About Sumida Hokusai Museum
Designed by Pritzker laureate Kazuyo Sejima, this small Sumida-ku museum focuses on the local artist Katsushika Hokusai and his most famous prints.
Founded in 2016, Sumida Hokusai Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 10 years. Today it draws approximately 230,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited artist & single-subject museums in the world. Located in Tokyo, Japan, the museum holds a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,700 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Sumida Hokusai Museum ranks #118
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #118 in our composite ranking, Sumida Hokusai Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 1 hour, planning your route through Sumida Hokusai Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆The Great Wave off Kanagawa
- ◆Thirty-six Views of Mt Fuji
- ◆Hokusai's studio reconstruction
- ◆Sejima architecture
Recognition & awards
Sumida Hokusai Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:30–17:30. Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 1 hour for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Sumida Hokusai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan at coordinates 35.6982°N, 139.7986°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Sumida Hokusai Museum
Sumida Hokusai Museum was established in 2016, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Tokyo. With 230,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Japan's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important artist & single-subject museums in the Asia region.
Other top artist & single-subject museums
If you enjoy artist & single-subject museums like Sumida Hokusai Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #20Musée RodinParis, France
- #21Van Gogh MuseumAmsterdam, Netherlands
- #22Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso Paris)Paris, France
- #53Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)Mexico City, Mexico
- #54Munch Museum (MUNCH)Oslo, Norway
More museums in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to 6 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Sumida Hokusai Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #28Tokyo National Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #81Mori Art Museum🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #82teamLab Borderless / Planets🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #119Nezu Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #209Edo-Tokyo Museum / Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Sumida Hokusai Museum?
Tue–Sun 9:30–17:30. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Sumida Hokusai Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 1 hour for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Sumida Hokusai Museum located?
Sumida Hokusai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan. The exact coordinates are 35.6982°, 139.7986°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Sumida Hokusai Museum known for?
Kazuyo Sejima's home for The Great Wave. Key highlights include The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Thirty-six Views of Mt Fuji, Hokusai's studio reconstruction. The museum holds a 4.4/5 rating from 1,700 reviews.
How many people visit Sumida Hokusai Museum each year?
Sumida Hokusai Museum receives approximately 230,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Japan.
When was Sumida Hokusai Museum founded?
Sumida Hokusai Museum was founded in 2016, making it 10 years old. It is categorised as a artist & single-subject museum in our directory.
