The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is Japan's first national art museum situated at the Kitanomaru Park adjacent to the Imperial Palace. The museum boasts a collection of over 12,500 art works, and introduces the history of about 100 years of Japanese modern art from the beginning of the 20th century.

In the spring of 2016, various masterpieces, mainly Japanese paintings, will be displayed. The museum is conveniently located for those who also visit the Imperial Palace, and a must-see place particularly in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. You can view Japanese paintings acclaimed as masterpieces along with cherry blossoms, thereby enjoying Japan's graceful spring.

The museum's collection gallery displays about 200 works from its collection of more than 12,500 art works - mainly masterpieces of Japanese modern art, such as those designated as Important Cultural Properties. Many of the exhibits are replaced about four times a year. You can learn of the 20th-century history of Japanese art from works on display with English explanations.

From March 8 to May 15, the museum will hold an exhibition titled "MOMAT Collection Special Feature: Spring in Full Bloom: A Nihon-ga Festival," displaying art works designated as Important Cultural Properties, including Kawai Gyokudo's "Parting Spring" depicting cherry blossoms falling onto the surface of water. You have only one opportunity a year to view these works at a time. The museum will also hold a special exhibition titled "Yasuda Yukihiko: A Retrospective" from March 23 to May 15, featuring Yasuda's masterpieces depicting historical figures and scenes.

Main attractions of the museum include the "highlight" corner, where the essence of its collection is condensed to allow visitors to enjoy art works in a short period of time, the Japanese painting section, and the observatory on the fourth floor. The observatory commands a panoramic view of the nature-rich Imperial Palace.

Museum overview

Name: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Access: three minutes' walk from 1b exit of Takebashi Station on Tokyo Metro Tozai Line; about 20-25 minutes' walk from JR Tokyo Station

Tel: 03-5405-8686 (English)

Website: http://www.momat.go.jp/english/