Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Although this museum hosts art exhibitions (eg Meissen porcelain or pottery by important Japanese artists), its appeal lies principally in the building itself – it’s an art deco structure built in 1933, designed by French architect Henri Rapin. The interior details remain alluring, including etched tile trim, light fixtures sculpted to look like peaches and pumpkins, and the ‘perfume fountain’, sort of an early aromatherapy device. The house was originally home to Prince Asaka-no-miya (1887–1981), Emperor Hirohito’s uncle, who was pardoned for his part in the Nanjing Massacre. It became a museum in 1983. It sits in the southwest corner of the Shizen Kyōiku-en (separate entrance and admission).