Tokyo National Museum

Museum

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Museum

N/A

0 reviews

English Staff Restaurant Train Access Cafe Vegetarian

About This Destination

Japan's oldest and largest national museum with over 110,000 objects including 89 National Treasures.

The Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest national museum, established in 1872. It houses the largest collection of art and antiquities in Japan, with over 110,000 objects including 89 National Treasures. The museum complex consists of several buildings, each with distinct collections: the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) showcases Japanese art from ancient to modern times, the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) displays art from across Asia, and the Heiseikan hosts special exhibitions and archaeological artifacts. Located in Ueno Park, the museum is easily accessible from Ueno Station. Plan at least 2-3 hours for a visit, and check for special exhibitions which are often world-class. Audio guides are available in English.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Ueno Station

View on Google Maps

Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: On-site restaurant and cafe within the museum grounds.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Tokyo National Museum?

From JR Ueno Station's Park Exit (公園口), walk north 10 minutes through Ueno Park — the museum is at the park's far end. From Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, exit 7. From Ueno-Hirokoji Station (Ginza Line), 10 min walk. Adult entry ¥1,000 (special exhibitions extra ¥1,500–2,500). Open 9:30–17:00 (until 21:00 on Friday/Saturday in summer); closed Mondays. Allow 3 hours minimum for the main collection.

What are the must-see National Treasures?

Honkan (Main Building) Room 1 has the rotating National Treasure exhibition (always 1–2 on display). Don't miss: the Heian-period Genji Monogatari Emaki picture scroll, the Kamakura-period Hyo-monji armour, the Honma Choshu painting screens, and the haniwa terracotta warrior figures. The Hokokan in Heiseikan houses prehistoric artifacts. Special exhibitions in spring and autumn often display National Treasures from across Japan loaned for limited periods — check tnm.jp for current exhibits.

What's the best route through the museum?

Start with Honkan (Main Building, 24 rooms over 2 floors) for the full sweep of Japanese art — chronological from prehistoric pottery (1F) to Edo-period painting and tea-ceremony objects (2F). Allow 2 hours. Then visit Toyokan for Asian art (1.5 hours), or Heiseikan for special exhibitions if interested. The Kuroda Memorial Hall (free, separate building) has Western-style Japanese paintings. The Hyokeikan (free, special openings only) has the elegant Western-style 1909 architecture.

Is it worth combining with Ueno Park's other museums?

Absolutely. Ueno Park is one of the world's densest museum clusters: National Museum of Western Art (¥500, Le Corbusier UNESCO building), National Museum of Nature and Science (¥630, dinosaurs), Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (free for permanent), Shitamachi Museum (¥300, Edo-period life). Buy the Ueno Welcome Passport (¥2,200) for entry to 8 attractions. A serious museum lover can spend two days here; standard tour is half-day for TNM + 1–2 others.