Tokyo National Museum
13-9 Uenokoen, Taito, Taito, Kanto, 110-8712
Boasting a collection of over 100,000 items, the Tokyo National Museum is one of Japan’s oldest and largest museums. You’ll find a huge number of Japanese artifacts and artworks, plus a substantial collection of items from across the Asian continent. The collection spans ancient times to the 19th century, and includes Buddhist statues, ceramics, weapons, masks, and masterpieces by Japanese artist Kuroda Seiki.
The basics
On the landscaped grounds of Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum offers a complete look at arts, crafts, and objects from Japan. From ancient pottery dating back 5,000 years to a fascinating selection of samurai swords and armor, the exhibitions will help deepen your understanding of Japanese life through the ages. The museum makes a good complement to other Tokyo cultural activities, such as foodie tours and geisha performances.
The main gallery—known as the Honkan—houses the majority of the most interesting items, though the additional Horyuji Treasures gallery, devoted to Buddhist artifacts, is also well worth a visit. For a more detailed understanding of the items on display, you can book a private guided tour of the museum.
Things to know before you go
- Entry to the museum is via paid ticket. Entry is free for people under 18 or over 70.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- There is a café, two restaurants, and a souvenir shop.
- With plenty to see here, the museum is a good rainy day activity.
How to get there
The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a 5-minute walk from Ueno station, which is served by the metro and JR train line. There is limited car parking available at the station.
When to get there
The museum is busiest on weekends—so visit during the week for a quieter experience. It’s usually closed on Mondays as well as year-end holidays, but the weekly schedule changes when other holidays fall on a Monday, so check the website in advance. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Explore Ueno Park
Ueno Park is Tokyo’s "museum quarter," home to the National Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, Museum of Western Art, Ueno Zoo, and more. Apart from these cultural sights, the park itself is also worth exploring, offering a pretty lake and paths lined with cherry trees. It’s one of the most popular parks in Japan to visit during hanami, the cherry blossom festival in the spring.
Ways to explore
The Tokyo National Museum’s exhibitions will help deepen your understanding of Japanese life through the ages, featuring a wide array of items, from ancient pottery to a fascinating selection of samurai swords and armor.
The main gallery (Honkan) houses the majority of the most interesting pieces, though the additional Horyuji Treasures gallery, devoted to Buddhist artifacts, is also well worth a visit. Private tours of the museum can help you navigate the vast collection and will provide crucial context and insight. The museum is a good complement to other Tokyo cultural activities, such as foodie tours.
Accessibility
The Tokyo National Museum is fully wheelchair-accessible. Disabled visitors and one carer also get free entry. Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available for loan. Service dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sketching in pencil is encouraged in the galleries, so bring along some paper to unleash your creative spirit.
What to wear
Wear layers that you can shed during your visit, as areas of the museum can differ in temperature.
Not allowed
Photography in some areas, ink-based apparatus for sketching, touching artifacts; strollers may need to be stored at busy times
Amenities
Wi-Fi, restrooms, gift shop, café, baby-changing facilities, nursing rooms
Address
The Tokyo National Museum is within Ueno Park, where many museums are located. The museum doesn’t have dedicated parking, but it is easy to access via public transportation.
Driving
From Shinjuku, enter the Shuto Expressway network, likely via the Shinjuku Route. Drive northeast toward Ueno, exiting near Taitō ward and follow signs to Ueno Park.
Public transportation
The Tokyo National Museum is a 5-minute walk from Ueno station, which is served by the metro and JR train line.
Best times to visit
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing, but put aside at least 1.5–2 hours to see the sprawling collection.
Best days to visit
The Tokyo National Museum is closed on Mondays or Tuesdays if a public holiday falls on a Monday.
Best months to visit
Fall is the perfect time to visit the Tokyo National Museum—cooler weather is ideal for indoor explorations, and the foliage should be tinted orange.
Special events
The museum is in Ueno Park, one of the prime places to enjoy the cherry blossom-viewing festival in spring.
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