Visiting the Tokyo National Museum
Planning a trip to Tokyo? Don't miss a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, home to an exceptional collection of Japanese cultural treasures. The museum truly offers something for every taste.
Planning a trip to Tokyo? Don't miss a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, home to an exceptional collection of Japanese cultural treasures.
The museum is truly remarkably diverse, spanning from Buddhist sculptures to Japanese woodblock prints, and encompassing periods from the Neolithic era through the age of the Shoguns.
Furthermore, the museum explains the techniques behind creating Japanese woodblock prints (there's even a hands-on workshop where you can create your own print!), as well as traditional wood carving methods.
In the museum's Treasures of the Tokyo Museum wing, you'll discover a superb collection of sculptures:
Frequently asked questions
The Tokyo National Museum is generally open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on select Fridays and Saturdays). It is closed on Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday) and during year-end festivities. Check the official website before your visit, as hours may vary depending on temporary exhibitions.
General admission for the permanent collections is approximately ¥1,000 for adults. Reduced rates are available for students and groups. Children under 18 and seniors aged 70 and above enter free of charge. Additional fees may apply for special temporary exhibitions.
The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park in the Taito ward. The nearest station is Ueno, served by the Ginza and Hibiya metro lines as well as JR trains. From the station, allow approximately 10 minutes on foot through Ueno Park.
For a complete tour of the permanent collections, plan for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. If you also wish to explore the temporary exhibitions or participate in a workshop (such as the Japanese woodblock print workshop), set aside a full half day.
The Tokyo National Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Japanese art: Buddhist sculptures, Japanese woodblock prints, artifacts from the age of the Shoguns, objects from the Japanese Neolithic period, and much more. The museum also offers a workshop where you can create your own Japanese woodblock print—an experience highly appreciated by visitors.
