Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Ukiyo-e is a type of painting that developed during the Edo Period as popular art unique to Japan. Ukiyo-e paintings depict various personalities and modes of life of the time, from popular kabuki actors and courtesans, to the scenery of the town of Edo. This museum, which opened in 1980 based on the collection of Ota Seizo, houses more than 14,000 ukiyo-e paintings from the early to later years. Between the end of the Edo Period and the Meiji Period, many masterpieces were sent to the West, and the number of quality works of ukiyo-e in Japan declined. However, this museum is distinguished by the fact that most of its collection is in good condition. Parts of the collection are exhibited under different themes each month. The museum also offers courses on Edo culture in various fields and screen videos explaining the production process and history of ukiyo-e. It is a 3-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines and a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line.