Ota Memorial Museum of Art

The Ota Memorial Museum of Art (太田記念美術館) is a specialized sanctuary for ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) tucked away in the high-energy district of Harajuku. While the nearby Omotesando is a whirlwind of global fashion, this museum provides a profound cultural “lull.” The heart of the institution is the private collection of Seizō Ota V, a former insurance executive who spent much of his life reclaiming masterpieces that had been sold abroad during the Meiji era. Today, the archive exceeds 14,000 works, positioning it as one of the world’s premier private collections of this quintessentially Japanese art form.

The museum is unique not just for its content, but for its traditional atmosphere. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and use lockers upon entry, a practice that encourages a slower, more contemplative pace throughout the galleries. Because woodblock prints are extremely sensitive to light, the museum does not maintain a permanent display; instead, the galleries undergo a complete thematic rotation every month. This ensures that each visit offers a fresh perspective, whether focusing on the iconic landscapes of Hokusai and Hiroshige, or the delicate nikuhitsu-ga (hand-painted) works that showcase the individual brushwork of the masters. It remains an essential destination for anyone looking to understand the “floating world” that once defined the aesthetic of old Edo.

Visitor Information
Address	1-10-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Entry until 5:00 PM) Closed: Mondays and during exhibit rotations (usually the end of each month)
Price	Varies by exhibition (Typically ¥800 – ¥1,200)
Website	Visit Website

Access
Station	Line(s)	Access Details
Harajuku Station	JR Yamanote Line	5-minute walk from the Omotesando Exit
Meiji-jingumae Station	Chiyoda, Fukutoshin Lines	3-minute walk from Exit 5
Omotesando Station	Ginza, Chiyoda, Hanzomon Lines	10-minute walk