Discovering Japan? Then be sure to visit Tokyo’s fantastic National Museum, the country’s largest art collection!
Inaugurated in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest and largest museum. It houses comprehensive collections of works of art and archaeological artifacts from Japan, as well as from other East Asian countries. You’ll find it inside Ueno Park in Taitō Ward, northeast of Tokyo.
Would you like to visit the Tokyo National Museum? In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of your visit. From tips, history and practical information to prices and opening hours, you’ll find everything you need to plan and enjoy your visit!
History of the Tokyo National Museum
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The Tokyo National Museum was founded in 1872 with the hosting of the first exhibition of the Ministry of Education Museum at the Taiseiden Pavilion. This exhibition featured imperial works of art and scientific specimens. It served to prepare a Japanese exhibition for the 1873 World Exhibition in Vienna. After this first event, the museum was first moved to Uchiyamashita-cho (now Uchisaiwai-cho), before moving to Ueno Park in 1882. It has remained there ever since.
Since its establishment, the Tokyo National Museum has suffered several major disasters. The Kanto earthquake of 1923 destroyed the main building and damaged some of the collections. The current main building dates back to 1938. The museum also suffered temporary closures during the Second World War. Since then, it has remained peaceful and offers visitors an impressive cultural stopover!
Our tips for visiting the Tokyo National Museum
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Are you about to arrive in the Japanese capital and want to organize your discoveries? We understand perfectly, time is precious! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to this must-see museum.
The best time to visit the Tokyo National Museum
First of all, it’s worth noting that the visit takes at least an hour and a half. However, if you want to linger and explore each collection in depth, we recommend that you allow a good half-day. It’s worth noting that the museum is home to a number of affordable cafés and restaurants. So you’ll find it easy to grab a bite to eat on the premises.
It’s best to come in the morning and at opening time. At that time, there are very few visitors and you’ll have the place to yourself! If you have a choice of period, we obviously recommend autumn or spring, when the gardens and tea rooms are open.
If you’re planning to visit in the middle of the day, or during the summer months, then we recommend that you buy a ticket that allows you to pass through. If you buy online, the price is generally no higher than on site. And best of all, you won’t have to wait in case there’s a queue of visitors, or go through the ticket office!
Before coming to the museum
Finally, we recommend that you do a little research before you come. A visit to the Tokyo National Museum requires a minimum knowledge of Japanese history. The exhibits reflect the Japanese aesthetic, i.e. they are uncluttered in terms of staging and explanations of the works. Information is often limited to the bare minimum, such as the artist and the period.
Although the museum has audio guides, these are not available in French and are limited in number! Rest assured, you don’t need to learn the country’s history by heart. Just make sure you know a few basics, arm yourself with a brochure or opt for a guided tour if you need one.
What to see and do at the Tokyo National Museum
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The Tokyo National Museum spans several buildings and galleries. Here’s an overview of what you can discover during your visit:
Honkan
In this main building, the oldest in the complex, you’ll discover the Museum’s largest gallery: the Japan Gallery. It is dedicated to Japan and its artistic refinement from Antiquity to the Edo period in the 19th century. It offers a chronological tour tracing the evolution of Japanese art over time.
The collection features a wide range of works: kimono, armor, swords, porcelain, calligraphy, prints and more. It’s a place for contemplation, with few works per room and plenty of seating.
Heiseikan
This pavilion is also dedicated to Japanese art. However, it takes a more archaeological approach. You’ll be able to admire objects and pottery from the prehistoric Jomon and Yayoi eras, as well as from the early Kofun and Asuka eras.
Tokoyan
This gallery is dedicated to Asia. It features works of art and archaeological pieces from China, Korea, Southeast and Central Asia, as well as India and Egypt!
Horyu-ji treasure gallery
This modern pavilion houses a major part of Japan’s historical and cultural heritage. Visitors will discover over 300 treasures from antiquity. These were donated by Nara ‘s Horyu-ji Buddhist temple to the imperial family in 1878.
Hyokeikan
Inaugurated in 1909 on the occasion of the prince’s wedding, this building perfectly represents the Western architectural style of the late Meiji era. Unfortunately, it is closed except for temporary exhibitions and special events!
Tea gardens and pavilions
Behind the Honkan, you can visit charming Japanese gardens dotted with traditional teahouses. The Honkan can only be visited twice a year, in spring and autumn. It is possible to take part in a tea ceremony and poetry meetings, subject to reservation.
In and around the museum, you’ll also find a number of friendly, affordable boutiques and cafés.
How much does a ticket to the Tokyo National Museum cost?
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Here are the prices for visiting the Tokyo National Museum:
- Adults: 620 yen (€5.17)
- Students and university students: 410 yen (€3.42)
- Juniors (under 18), Seniors (over 70) and accompanied disabled persons: free of charge
Please note: access to temporary exhibitions is subject to a variable surcharge.
How do I book a ticket for the Tokyo National Museum online?
You can book your adult ticket to visit the Tokyo National Museum online. There are several sites where you can buy your tickets online and in advance. In fact, the museum recommends it for the purchase of your adult admission tickets. This way, you can avoid the queue at the ticket office and enter the museum straight away!
Are there guided tours of the Tokyo National Museum?
The museum offers audio guides for a fee in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean for regular exhibitions. The rental fee is 500 yen (€4.17).
However, we recommend that you opt for a guided tour if you can afford it. There are, for example, tours in English with a museum expert or with knowledgeable locals.
Are there combined tours with other monuments?
Some guided tours with locals allow you to put together your own itinerary. You can, of course, include the Tokyo National Museum, as well as neighboring museums and surrounding areas.
Tokyo National Museum opening hours
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- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
NOTES
– Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
– The museum closes on Mondays only, and also during the festive season: from December 26th to January 1st. If a Monday is a public holiday, the museum will be open, but will close the following day.
– Please note: opening hours and closing days may vary according to the season or for special events. If in doubt, consult the official Tokyo National Museum website. Special closing dates for the current year are indicated there.
How to get to the Tokyo National Museum
To reach the Tokyo National Museum, you can stop at the following stations:
- Ueno or Uguisudani Station with JR Line
- Ueno Station with the Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line
- Nezu Station with the Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line
- Keisei Ueno Station with the Keisei Line
Then walk 10-15 minutes to the Tokyo National Museum.
Where can I park near the Tokyo National Museum?
Do you have a car? Don’t worry, you’ll have no trouble parking near the Tokyo National Museum. Nearby, for example, you can opt for the various parking lots located at Ueno station. Expect to pay at least 300 yen (€2.5) per half-hour to park in one of these lots.
Where to stay near the Tokyo National Museum?
The Tokyo National Museum is located in the Taito district. This northeastern part of the capital is often popular with newly-arrived tourists. This district is considered more popular and traditional, with a more historical aspect than elsewhere. Busy during the day, the district calms down in the evening when the temples and stores close.
A little to the south, you can also stay in the famous Akihabara district, a geek’s paradise. Here you’ll find capsule hotels, ideal for tourists on a budget, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés and pastry shops. But above all, you’ll find plenty of manga, video game and electronics stores!
Now you know how to visit the Tokyo National Museum properly. Enjoy your trip to Japan!