Tokyo's Public Art: 10 Truly Captivating Works to See in 2023

From surreal sculptures to colorful street art, Tokyo offers a whole world of creativity to those simply walking its busy streets. The city itself is like a massive gallery, open to all those willing to discover it.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for an atmospheric spot for pictures or videos for Instagram or TikTok, Tokyo’s many urban art pieces offer a fantastic backdrop!

Below we introduce ten impressive public works of art located in Tokyo including sculptures, installations, street art, and murals.

10 Captivating Public Art Pieces In Tokyo

1. ‘Star’ by Tokujin Yoshioka
2. ‘Tree of Children’ by Taro Okamoto/a>
3. ‘Roots’ by Juame Plensa
4. Tokyo Brushstrokes I and II by Roy Lichtenstein
5. Nippon Television's Big Clock (‘The Giant Ghibli Clock’) by Hayao Miyazaki
6. ‘Young Clock Tower’ by Taro Okamoto
7. Shibuya Street Art by MUEBON and Alex Face
8. Design Festa Gallery/Sakura Tei Building: Works by Various Artists
9. ‘The Shamisen’ by Aryz
10. The Myth of Tomorrow’ by Taro Okamoto

Sculptures and Installations

1. ‘Star’ by Tokujin Yoshioka

The newest artwork on our list, Star was unveiled just opposite Tokyo Station in September 2022.

This massive, 10-meter-tall sculpture is made up of numerous shining stainless steel rods. These mirrored rods reflect light, causing the star to glisten and change color throughout the day.

Tokujin Yoshioka’s works frequently utilize light, and this particular piece is representative of the artist’s wish for world peace and unity.

Address: Tokyo, Chuo ward, Yaesu 2-2-1 Map

2. ‘Tree of Children’ by Taro Okamoto

One of Japan’s most influential artists, Taro Okamoto is known for his distinctive avant-garde works. Heavily involved in the surrealist movement, both the artist himself and his many paintings, sculptures, and writings seemed far ahead of their time.

Okamoto possessed a unique ability to blend the fun, whimsical, ridiculous, macabre, and unsettling all into one piece. The Tree of Children (or ‘Kodomo no Ki’) is definitely one of the artist’s more lighthearted works. This surreal sculpture takes the form of a towering tree, with the colorful faces of children peering out from its branches.

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya ward, Jingumae 5-53-1 Map

3. ‘Roots’ by Juame Plensa

Within the Toranomon Hills complex sits a colossal figure, seemingly watching over the area. The 10-meter tall, stainless steel form may appear somewhat unnerving, but this symbolic sculpture conveys a positive message.

The mysterious and captivating Roots was originally created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa in 2014, and commissioned by the Mori Art Museum.

If you look closely you’ll see that the sculpture is made up of characters from multiple different languages, woven together to form the humanoid figure. Plensa’s work is intended to represent the bonds that tie all of humanity together, as well as the unity of global culture.

Address: Tokyo, Minato ward, Toranomon 1-2-3 Map

4. Tokyo Brushstrokes I and II by Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein was one of the world’s most influential and recognizable pop artists, and his works played a huge part in shaping the pop art movement as a whole.

Defining elements of Lichtenstein’s works included his use of bold primary colors, references to comic books, and frequent use of Ben Day dots.

Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo Brushstrokes I features many of the hallmarks of Lichtenstein’s art, such as bright colors and Ben Day dots. This unique sculpture captures the movement and flow of life in one of the world’s most energetic and dynamic cities.

Just a few meters away from Tokyo Brushstrokes I is Tokyo Brushstrokes II. Though somewhat smaller than the towering Tokyo Brushstrokes I, this sculpture appears to have an increased sense of movement to it.

The sweeping brushstroke shapes that make up this lively sculpture give off a truly cartoonish and energetic vibe that can be seen as symbolizing Tokyo, as well as being defining features of Lichtenstein’s art as a whole.

Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku ward, Nishi-Shinjuku 6-3 Map

Clock Monuments

5. Nippon Television's Big Clock (‘The Giant Ghibli Clock’) by Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki, one of the founders of Studio Ghibli and creator of iconic films such as Nausicaa, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, is considered to be one of the most creative and influential minds in animation history.

Those wanting to escape into Ghibli’s magical world will be captivated by the fantastical clock mounted on the side of the Nippon Television headquarters in Shimbashi.

Designed by Miyazaki himself and built by sculptor Kunio Shachimaru, the steampunk-esque clock looks as though it came right out of a scene from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ or ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky.’

The colossal clock is 10 meters high and 18 meters wide, and weighs a massive 28 tons!

The sheer amount of detail on this clock is incredible. It’s mounted with turrets, has intricately decorated claws, features mechanical gears, and is populated with figurines. The clock comes to life at 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 on weekdays, and at 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 on weekends. During the 3-minute shows, the mechanical puppets move around busily announcing the time.

