If you are interested in Japanese history and the role of architecture in understanding different periods, this museum is a must-see. The concept is quite unique as the museum is actually outdoors, and it’s located right in the magnificent Koganei park, which feels kilometers away from Tokyo, even though it’s still in the city. The museum has been relocating and reconstructing buildings in accordance with the requirements for preservation and salvaging the few architectural remains that were spared from fires, earthquakes, floods and warfare throughout the course of Japanese history. All the buildings are characteristic to different historical periods, and a handful are built by famous Japanese architects. Most of the buildings exhibited are from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and more recent times, and include among others, a politician’s elegant former residence, a farmhouse, a photo studio, a public bathhouse, various shops, restaurants and a police box. You can enter all the houses and shops if you’re patient enough to take slipping in and out of your shoes each time. You can tour the houses and make yourself at home, pretending to cook in the kitchen or sit on the sofas and chairs. Our favorite house was a simple wooden house from the Edo period, which presented gorgeous tatami floors and sliding doors. How Much: ¥200-¥400 Address: Koganei Park, 3-7-1 Sakurachō, Koganei-shi Website: tatemonoen.jp/english/ Tel: 03-5379-5668

The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama is an interactive experience where visitors can learn about instant ramen, its history, and how it's made. Explore founder Momofuku Ando's creative thinking as he conceived both the concept and the practical details of the cup noodles we know and love today. Activities included designing your own instant ramen cup in the My CupNoodles Factory, making chicken-flavored instant ramen from scratch in the Chicken Ramen Factory, playing in Cupnoodles Park, an athletic facility that allows kids to imagine they're a noodle in a factory, and much, much more. Image: CEFICEFI via Wikimedia Commons under CC How Much: ¥500 admission fee, extra fees for attractions inside Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama Website: cupnoodles-museum.jp Tel: 045-345-0918

Nestled in between about 20 hot springs in Hakone, Okada Museum of Art opened in 2013 and exhibits predominantly Japanese, Korean, and Chinese works of art from ancient times to the modern era. The building has five floors and the surrounding gardens are extensive, offering visitors a chance to explore tranquil surroundings among trees and streams after their visit. Tired toes can also find respite here as footbaths line the front of the building, offering unrivaled views of a huge panel mural of a Wind God and a Thunder God. Address: 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Website: www.okada-museum.com/en Tel: 0460-87-3931

The Seikado Bunko Art Museum houses a collection of approximately 6,500 works of art, mostly dedicated to Japanese swords, tea ceremony tools, wood carvings, and Chinese and Japanese paintings and calligraphy. Exhibitions are held year-round, predominately featuring classic Japanese art and historical artifacts. In the same location, Seikado Bunko Library houses over 200,000 books from the Iwasaki family's private collection.   Image: Wiii via Wikimedia Commons, under CC Address: 2-23-1, Okamoto, Setagaya-ku Website: www.seikado.or.jp Tel: 03-5777-8600

Address: 4-28-1 Haramachida, Machida-shi Website: hanga-museum.jp Tel: 042-726-2771

Address: 6-11-14 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Website: www.3331.jp 

Address: 2-14-2 Suido, Bunkyo-ku Website: www.waitingroom.jp Tel: 03-3476-1010

IMA is a 500m2 concept store with the tagline "living with photographers." The space welcomes the works of many celebrated photographers and artists from around the world. Exhibitors conduct workshops and events. There are sections dedicated to books, rare books, shopping, food, and art. How much: Free Address: 5-17-1 Roppongi Website: www.imaonline.jp

Bunkamura's art spaces host upwards of 30 exhibitions a year. The aim is to expose people to art, inspiring and instilling a profound appreciation. Recent museum exhibits have included work by Chagall, Kandinsky, Arcimboldo, and Klee. In the galleries, an annual Art Bazaar takes place that has featured work by Yayoi Kusama, Kazuo Chiba, and other talents. This space also has an art-house cinema, theatre spaces, boutiques, and restaurants. Address: 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku Website: www.bunkamura.co

Inaugurated in 2011, the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo is located in the center of Omotesando. Designed by Japanese architect Jun Aoki, the Espace lies in a glass box on the top floor of the Louis Vuitton building. The Espace is both visually stimulating architecture and an exhibition space that seeks to foster and celebrate contemporary creativity. Past exhibits have featured work by Dan Flavin, Mariko Mori, and Ernesto Neto. The exhibit on display is constantly changing, so be sure to check their website before visiting. Address: 5−7−5 Jingumae Website: www.espacelouisvuittontokyo.com Tel: 03-5766-1094

Address: 6-1-23 Yanaka Website: www.scaithebathhouse.com

Prepare to rock and roll all night and party every day: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is coming to Tokyo. The Cleveland, Ohio-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has…