Tokyo National Museum

For years, the Honkan (or Japanese Gallery) of the Tokyo National Museum was one of the country's most underachieving art institutions. The art wasn't the problem. With more than 110,000 Japanese works ranging from prehistoric clay artifacts to 20th century masterpieces, it's one of the most impressive collections of Asian art on the planet. But visitors complained that the 1930s imperial-style building was poorly lit, the signage and explanations were inadequate, and the gallery floor plans were confusing. But now, after a first-class refurbishment wrapped up in August, all that has changed. New skylights and lighting configurations have given the place...