There’s a lively, animated quality to the work, and it almost looks as though it could step right out of the wall and walk away at any moment, perhaps returning to the fantastical land where it came from.

Address: Tokyo, Minato ward, Higashi-Shimbashi 1-6-1 Map

6. ‘Young Clock Tower’ by Taro Okamoto

Hidden within a tiny park located in Tokyo’s classy Ginza area is the massive Young Clock Tower.

One of Taro Okamoto’s bizarre, unearthly creatures, the otherworldly clock has an innocent, wide-eyed face and tentacles reaching outwards and towards the sky.

The surreal structure takes on a wholly different atmosphere at night when it is lit up; as darkness falls it suddenly gains unearthly glowing eyes and neon-backlit tentacles.

Somewhat reminiscent of Okamoto’s famed Tower of the Sun in Osaka, this is definitely a spot to visit for fans of the artist’s unique surrealist works.

Address: Tokyo, Chuo ward, Ginza 5-1-1 Map

Street Art

7. Shibuya Street Art by MUEBON and Alex Face

Bangkok street art legends and frequent collaborators Alex Face and MUEBON are both known for their bold, bright, and distinctive works, which feature unique and cartoonish characters. Both artists have been active in Tokyo in the past, but due to the ever-changing nature of street art, some of their works are no longer around.

However, hidden down a backstreet in one of Shibuya’s trendiest areas, you can still find one of the duo’s most memorable collaborative works.

The surreal mural on the side of the Park Building features a Furby-like bird creature, holding a spray can. Under the window, you can also find one of Alex Face’s iconic baby-faced characters, originally inspired by his daughter.

The work is located right next to the highly photogenic pop-art-esque Flamingo cafe and bar, as well as being directly opposite Bar Rockaholic, a favorite spot among rock and metal music enthusiasts. Both are highly recommended!

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya ward, Udagawa-cho 10-1 Map

*Note: the artwork is on the back face of the building. It may be easier to find it by heading to Flamingo (located directly facing the work). Flamingo’s address is as follows: Tokyo, Shibuya ward, Udagawa-cho 10-2

8. Design Festa Gallery/Sakura Tei Building: Works by Various Artists

In Tokyo’s colorful and fashionable Harajuku area you’ll find the Design Festa Gallery, a lively and fun modern gallery that offers a unique space to all kinds of artists. Adjoining the gallery is the Sakura-tei, a trendy, artsy okonomiyaki restaurant.

The art is not only limited to the inside of the gallery, however, as the exterior walls of the Design Festa Gallery and Sakura-tei are works of art in themselves.

The buildings, as well as the many tiny alleyways running alongside and between them, are literally covered with vibrant street art, making the gallery a fantastic photo spot!

The majority of the current artworks feature colorful, cartoonish characters, which fit really well with the overall vibe of Harajuku. Many of these murals are heavily inspired by manga and anime.

The works change periodically, and as of 2022 you can find works by multiple artists, including amann_inkspiration, Fly-chan, and co_no2162.

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya ward, Jingumae 3-20-1 Map

9. ‘The Shamisen’ by Aryz

Located in the Tennozu Isle area of Shinagawa, this massive artwork literally occupies the entire face of a high-rise building.

Tennozu Isle has recently been redeveloped as a notable art district, and the beautiful and colorful Shamisen player is one of the area’s most eye-catching public art pieces. Created by famed Spanish street artist Aryz, this breathtaking piece is sure to leave an impression.

Address: Tokyo, Shinagawa ward, Higashi-Shinagawa 2-6-10 Map

Indoor Murals

10. ‘The Myth of Tomorrow’ by Taro Okamoto

Perhaps Taro Okamoto‘s most famous work in Tokyo is his expansive mural located in Shibuya Station, The Myth of Tomorrow. Sometimes compared to Picasso’s Guernica, Okamoto’s deceptively colorful work conveys a dark message, alluding to the horrors of nuclear warfare.

The mural has an interesting history: originally commissioned for the lobby of the Hotel de Mexico in the 1960s, it was lost for over three decades after the hotel was forced to declare bankruptcy.

It was eventually rediscovered and returned to Japan with the help of Okamoto’s partner, Toshiko. It has remained here since, serving as a reminder to those passing through Shibuya Station of the cost of war.

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya ward, Dogenzaka 1-12-12 Map

Explore Another Side of Tokyo By Visiting the City's Public Artworks

Whether you’re captivated by artists like Okamoto and Lichtenstein or looking for the perfect photo spot, these fascinating urban art pieces can help you feel the lively and unique atmosphere of Tokyo—a dynamic and ever-changing city with no shortage of surprises.