overview of firefighting and disaster prevention in Japan. The rooftop observation deck offers a panoramic view of Shinjuku and the fire department’s helicopters.
Tokyo Toy Museum (東京おもちゃ美術館)
The Tokyo Toy Museum, located in the heart of Tokyo near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, is a hidden gem with a unique collection of toys from around the world. Housed in a pre-World War II building, it features over 100,000 items and offers a warm atmosphere with abundant cedar from various Japanese regions. The “Akachan Mokuiku Hiroba” promotes a love of wood. Run by about 350 toy curators, the museum hosts events, performances, and has a Game Room with visits from top players, including female professional shogi players and the Japanese Othello champion. Professionals from various fields also showcase their skills regularly.
Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum (新宿区立漱石山房記念館)
The Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum commemorates the life and literary works of the renowned Japanese writer Natsume Soseki. Born and raised in Shinjuku, Soseki’s legacy is preserved in the museum, which includes the Mokuyokai, a gathering place for his followers. The museum offers insights into Soseki’s literary world, featuring a reconstructed room where he wrote and entertained guests. Illustrated panels explore themes that influenced Soseki’s writing, and an English audio guide is available for non-Japanese speakers. Inspired by Soseki’s novel “I am a Cat,” the museum has a recurring cat motif, and the adjacent Soseki Cafe offers delightful coffee, tea, and sweets. Visitors can pay their respects at the entrance bust and the cat memorial. Whether a Soseki enthusiast or seeking a unique cultural experience, the museum promises an enchanting visit.
