# Tokugawa Art Museum

> The collection of the Owari Tokugawa family, more than 10,000 items including nine National Treasures, shown in rooms modelled on Nagoya Castle's Ninomaru Palace. The 12th-century Tale of Genji scrolls come out only for a short run in late November.

- Prefecture: Aichi
- Type: Museum
- Address: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
- Closed: Closed on Mondays (the next weekday when Monday is a national or substitute holiday) and over the year-end and New Year break. The calendar on the official site shows exceptions.
- Hours note: Last entry is at 16:30.
- Admission: 2000 yen
- Official site: https://www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp/

Everyone asks about the Genji scrolls, so start there. The museum holds most of the oldest surviving illustrated Tale of Genji, a 12th-century set of handscrolls and a National Treasure, and it is far too fragile to hang for long. Each year a few scenes come out for a special display in late November, usually for one to two weeks; the rest of the year there is nothing of it on the wall, so check the dates before building a trip around it. The rest of the collection is what the Owari branch of the Tokugawa, senior of the three houses descended from Ieyasu, kept for 300 years: armor and swords, tea utensils, lacquer, Noh masks and costumes. Tokugawa Yoshichika, the 19th head, put it into a foundation and opened the museum in 1935. The permanent rooms rebuild parts of Nagoya Castle's Ninomaru Palace, including a shoin reception room, the Sarumen tea room and a full Noh stage, and the objects in them change about monthly. Adult tickets are 2,000 yen, which is steep for a short visit. The Tokugawa-en garden is next door.

## FAQ

### When can I see the Tale of Genji scrolls?

Only during a special display each year in late November, when a few scenes are chosen and shown for a short run. The exact dates and scenes are announced on the official site.

### How much is admission?

The ticket, which also covers the neighbouring Hosa Library, is 2,000 yen for adults and 1,200 yen for high school and university students; elementary and junior high students are free. Prices can be lower when only the collection galleries are open, so check the official site.

### How long should I allow, and can I combine it with Tokugawa-en?

Allow about 90 minutes for the museum. The Tokugawa-en garden is next door and needs its own 300-yen ticket, so the two fit easily into half a day.

### Is there somewhere to eat?

THE MUSEUM CAFE inside the museum (24 seats, museum ticket required) is open 10:00 to 17:00, and the Japanese restaurant Hozentei serves lunch from 11:00 to 15:00.

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Source: [Tokugawa Art Museum — Japan Voyage](https://travel.japanvoyage.jp/travel_destinations/tokugawa-art-museum)
Last updated: 2026-10-15