Are you coming to Japan? So don’t miss visiting the fantastic Tokyo National Museum, the largest art collection in the country!
Inaugurated in 1872, the National Museum of Tokyo is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. It houses complete collections of works of art and archaeological objects of Japan, as well as other countries of East Asia. You will find it inside Ueno Park in the Taitō district, northeast of Tokyo.
Would you like to visit the National Museum of Tokyo? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Tips, history and practical information through rates and times, you will know the essentials to plan your visit and appreciate it at best!
History of the National Museum of Tokyo
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The National Museum of Tokyo was founded in 1872 with the reception of a first exhibition of the Museum of Education at the Taiseiden Pavilion. This exhibition presented works of imperial art and scientific specimens. It was used to prepare a Japanese exhibition of the Universal Exhibition of 1873 in Vienna. After this first event, the museum is first placed in Uchiyamashita-cho (today) Uchisaiwai-cho ) before being installed at Ueno Park in 1882. He's been in this place since.
Since its installation, the National Museum of Tokyo has experienced several major disasters. The Kanto earthquake of 1923 destroyed the main building and damaged some collections. The current main building dates from 1938. The museum also suffered temporary closures during the Second World War. Since then, it remains peaceful and offers an impressive cultural halt to its visitors!
Our tips to visit the National Museum of Tokyo
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Do you soon arrive in the Japanese capital and want to organize your discoveries? We understand perfectly, time is precious! To help you discover this must-see museum, here are some tips to visit this museum at best.
The best time to visit the National Museum of Tokyo
First of all, it is necessary to know that the visit takes at least an hour and a half . If you sit down and want to fully discover each of the collections, we recommend that you plan a good one half day . It is important to know that the museum houses some affordable cafés and restaurants. You can thus easily restore yourself to its enclosure.
It is thus recommended to come in the morning and at the opening . At that time, there are very few visitors and you will have the places for you! If you have the choice of the period, then you are obviously recommended in autumn or spring, when gardens and tea lounges are opened.
If you are planning to come to the heart of the day or during the summer period, then we recommend that you have one ticket cut-file . By buying online, the price is usually not higher than on site. And above all, you will not have to wait in case of a possible line of visitors or to pass through the ticket office!
Before coming to the museum
Finally, we recommend you do some research before you arrive. Indeed, the visit of the National Museum of Tokyo presupposes that we know at least the history of Japan. The exhibitions are in the image of Japanese aesthetics, that is, spurred on the stage and the explanations of the works. The information present is often summed up to the strict minimum, such as the author and the time.
If the museum has audioguide, the latter are not available in French and are in limited number! Rest assured, you do not need to learn the history of the country by heart. Just make sure you know some basics, equip yourself with a brochure or choose a guided tour if needed.
What to do and what to see at the Tokyo National Museum?
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The National Museum of Tokyo covers several buildings and galleries. Here is an overview of what you can discover during your visit:
Honkan
In this main building, the oldest in the complex, you will discover the largest gallery of the Museum: the Gallery of Japan. It is dedicated to Japan and its artistic refinement of Antiquity at the time of Edo in the 19th century. It thus offers a chronological path that retraces the evolution of Japanese art over time.
The collection thus houses various works: kimono, armor, sabre, porcelain, calligraphy, print, etc. This place invites you above all to contemplation: few works per room and many seats.
Heiseikan
This pavilion is also dedicated to Japanese art. However, it presents a more archaeological approach. You can admire objects and pottery dating from the prehistoric eras of Jomon and Yayoi, as well as the first historical eras of Kofun and Asuka.
Tokoyan
This gallery is dedicated to Asia. It exhibits works of art and archaeological pieces from China, Korea, South-East and Central Asia, but also from India and Egypt!
Horyu-ji treasure gallery
This modern pavilion houses a major part of Japan's historical and cultural heritage. Visitors will discover more than 300 treasures of Antiquity. These were offered by the Buddhist temple Horyu-ji Nara to the imperial family in 1878.
Hyokeikan
Inaugurated in 1909 during the marriage of the prince heir, this building perfectly represents the Western architectural style of the end of the Meiji era. It is unfortunately closed off temporary exhibitions and special events!
Gardens and tea pavilions
Behind the Honkan, you can visit charming Japanese gardens scattered with traditional tea houses. This place can only be visited twice a year, in spring and autumn. It is possible to participate in a tea ceremony and poetry meetings, upon reservation.
In the museum and its surroundings, you will also find several friendly shops and cafes and at affordable prices.
How much does a ticket cost to the Tokyo National Museum?
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Here are the rates to visit the National Museum of Tokyo:
- Adults : 620 yens (5,17€)
- Students and academics : 410 yens (3,42€)
- Juniors (less than 18 years old), Seniors (more than 70 years old) and persons with disabilities accompanied : free
Note : to access temporary exhibitions, you will have to pay a variable supplement.
How to book an online ticket for the National Museum of Tokyo?
You can book your adult ticket online to visit the National Museum of Tokyo. Several sites offer you to buy your tickets online and in advance. The museum also recommends that you purchase your adult entries. You will avoid the queue at the ticket office and enter the museum immediately!
Are there guided tours of the National Museum of Tokyo?
The museum offers paid audio guides 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 have the means. For example, there are visits to English with an expert from the museum or with well-informed premises.
Are there visits combined with other monuments?
Some guided tours with premises offer you to compose your own itinerary. You can obviously include the National Museum of Tokyo, as well as nearby museums or nearby places.
Schedules to the Tokyo National Museum
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- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday : 9h30 - 17H00
- Friday and Saturday : 9h30 - 21h00
A NOTE
- The last entry is made 30 minutes before closing.
- The museum only closes Mondays so on End of year holidays : from 26 December to 1 January. If a Monday is a holiday, the museum will be opened, but close the next day.
- Warning: Opening hours and closing days may vary depending on the season or for special events. In case of doubt, you can visit the official website of the National Museum of Tokyo. The exceptional closing dates for the current year are indicated.
How to go to the Tokyo National Museum?
To reach the National Museum of Tokyo, you can stop at the following stations:
- Ueno or Uguisudani Station with the JR Line
- Ueno Station with Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line
- Nezu Station with Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line
- Keisei Ueno Station with the Keisei Line
You will then have to walk 10 to 15 minutes to get to the National Museum of Tokyo.
Where to park near Tokyo National Museum?
Do you have a vehicle? No panic, you will have no trouble parking near the Tokyo National Museum. Nearby, for example, you can opt for different car parks located at the station Ueno . At least 300 yen (2.5€) per half hour to park in one of these parking spaces.
Where to stay near Tokyo National Museum?
The National Museum of Tokyo is located in the Taito district. This northeast of the capital is often appreciated by freshly arrived tourists. This neighborhood is considered more popular and traditional, with a more present historical aspect than elsewhere. Very lively on the day, the neighborhood sits in the evening at the closing of temples and shops.
A little south, you can also stay in the famous district of Akihabara, the geek paradise. There you will find hotels-capsules, ideal for tourists with a modest budget, many restaurants, cafes, pastries. But above all, you can find lots of manga shops, video games and electronics!
You now know how to visit the Tokyo National Museum in good shape. Good trip to Japan!
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