5 Best Public Art Installations in Tokyo to See in 2025
Tokyo is a city that never stops surprising you. Every neighborhood has a unique vibe, and there’s always something new to explore. Even after years of living here, you will still find hidden gems in unexpected places. This is especially true for Tokyo’s public art scene. Art installations are scattered across the city; some are impossible to miss, while others blend into the urban landscape, waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years, these are the best public art installations in Tokyo that you should not miss in 2025.
Maman: The Giant Spider of Roppongi Hills
Some public art pieces are impossible to overlook, and Maman is one of them. This enormous bronze spider sculpture, standing over nine meters tall, dominates the entrance of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Created by the late French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, Maman is a tribute to the artist’s mother, who worked in tapestry restoration. Bourgeois described her as a weaver, just like a spider. The sculpture’s long, spindly legs make it an unforgettable sight against the backdrop of high-end shops and restaurants. Whether you pass by it every day or see it for the first time, taking a closer look at this masterpiece will reveal intricate details that make it even more fascinating. For more insights on this art piece, visit the official website here.
Big Cat Bang: A Cosmic Creation at Ginza Six
Ginza is best known for luxury shopping, but it is also home to incredible public art. Inside the Ginza Six shopping complex, a massive art installation is suspended in the atrium, changing periodically to bring fresh energy to the space. The latest piece, Big Cat Bang, is the work of contemporary Japanese artist Kenji Yanobe. Inspired by the Ship’s Cat series, this floating sculpture represents good fortune for travelers and explorers. The piece envisions the atrium as a vast universe filled with space-traveling felines, with Earth as just one of many celestial bodies. At the center of the artwork is a floating ship that pays tribute to the Tower of the Sun, the legendary sculpture by Taro Okamoto from Expo ’70. With its futuristic design and playful symbolism, Big Cat Bang is a must-see for art lovers visiting Ginza in 2025.
Work 2012: A Thought-Provoking Sculpture in Tennōzu Isle
Some public art installations transport you to dreamlike worlds while others force you to take a hard look at reality. Work 2012 by renowned artist Kimiyo Mishima does exactly that. Located in Tennōzu Isle, this oversized trash can sculpture looks incredibly realistic at first glance. Inside, you’ll recognize familiar brands like Coca-Cola and Asahi, appearing as if they’ve been casually thrown away. However, none of it is real garbage. Every piece is carefully sculpted from ceramics and silkscreened with detailed prints to create a striking illusion. This work challenges viewers to reflect on modern consumption habits and the wastefulness of consumer culture. With its lifelike details and deeper message, Work 2012 is an eye-catching and thought-provoking piece worth visiting. For more insight on the artist, visit their official website here.
Universe of Fire Particles Falling from the Sky: Interactive Digital Art in Toyosu
Digital art lovers won’t want to miss teamLab’s Universe of Fire Particles Falling from the Sky, a stunning installation located outside teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu. Unlike most public art, this piece is not static; it is a constantly shifting display of flames illuminating a towering pillar. The magic doesn’t stop at just looking; the installation reacts to your presence. By stepping into the space around the pillar, you create a dark silhouette that alters the fire’s movement. You can also use the TeamLab FIRE app to generate a flame on your smartphone screen, making it feel like you’re carrying a piece of the artwork with you. Even more fascinating, you can pass your flame to someone else by bringing your phone close to theirs. The artwork continuously evolves as visitors interact with it, making each experience unique. If you love digital art, this installation is a must-see in 2025.
Cloud: A Dreamlike Vision in Kasumigaseki
In the business district of Kasumigaseki, amidst towering office buildings, you will find a mesmerizing piece of public art called Cloud by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich. The artwork captures the fleeting beauty of clouds and preserves it within a glass case, allowing everyone to admire it up close. Made from layers of ceramic ink-stained glass, the installation creates an optical illusion, making the cloud appear soft and weightless. While stunning in daylight, Cloud transforms at night when LED lights illuminate it from within, enhancing its ethereal quality. This peaceful and poetic artwork stands in contrast to the busy corporate surroundings, offering a quiet moment of reflection in the middle of the city.
Explore Tokyo’s Best Public Art Installations
Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends creativity with urban life, and its public art installations reflect this dynamic spirit. Whether it is a giant spider in Roppongi, a surreal floating cat in Ginza, or an interactive digital flame in Toyosu, these pieces add a layer of wonder to the city’s landscape. They turn everyday spaces into cultural experiences and offer new perspectives on art and society. If you are looking to experience the best public art installations in Tokyo, make sure to add these must-see works to your 2025 bucket list.