Tokyo National Museum
Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest national museum and one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Established in 1872, its origins date to an exhibition held at the Yushima Seidō Confucian temple in Tokyo. The museum moved to its present location in 1882, occupying land previously associated with Kan’ei-ji Temple.
The museum houses approximately 120,000 objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Its extensive collections cover Japanese history, archaeology and art, alongside significant cultural artefacts from other Asian countries. Exhibits include Buddhist sculptures, samurai armour, swords, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy and traditional textiles.
The museum complex consists of several buildings, each concentrating on different aspects of history and culture. The main building, known as the Honkan or Japanese Gallery, opened in 1938 after its predecessor suffered severe damage during the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923. Its galleries trace the development of Japanese art from prehistoric times through the Edo period.
The Toyokan houses Asian art and archaeological collections, while the Heiseikan displays prehistoric Japanese artefacts and hosts temporary exhibitions. The Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures contains important Buddhist objects dating primarily from the seventh and eighth centuries.
Among the museum’s highlights are intricately decorated samurai armour, historic Japanese swords, ancient pottery and religious sculptures. These objects demonstrate changes in craftsmanship, religious beliefs and artistic traditions over many centuries.
How to Get There
The Tokyo National Museum is located at the northern end of Ueno Park in Tokyo and is easily reached by public transport.
The most convenient option is to take a JR train to Ueno Station and leave through the Park Exit. From here, walk approximately 10 minutes (500 metres) through Ueno Park towards the museum’s main entrance.
Opening Times
The museum is generally closed on Mondays. When Monday falls on a Japanese public holiday, the museum usually opens and closes the following day instead. Additional closures occur during the year-end holiday period and occasionally for maintenance. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, the museum is open 9:30am to 5:00 pm. Friday and Saturday it is open from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.
The coast of entry (September 2026) is ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for university students and free for visitors under 18 or aged 70 and over. Special exhibitions may require additional tickets.
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