The National Art Center, Tokyo
- Nov 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 12
A complete guide to visiting the National Art Center in Tokyo, famous for the cafe that was featured in the 2016 anime film 'Your Name'
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Table of Contents
Overview
The National Art Centre is a stunning architectural masterpiece in Tokyo's Roppongi district. It's one of the largest galleries in Japan, and offers a wide range of temporary exhibitions in 12 different rooms that are spread across 3 floors. It also features two cafes, one cafeteria, and a French fine dining restaurant. The cafe on the 2nd floor was featured in the 2016 anime film Your Name, and is a lovely spot to take some photos and grab some coffee.
The National Arts Centre offers a wide range of free and paid exhibitions, featuring everything from old and traditional art to modern and contemporary art. The centre's greatest art piece is often said to be the building itself, featuring a massive wave-like glass wall, large conical platforms, and a spacious sunlit interior. The building was designed by world-famous architect Kisho Kurokawa, who also designed the well-known Nakagin Capsule Tower in 1972.
Location & Access
Image Source: nact.jp
The National Art Center is located in Roppongi. It's easy to access and directly connected to Nogizaka Station, and only a 7-minute walk from Roppongi Station. It's one of three galleries that form Roppongi's "Art Triangle" which also includes the Suntory Museum of Art and the Mori Art Museum. All of these museums are within walking distance of each other
🕗 Opening Hours
10am - 6pm: Sunday to Thursday
10am - 8pm: Friday & Saturday
Closed every Tuesday
📍 Location
Roppongi (Google Maps)
💴 Entry Price
Free: General area and select exhibitions
¥1000 - ¥2500: Special exhibitions vary in price, discounts are available for students
Interesting Facts & History
12 Exhibition rooms.
The 3rd floor features an art library with a wide range of interesting books.
The gallery is closed every Tuesday in order to clean the huge glass facade.
Unlike most national art museums, it has no permanent collection.
The building was designed by legendary architect Kisho Kurokawa, who also designed the well-known Nakagin Capsule Tower in 1972.
Completed in 2007, it was Kurokawa's final masterpiece. He passed away shortly after its opening, at the age of 73.
Forms part of Roppongi's "Art Triangle" along with the Suntory Museum of Art and the Mori Art Museum, all within walking distance of each other.
The cafe on the 2nd floor was featured in the 2016 anime film Your Name.
Useful Links
Image Source: nact.jp
Nearby Attractions
Roppongi is a beautiful area filled with awesome art galleries, beautiful architecture, and gorgeous luxury hotels. The National Art Center is within walking distance to many attractions, including the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Tower, and the incredible TeamLab Borderless digital exhibition. You could easily spend a few days exploring everything Roppongi has to offer.
