This specialised museum was initially established to house the extensive collection of East Asian ceramics accumulated by the now-defunct Ataka trading company. Today, the riverside museum on Nakanoshima features several thousand pieces of Japanese, Chinese and Korean ceramics and pottery, including two of Japan’s designated National Treasures: a 14th-century celadon bottle and a Southern Song dynasty tea bowl.
The ceramics from each country have their respective galleries. Chinese ceramics from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties and Eastern Han to Song Dynasties are displayed in a bright, high-ceilinged space divided into two rooms, while Korean ceramics from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties are exhibited in a cosier, more intimate environment. The Rhee Byung-Chang Collection on the third floor has a selection of Korean ceramics dedicated to Korean nationals living in Japan. After perusing the museum, be sure to try the signature rose jelly (available from April to November) in the light-filled Tea Room.