Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is one of Japan's most significant cultural centres and the country's oldest museum. Founded in 1872, it is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history, art, and culture. Located in the scenic Ueno Park in Tokyo, the museum is home to an extensive collection of unique artefacts, artwork, and everyday objects that span thousands of years of Japanese history.

Collection of the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum houses one of the world's most extensive collections of Japanese art, featuring over 110,000 exhibits. The museum's displays are organised both thematically and chronologically, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the various cultural and historical phases of Japan's development.

The museum is home to numerous exhibits centred around the samurai, showcasing an array of swords and traditional samurai armour. The collection includes remarkable pieces and artefacts that were once used by ordinary samurai, as well as those preferred by the elite and ruling classes. The displays provide detailed explanations of the distinctions between these items and their significance in different social classes.

Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

This gallery showcases Japanese art from Antiquity to the late 19th century. The main building, Honkan, which opened in 1938, specialises in ceramics, sculpture, metalwork, and traditional Japanese painting.

Asian Gallery (Toyokan)

Designed by Yoshirō Taniguchi  and opened in 1968, the Toyokan building features masterpieces of art from all over Asia, including China, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The exhibition highlights the influence of neighbouring cultures on Japanese art.

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan)

This hall is dedicated to Japanese archaeological finds, including ritual and bronze objects that are more than 10,000 years old. The building was named in honour of Emperor Akihito's reign, which lasted from 1989 to 2019, and was built to commemorate the wedding of Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and Masako Owada.

Kuroda Memorial Hall

This building exhibits an exclusive collection of oil paintings by Kuroda Seiki, a Japanese artist who pioneered Western-style painting in Japan. The hall was designed by architect Okada Shinichirō and built in 1928, in accordance with Kuroda Seiki's last will.

Gallery of Horyuji Treasures

Yoshirō Taniguchi also designed this gallery, which was completed in 1999 and is the newest addition to the museum. It houses a collection of religious artefacts, primarily small statues and copper images, dating from the 7th to the 8th centuries. The gallery has a “digital archive” where visitors can explore the entire collection with detailed explanations in multiple languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, French, and German.

Hyokeikan

The Hyokeikan, designed in the Baroque style by the architect Katayama Tōkuma and built in 1909, is the Tokyo National Museum's oldest gallery. It is open for special exhibitions and events, offering visitors a deeper exploration of specific topics and the opportunity to view unique pieces not included in the permanent collection.

Beyond the exhibition halls, the Tokyo National Museum grounds feature a traditional Japanese-style garden, where visitors can unwind and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. The garden is generally open to the public in the spring and from late fall to early winter. The grounds also include five traditional tea houses, some of which can be reserved for tea ceremonies, haiku poems readings, and other cultural events.

How to Get to the Tokyo National Museum?

• JR Line: A 10-minute walk from either Ueno  or Uguisudani Stations.
• Tokyo Metro Line: A 15-minute walk from either Ueno or Nezu Stations.
• Keisei Line: A 15-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station.

Visiting Tips for the Tokyo National Museum

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM. - 5:00 PM.
• Friday and Saturday: Open until 8:00 PM.
• Closed on Mondays and holidays; however, if Monday is a holiday, the museum will be closed the next day instead. Before visiting the museum, make sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the season and special events. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.

Ticket Prices

• The entrance fee for adults is approximately ¥1000 per person;
• Discounts are available for students and groups, and admission is free for visitors under the age of 18 and seniors over the age of 70.

Visiting the Tokyo National Museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japan's rich history and culture. The museum has something for everyone, whether you are interested in ancient archaeological finds, samurai weapons, or stunning works of art. It is not just about viewing exhibits, but also learning the fascinating stories behind them. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply eager to explore Japanese culture, visiting the Tokyo National Museum is certain to leave a lasting impression.