Yayoi Kusama Museum
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, dot-filled universe of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. A compact museum showcasing her iconic works.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, dot-filled universe of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. A compact museum showcasing her iconic works.
"A small but impactful museum offering a deep dive into the mind of the iconic Yayoi Kusama."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are online only & sell out fast! Book well in advance to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
There are stairs, and an elevator can have waits. Comfortable footwear is key for navigating the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Infinity Mirrored Room
Various locations (check current exhibitions)
Step into a mesmerizing world of endless reflections, a signature Kusama experience that captivates the senses.
Polka Dot Artworks
Throughout the museum
Immerse yourself in Kusama's iconic polka dots, a vibrant and recurring motif that defines her unique artistic vision.
Early Works & Manhattan Period
Exhibition spaces
Discover lesser-seen pieces from Kusama's formative years and her impactful time in Manhattan, revealing her artistic evolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for a Compact Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are online only & sell out fast! Book well in advance to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
There are stairs, and an elevator can have waits. Comfortable footwear is key for navigating the museum.
📸 Photo Policy Varies
Photography is restricted on most floors. Check signage; rooftop photos are usually permitted.
⏳ Short Visit Expected
The museum is small; expect to spend around 30-40 minutes. Enjoy the focused experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are online only & sell out fast! Book well in advance to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
There are stairs, and an elevator can have waits. Comfortable footwear is key for navigating the museum.
📸 Photo Policy Varies
Photography is restricted on most floors. Check signage; rooftop photos are usually permitted.
⏳ Short Visit Expected
The museum is small; expect to spend around 30-40 minutes. Enjoy the focused experience!
🎁 Gift Shop Treasures
Don't miss the gift shop on the first floor for unique Kusama-themed souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yayoi Kusama's unique artistic vision and the museum's focused collection, particularly early works and iconic motifs. However, many find the museum disappointingly small, with limited art on display and strict photography rules, leading to short visit times.
"I love the artist herself, and the exhibition tells you her dark and bright side of life and artworks. Actually I have never seen her young age arts and actively pictures when she was in Manhattan which impressed me. Her entire life dedicated to art. That is the reason for four starts. However, for those who are pregnant or old, it is hard to go up steep stairs. As the elevator is only one, you need to wait to go up and down for a while, better to be aware of it before you visit. Photography is allowed only in the rooftop. It took me only 40 minutes as it’s a small museum. All tickets are sold online and no tickets are sold at the place."
Y “Bella” N
"You have to book your ticket before going. It’s a small but lovely gallery. If you are a fan of the artist you would probably really enjoy the museum. Pictures are not allowed in some floors and they have a small gift shop at the first floor."
kat
"Disappointingly small museum. You can't count this as a museum, it's more like a really really really tiny private gallery. We finished the visit in 15 mins.
For a world class artist, you'd expect more effort to be placed in displaying her art. There were so little pieces on display and it is probably only 0.1% of the work that she has done
Many of her nicer works aren't featured .
Would not recommend. You can get a similar or even better experience watching a video on YouTube about her.
Skip this and don't waste your time here"
Tk Cheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It's accessible via public transport, with the nearest stations being Shinjuku Station or Higashi-Shinjuku Station. From there, it's a short walk.
The museum is in a somewhat random location with not much else immediately around it. Plan your visit as a dedicated trip rather than combining it with other nearby attractions.
Yes, you can take a taxi directly to the museum. Ensure your driver knows the address, as it's not in a major tourist hub.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's generally recommended to use public transportation due to limited parking availability in the area.
The closest stations are Shinjuku Station (JR lines, various subway lines) and Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Toei Oedo Line, Fukutoshin Line).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
All tickets must be purchased online in advance through the official Yayoi Kusama Museum website. No tickets are sold at the venue.
Tickets are reasonably priced at 1100 Yen, which is considered a good value for experiencing the artist's work, especially given the museum's size.
No, tickets are exclusively sold online and in advance. It's crucial to book your desired time slot well ahead of your visit as they sell out quickly.
The museum typically operates on a timed entry system. It's best to check the official website for the most current opening hours and specific exhibition dates.
There is no specific dress code, but comfortable attire is recommended, especially comfortable shoes, as there are stairs.
📸 📸 Photography & Onsite Experience
Photography is generally restricted on most floors of the museum to preserve the artworks and the visitor experience. However, photography is usually permitted on the rooftop. Always check the signage in each area.
Most visitors find the museum to be quite small, with a typical visit lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Some reviews mention finishing in as little as 15 minutes.
While the museum may not always feature a permanent 'Infinity Mirrored Room' like some other institutions, Kusama's work often includes immersive mirrored installations that create a sense of infinite space and light. 
The museum has steep stairs and only one elevator, which can lead to wait times. Visitors who are pregnant or have mobility concerns should be aware of this before their visit.
The museum showcases a selection of Yayoi Kusama's works, including pieces from her early life and her time in Manhattan, offering insight into her artistic journey and dedication.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there is a gift shop located on the first floor, offering a variety of merchandise related to Yayoi Kusama's art, perfect for souvenirs.
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. Visitors usually dine in the surrounding Shinjuku area before or after their visit.
The gift shop offers items like prints, stationery, accessories, and other art-related products featuring Kusama's iconic designs.
The Shinjuku area, where the museum is located, offers a vast array of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
While not directly at the museum, some visitors enjoy seeking out polka-dot themed treats or cafes in Tokyo to complement their Kusama art experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with children, focus on the bright, engaging patterns and discuss the artist's life story. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a small souvenir. Be prepared for the limited elevator access and potential wait times, which might test a child's patience.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Kusama Fans
While the museum's size might be a point of contention for some, true enthusiasts will likely appreciate the focused collection and the chance to experience Kusama's world firsthand. The Infinity Mirrored Rooms, if featured in the current exhibition, are a must-see for an immersive experience.
+3🚶 Solo Travelers
Being able to book tickets online in advance makes it easy to slot into your itinerary. The relatively short visit time also means you can easily combine it with other activities in Tokyo. Take your time to absorb the art, and perhaps enjoy a quiet moment on the rooftop if photography is permitted.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Yayoi Kusama: A Journey Through Dots and Infinity
+1The Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo is a testament to her enduring legacy. It's not just a gallery but a space designed to immerse visitors in her unique artistic universe. While the museum is compact, it offers a curated selection of her works, often including pieces that highlight her early artistic explorations and her iconic motifs. The museum aims to spread her art and philosophy, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Kusama's signature Infinity Mirrored Rooms are particularly sought after. These installations use mirrors and lights to create an illusion of endless space, inviting viewers to contemplate their place within the universe. While not always permanently housed in every Kusama exhibition, experiencing such an installation is a highlight for many visitors, offering a profound and often surreal encounter with her art.
+2Navigating the Yayoi Kusama Museum: Practicalities and Expectations
The museum's size is a recurring point in visitor feedback. While it offers a focused look at Kusama's work, it's significantly smaller than traditional large-scale museums. Visitors often complete their tour within 30 to 40 minutes. This means managing expectations is key; it's an opportunity to deeply engage with a curated selection of art rather than a sprawling exhibition.
Photography policies can vary by floor, with most areas prohibiting cameras to protect the art. However, the rooftop often allows for photography, providing a different perspective. Be prepared to put your phone away for much of the visit and simply absorb the art. Also, be aware of the stair access and elevator limitations, as the single elevator can lead to queues, making comfortable footwear advisable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit