Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery

Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Tokyo Historical Sites

Introduction

The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery (明治神宮外苑聖徳記念絵画館, Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan) stands as an iconic testament to Japan’s transformation during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Located in the tranquil Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden) of central Tokyo, this Important Cultural Property offers visitors an immersive journey through 80 monumental paintings, each chronicling pivotal moments in Japan’s rapid modernization under Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. With its architectural grandeur blending Neo-Classical, Art Deco, and Japanese elements, the gallery is both a historical archive and a masterpiece of early 20th-century design.

This guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, nearby attractions, and practical tips, ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of Tokyo’s premier historical sites.

Location and Access

The gallery is centrally situated in the Meiji Jingu Gaien park, straddling Shinjuku and Minato wards, and is highly accessible by public transportation:

By Tokyo Metro:
Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, or Toei Oedo Line to Gaien-mae (G03), Aoyama-Itchome (G04, Z03, E24), or Kokuritsu-Kyogijo (E25) stations.
By JR Train:
Chuo-Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Station (about a 5-minute walk).
Scenic Approach:
[Enter via the ginkgo tree-lined Icho Namiki Avenue, especially stunning in autumn when the leaves turn gold (Kanpai Japan, GLTJP).](#enter-via-the-ginkgo-tree-lined-icho-namiki-avenue,-especially-stunning-in-autumn-when-the-leaves-turn-gold-(kanpai-japan,-gltjp).)

Attainment of Majority Ceremony traditional Japanese painting by Itō Kōun

People attending an industrial exhibit at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Tokyo

Painting of Battle of Mukden showing Ōyama Iwao's entrance ceremony

Battle of Mukden historical painting by Kanokogi Takeshiro

Battle of Pyongyang painting by Kanayama Heizo depicting a historical battle scene

Battle of the Yellow Sea painting by Ōta Kijirō depicting a naval conflict

Ceremony for the Promulgation of the Constitution painting by Wada Eisaku depicting a formal gathering

The Chrysanthemum Garden Party painting by Nakazawa Hiromitsu

Conference on Drafting a Constitution painting by Goseda Hōryū

Historical conference on the revision of treaties by Ueno Hiroichi in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Tokyo

Declaration of War with Russia painting by Yoshida Shigeru

Historical painting depicting the demarcation of the Sakhalin frontier by Yasuda Minoru

Emperor's Visit to the Dajokan painting by Kobori Tomoto

Emperor and Empress Dowager watching a traditional Noh play in Japan

The Emperor Arriving in Tokyo painting by Kobori Tomoto

Emperor drilling soldiers in traditional Japanese military attire

View of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo

Emperor Meiji visiting a Tondenhei settlement in Yamana Village now Sapporo in 1881

Emperor Meiji visiting Tokyo Imperial University, painted by Fujishima Takeji

Japanese Emperor receiving foreign ministers in traditional attire

Emperor reviewing clan warships by Okada Saburosuke

Emperor viewing military manoeuvres in traditional Japanese painting

Emperor viewing rice harvest painting by Morimura Gitō

The Emperor Visiting a Sick Iwakura painting by Kita Renzō in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Tokyo

The Emperor at Imperial Headquarters painting by Minami Kunzō

Emperor observing joint military manoeuvres in traditional attire

The Emperor at Yasukuni Shrine painting by Shimizu Yoshio

Portrait of the Emperor in traditional attire by Yamanouchi Tamon

The Empress Viewing Rice-Planting traditional Japanese painting by Kondō Shōsen

Empress visiting wounded soldiers in a hospital during the Meiji era

The Empress at the Peeress' School painting by Atomi Yutaka, displayed in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, Tokyo

Empress at a Red Cross Meeting painting by Yuasa Ichiro

The Empress at a School for Girls painting by Yazawa Gengetsu

Empress observing silk production in a traditional factory

Entering Nagasaki Port painting by Yamamoto Morinosuke depicting Imperial Tour of Chugoku and Kyushu

Enthronement of the Emperor by Igai Shokoku in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Tokyo

Establishment of the Monetary Conversion System by Matsuoka Hisashi painting in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Tokyo

First Conference of Governors painting by Isoda Chōshū depicting Meiji era officials

Five-article oath emblem in Seimon style

Imperial Army leaving Kyoto depicted in historical Japanese painting

Imperial Mandate for the Army and Navy painting by Terasaki Takeo at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Tokyo

Imperial Mausoleum at Unebi painting by Yoshida Shūkō

Imperial Visit to the Tokugawa Residence painting by Kimura Buzan

Inauguration ceremony of the First Imperial Diet in Japan

Installation of the Empress painting by Suga Tatehiko at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Tokyo Japan

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.).
[Evening illumination until 10:30 p.m. offers a unique after-dark experience (Kanpai Japan).](#evening-illumination-until-10:30-p.m.-offers-a-unique-after-dark-experience-(kanpai-japan).)
Tickets:
Adults: ¥500 (approx. US$3.45 as of June 2025).
[Discounts for children and students; consult the official website for current pricing.](#discounts-for-children-and-students;-consult-the-official-website-for-current-pricing.)
Tickets are sold on-site; advance booking is generally unnecessary except for large groups.
Re-entry Policy:
[Once you exit, re-entry is not permitted (GLTJP).](#once-you-exit,-re-entry-is-not-permitted-(gltjp).)

Facilities and Accessibility

Language Support:
- English signage and pamphlets are available for international visitors (GLTJP).
Wi-Fi:
- No free Wi-Fi inside; plan ahead if you require internet access.
Restrooms and Amenities:
- Modern restrooms; nearby cafés and restaurants within Meiji Jingu Gaien offer outdoor seating.
Accessibility:
- Main exhibition areas are generally wheelchair accessible; visitors with mobility needs should check with the gallery for elevator and barrier-free access (Japan Travel Navitime).

The Visitor Experience

Architectural Highlights

The gallery’s architecture marries Western Neo-Classical and Art Deco with Japanese design, featuring a grand granite façade, a soaring central dome, and interiors with marble, mosaic tiles, and stained glass. The building’s symmetry and use of domestic materials reflect the Meiji era’s balance of tradition and modernity (Japan-Experience).

Exhibition Overview

Murals:
- 80 large paintings (approx. 3m x 2.7m), created by 76 artists over two decades.
- First 40: Japanese-style (Nihonga); last 40: Western-style (Yōga), visually narrating Japan’s journey from feudal society to modern nation (Japan Travel Navitime, gotokyo.org).
Key Themes:
- Political reforms, international diplomacy, technological advancements, and imperial ceremonies.
Notable Works:
- “The Great Return of the Emperor” by Murata Tanryo, “The Talk on the Opening of Edo Castle” by Yuki Motoaki.
Central Hall:
- Beneath the dome, the central hall is decorated with mosaics and plaster carvings, serving as a ceremonial focal point.

Recommended Photographic Spots

The ginkgo-lined Icho Namiki Avenue (especially in autumn).
The gallery’s monumental exterior and dome.
Mosaic tiles and architectural details inside (verify photography policies with staff).

Special Events and Guided Tours

Seasonal Events:
- The park hosts sports, art, and cultural festivals, enhancing the visitor experience (Kanpai Japan).
Guided Tours:
- English-speaking tours may be arranged in advance; check the official website for availability.

Nearby Attractions

Meiji Jingu Shrine:
- Tokyo’s major Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Park:
- Home to Japan National Stadium, the Olympic Museum, tennis courts, and baseball fields.
Shinjuku Gyoen, Aoyama Cemetery, and Omotesando:
- Additional nearby sites for combined sightseeing (GLTJP).

Practical Tips

Purchase tickets on-site; groups should book in advance.
Rent pocket Wi-Fi if you need connectivity.
Early mornings and late afternoons are less crowded.
Check the official website before your visit for the latest updates.
Follow staff instructions and onsite guidelines to help preserve this Important Cultural Property (Japan Travel Navitime).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there guided tours in English?
A: Yes, English-speaking tours may be available; inquire in advance.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Check posted policies or ask staff before photographing interiors.

Q: Is the gallery wheelchair accessible?
A: Generally yes, but confirm specific needs with gallery staff.

Q: Are ticket discounts available?
A: Yes, for children and students—check the official website for details.

Q: Is the gallery open during renovations?
A: The gallery is periodically closed for seismic reinforcement—check the official website for reopening information.

Summary and Recommendations

The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery uniquely captures Japan’s dramatic shift from feudalism to modernity. Its art collection—divided between traditional Nihonga and Western Yōga styles—vividly documents the Meiji era’s political and cultural milestones. The building itself, with its fusion of architectural styles, stands as a monument to the nation’s evolving identity.

Currently undergoing seismic reinforcement to preserve its legacy, the gallery remains a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. Enhance your visit by exploring adjacent sites like Meiji Jingu Shrine and the ginkgo-lined boulevards of Gaien park.

For real-time updates, special events, and guided tours, consult the official Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery website.

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