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See & do · Museums

Tokyo National Museum

Ueno
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Stately museum complex devoted to the art & antiquities of Japan, as well as other Asian countries.via Google

Houses the world's largest collection of Japanese art and antiquities, including ancient pottery, samurai swords, and exquisite kimonos.

Good to know
Located in Ueno Park. Allow at least half a day to explore the multiple gallery buildings. €

Reviews from Google

Dylan Eder2 weeks ago
A fascinating journey through history, perfect for collectors! While visiting Japan, it was only natural for us to visit the Tokyo National Museum! What can I say ? History buffs, and especially anyone interested in Asian history in general, will be absolutely thrilled ! The artifacts on display are genuine and very well explained. Anyone can understand and enjoy the exhibits without any difficulty at all ! The visit can take more or less time depending on how closely you analyze everything, so make sure to plan for a full morning or afternoon. Also, there are commemorative stamps available inside, so collectors, don't forget to bring your stamp books ! Would love to go back again ! Two French friends and tourists 🇫🇷
angelfisher4 months ago
Give yourself enough time to enjoy this museum. Your admission fee gets you into several buildings worth of wonderful art, including cultural treasures of Japan, an archaeology collection, and a collection of Asian art beyond Japan. Beyond that, the grounds are beautiful, including a reflecting pool, teahouses, and outdoor sculptures in the Japanese garden behind the building. You are allowed to take photos of most art, except for a limited number of sensitive artifacts that are clearly marked. There are many interpretive signs in English that give helpful context about the art. Because the admission fee is reasonable and this museum is located near Ueno Park, Yanaka Cemetery and other popular attractions, it is a convenient place to stop as a first-time Tokyo visitor. Save a little time for the gift shop as well, especially if you like art books.
Dwi Apriany3 months ago
I visited the Tokyo National Museum in January 2025, and it was one of the most impressive museums I’ve ever explored. Located in Ueno Park, the museum complex is very huge and filled with an incredible range of collections. I really enjoyed exploring the exhibits, which cover Japanese history from ancient times to the modern era. One of the highlights for me was the collection of kimono—some of them were truly luxurious, especially those once worn by royalty. The museum is quite large, and I spent more than two hours there, but honestly, it still didn’t feel like enough time. There is just so much to see. Thankfully, there are rest areas where you can sit, have a drink, or grab a light snack, which makes the visit more comfortable. The information provided for each collection is very detailed and informative. If you enjoy reading and learning, you could easily spend much longer here just going through the descriptions and understanding the historical context. The museum also hosts special thematic exhibitions, which require a separate ticket. I didn’t explore those this time, but they looked interesting and worth checking out. Overall, I would definitely love to come back on my next visit to Tokyo. There’s still so much more to explore, and it’s a perfect place to deepen your understanding of Japan’s history and culture.
Ashley4 months ago
Large museum with plenty of exhibits of Japanese art. It is dated inside, although some areas are currently closed. I’m hoping for refurbishment as the Museum does need updating. The art deco touches to the main stair case and the three small rooms above the entrance were the highlight for me. All explanations in Japanese/ Chinese/ Korean and English which was very helpful. There are three buildings that your ticket gains entry to, but only 2 were open on my visit day. There is a tea room in the garden behind the main building, go here for a traditional matcha in a tatami mat room. It’s cold but blankets are provided and service was fast.
Vitamin K4 months ago
I visited the Tokyo National Museum and found it to be highly informative and well-organized. The museum is very large, with extensive exhibition spaces showcasing Japan’s rich history, art, and culture across different periods. The facilities are excellent, including clear signage, comfortable rest areas, and well-maintained amenities, which made the visit pleasant and convenient. Overall, it is an impressive museum that offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitor
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