The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno-koen Park is Japan’s answer to the British Museum. With its vast collection of art and archaeological objects from Japan and beyond, it’s a treasure not to be missed when visiting Tokyo.
Tokyo National Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Tokyo has no shortage of great museums and art institutions to learn about Japanese art, but if you only have time for one place, make it the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno-koen Park.
It houses the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, ranging from woodblock prints to kimonos to samurai swords and Buddhist masks - to cherry-pick just a few from its holdings of over 110,000 objects. Good English information and audio guides are available, making it a traveler-friendly institution to visit.
Tokyo National Museum - image © Florentyna Leow
Spring is a great time to visit, since the museum garden has some lovely cherry blossom views. As a bonus, they typically plan cherry-themed exhibitions to coincide with sakura season. The museum also has outdoor exhibitions, restaurants, and shops, so visitors can take a break from the endless parade of objects on display.
Another good time to visit if you’re strapped for cash is on International Museum Day, which falls on or around 18 May. Waiving its usual entry fee, the Tokyo National Museum opens its doors to the public to celebrate and encourage awareness of the role museums play in societal development. If you do go, expect crowds.
English name:
Tokyo National Museum
Japanese name:
東京国立博物館
English address:
13-9 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Japanese address:
〒110-8712 東京都台東区上野公園13-9
Opening hours:
9:30am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
Adults: 620
College students: 410
High school students and younger, and 70 years old and over: free
Nearest Transport:
Train: 10-minute walk from the Park exit of Ueno Station.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Tokyo National Museum on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-5777-8600 (NTT Hello Dial)
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Tokyo National Museum is located in Tokyo's Ueno district. See our complete list of things to do in Ueno, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
