Meiji Memorial Museum: A Chronicle of Japan's Modernization

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Explore Japan's transformative Meiji era through art and history at this iconic Tokyo museum.

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Meiji Memorial Museum

The Meiji Memorial Museum, or Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, completed in 1926, commemorates Emperor Meiji and the Meiji era, a transformative period in Japanese history. The museum showcases 80 murals depicting key events in the Emperor's life and reign, blending Japanese and Western art styles.

A brief summary to Meiji Memorial Museum

1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Kasumigaokamachi, Tokyo, 160-0013, JP
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Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Photography is not allowed inside the gallery.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the museum's collection.
Visit during the autumn to see the beautiful ginkgo tree-lined avenue leading to the museum.
Combine your visit with a walk through Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden).

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Meiji Memorial Museum is accessible via several public transport options. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo or Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Station, about a 5-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the Toei Oedo Line to Kokuritsu-kyogijo (National Stadium) Station, also about a 5-minute walk away. Another option is to use the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, or Toei Oedo Line to Aoyama-itchome Station, which is about a 10-minute walk. Typical cost for a single subway or JR train fare within central Tokyo is ¥170-¥220. Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient travel on public transport.
Walking

The Meiji Memorial Museum is located within walking distance of several points of interest. From Shinanomachi Station, exit and walk south for approximately 5 minutes. From Aoyama-itchome Station, walk towards the Meiji Jingu Gaien park and follow the signs to the museum, about a 10-minute walk. There are no costs associated with walking.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. From Shinjuku Station, a taxi ride to the Meiji Memorial Museum takes approximately 7 minutes. The estimated taxi fare from Shinjuku Station to the Meiji Memorial Museum is ¥3,900-¥4,700. Note that fares may increase during nighttime hours.

Discover more about Meiji Memorial Museum

The Meiji Memorial Museum, also known as the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery (Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan), stands as a testament to Japan's modernization during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Completed in 1926, this grand structure commemorates Emperor Meiji, whose reign marked a fusion of traditional Japan with Western modernity. The museum is located in the tranquil Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden) in central Tokyo. The museum's architecture blends Neo-Classical, Art Deco, and Japanese elements. Inside, eighty large paintings chronicle pivotal moments in Emperor Meiji's life and the modernization of Japan. The first 40 murals are in the Nihonga style, a Japanese painting style popular during the Meiji era, while the last 40 are in Western style. These artworks are considered precious historical records. The museum also displays "Kinkazan," Emperor Meiji's prized horse, whose mummified remains are preserved. The paintings depict historical highlights such as the Emperor's entry into Edo Castle, the resignation of the last shogun, the arrival of foreign ministers, and the reforms that propelled Japan onto the global stage. They also showcase significant international events like the First Sino-Japanese War and the Portsmouth Peace Conference. The museum's 27.5-meter dome, adorned with marble and golden embellishments, is a marvel of architectural design. Visiting the Meiji Memorial Museum offers an immersive experience into a pivotal era in Japan's past. The building itself is an Important Cultural Asset. English explanations are available.

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