Founded in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo National Museum) stands as the oldest and largest national museum in Japan, acting as the foremost guardian of Japan’s artistic legacy and Asia’s cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Ueno Park, it houses one of the world’s most significant art collections—over 120,000 items, including 89 National Treasures and more than 650 Important Cultural Properties.

Note: Due to the size of the collection, only about 3,000 to 4,000 items are displayed at any one time, with exhibits frequently rotating to ensure preservation and variety.

The museum complex comprises six major buildings, each specializing in distinct themes and regions:

• Honkan (Japanese Gallery) – The main building, opened in 1938, presenting Japanese art from prehistory through the 19th century, with Buddhist sculptures, samurai armor, ceramics, and painted scrolls.

• Toyokan (Asian Gallery) – Focused on masterpieces from China, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt.

• Gallery of Horyuji Treasures – Showcases sacred relics gifted from the ancient Hōryūji Temple in Nara, dating back over 1,300 years.

• Heiseikan – Specializes in Japanese archaeology and hosts large-scale special exhibitions.

• Hyokeikan – A Western-style (Baroque Revival) architectural gem used for exhibitions and cultural events.

• Kuroda Memorial Hall – Dedicated to the works of renowned modern painter Seiki Kuroda.

Among the museum’s celebrated exhibits are the Bodhisattva Fugen, the Writing Box with Yatsuhashi Bridge by Ogata Kōrin, and an array of Edo-period treasures in sculpture, lacquerware, and textiles. Behind the Honkan, a serene Japanese garden and traditional teahouses invite visitors for peaceful strolls, especially during the spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage seasons.

The museum is conveniently located inside Ueno Park.

• From JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), it’s about a 10-minute walk. You can also reach it from Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Line) or Ueno Subway Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Lines), both offering easy access to the park area.

• Visit on Friday or Saturday evenings (open until 8 PM) for a quieter experience.

• English, Chinese, and Korean audio guides are available.

• Don’t miss the seasonal garden openings and rotating special exhibitions.

• Nearby attractions include Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and National Museum of Nature and Science.

Admission Fee:

• General Admission: ¥1,000

• University Students: ¥500

• High School Students & Under: Free
  (Special exhibitions may require a separate ticket.)

Opening Time:

• Tuesday–Thursday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

• Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and during New Year holidays