A true hidden gem of a museum in the cosy and retro neighbourhood of Yanaka. Opened in 1967, the museum is dedicated to the life of Japanese artist and sculptor Fumio Asakura. The special feature of the museum is that it used to be Asakura’s home and workshop. Asakura’s works are mostly focused on realism, with his sculptures depicting both humans and animals.

Even if visitors are not art lovers, you can still marvel at the beautiful home that Asakura used to live in. A blend of traditional Japanese and Western architecture, the home is a great way to experience how Asakura lived. With Asakura being a lover of nature, the home has a large Japanese style garden in the middle of the house and an impressive roof terrace garden with amazing views overlooking the city. You can even see the Tokyo Skytree from it!

Asakura was a big lover of cats, and so there is a room dedicated to his cat sculptures which any fellow feline fan would appreciate! The Museum is considered one of the top things to do in Yanaka. Please note that you cannot take photos inside of the museum, only from outside of the exterior, from the roof terrace and inside one room. The museum is closed on Thursdays, and admission is 500 yen for adults.

Want to experience Asakura Museum of Sculpture and so much more on your trip to Tokyo?

Why not join our ’Walking Tour in Yanaka, Sendagi and Nezu : Experience Tea Ceremony and ‘Yanesen’ Old Tokyo’ tour or our ‘1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo’. Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to tick off some hidden gems in the city. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.