Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Such a wonderful place that I had no idea existed! An old house belonging to a former member of the Imperial Family. I am not a fan of art but the art deco style of the rooms and furniture, the wallpaper, everything was so interesting. The Lalique glasswork was truly stunning. This is a real hidden gem in Tokyo.

A nice museum but the gardens are just gorgeous. THe koi fish swimming gently in the rippling pond, green maple leaves and giant pine trees. The restaurants and cafes seem to be nice. A great place to unwind.

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.

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.