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Best museum destinations in Asia

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Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
The Tokyo National Museum at Ueno holds samurai swords, kimonos and Buddhist art. The National Museum of Western Art and Nezu Museum add variety. Visitors can see the Mori Art Museum and Sumida Hokusai Museum. The Ghibli Museum and teamLab Planets add anime and digital art.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery
Hiroshima
Peace Park, okonomiyaki and Miyajima ferry
8.4
The Peace Memorial Museum tells the story of the 1945 atomic bombing in this Japanese city. The Atomic Bomb Dome stands beside the river in Peace Memorial Park. Visitors can also see the Hiroshima Museum of Art and Hiroshima Castle. Miyajima island adds a famous floating torii gate nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Stroll Shukkeien Garden’s tranquil bridges and ponds
  • 🏛️ View the haunting ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome
  • 🕊️ Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Nagasaki
Peace memorials, trade history and harbor views
7.9
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park tell the story of the 1945 bombing. Dejima Island shows the old Dutch trading post. Visitors can see Glover Garden and Oura Church. The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture shows local heritage and trade with foreign countries.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Take in panoramic city views from Mount Inasa
  • 🏛️ Explore historic Glover Garden and Western mansions
  • ☮️ Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
8.6
The Hakone Open Air Museum has a Picasso pavilion and sculptures set in mountain scenery. The Pola Museum of Art shows Impressionist paintings in a forest setting. Visitors can also see the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum. Owakudani sulfur vents and hot springs add outdoor fun.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway
  • 🖼️ Explore stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • ♨️ Soak in relaxing waters of Hakone Onsen hot springs
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands looks like a lotus flower. National Gallery Singapore is housed in the old City Hall and Supreme Court. Visitors can see the National Museum of Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum. The Peranakan Museum shows local heritage and Chinese Malay culture.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
Todai ji holds a huge bronze Buddha in a giant wooden hall in this ancient capital. The Nara National Museum shows Buddhist art and temple treasures. Visitors can see Kasuga Taisha shrine and Kofuku ji Treasure Hall. Free roaming deer in Nara Park add charm.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Nagoya
Castle, car makers and miso-rich food
7.7
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology shows cars and textile machines in this industrial city. The SCMaglev and Railway Park shows bullet trains. Visitors can see the Tokugawa Art Museum and Nagoya Castle. The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium suits families and sea life fans.
Highlights:
  • 🚄 Explore SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to see futuristic trains
  • ⛩️ Marvel at the Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto sites
  • 🏯 Admire the golden shachihoko ornaments at Nagoya Castle
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art has Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool installation in this castle city. The D T Suzuki Museum offers quiet design and a reflecting pool. Visitors can see Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen garden. The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum shows local crafts and history.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
The Kyoto National Museum shows Japanese art, swords and Buddhist treasures. The Kyoto Railway Museum displays old steam locomotives and trains. Visitors can see the International Manga Museum and Nijo Castle. Temple and garden walks fill the time between museum visits in the old capital.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Takayama
Old town, morning markets and Hida beef
8.1
The Hida Folk Village displays old thatched farmhouses in a mountain setting. The Takayama Jinya is a historic government house with a long history. Visitors can see festival floats at the Yatai Kaikan hall. Sanmachi Suji streets add old wooden merchant houses and sake breweries.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Tour the Takayama Jinya, the historic Edo government house
  • 🍠 Visit the morning markets along the Miyagawa River
  • 🏮 Wander through Takayama’s preserved old town of Sanmachi Suji
Toyama
Bay sushi, glass art and Tateyama views
7.4
The Toyama Glass Art Museum, designed by Kengo Kuma, is a highlight in this Sea of Japan city. The Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design shows modern design. Visitors can see Fugan Canal Kansui Park. Gokayama village nearby adds thatched farmhouses and mountain scenery.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore Toyama Glass Art Museum's stunning displays
  • ♨️ Relax at Unazuki Onsen hot springs
  • 🗻 Traverse the scenic Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Hakone Open Air Museum and Pola Museum of Art sit in this scenic park near Tokyo. The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum near Lake Kawaguchi shows kimono art. Visitors can also see Mount Fuji museums and Izu coastal galleries. Hot springs and lake views make museum days relaxing.
Highlights:
  • 🥚 Explore volcanic vents and black eggs at Owakudani
  • ♨️ Relax in Hakone’s renowned hot spring baths
  • 🗻 Climb iconic Mount Fuji for sunrise views
Shirakawa-go
Thatched gassho farmhouses in the Hida mountains
7.6
A UNESCO village of steep thatched gassho zukuri farmhouses lies in a mountain valley. The Wada House shows how large families lived inside one house. Visitors can see the Gassho zukuri Minkaen open air museum. The Shiroyama viewpoint gives a famous view of the village.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Visit the open-air museum to explore preserved houses
  • 📸 Capture winter scenery with snow-covered village rooftops
  • 🏡 Admire the traditional gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses
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