Tokyo’s National Museum is the oldest and largest of the country’s top-level national museums and features one of the largest and best collections of art and archaeological artefacts in Japan.
The collections consist of over 114,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures and over 600 important cultural items.
About 4,000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display at any given time. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly and good English information and audio guides are available.
There is a gift shop where mementos and gifts can be bought and there are several restaurants where visitors can enjoy a snack or a meal.
Getting There: The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a 5-10 minute walk from Ueno Station.
Admission Fee:
- Permanent exhibition: 1000 yen
- Special exhibitions: typically 1000-1500 yen
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays.
Opening Hours:
- 9:30 to 17:00 (until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
- Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
- Special exhibitions may have different opening hours. 9:30 to 17:00 (until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Importance Rating: 7/10.
Busyness Rating: 6/10.
Top Tips:
- Exhibits of samurai armor and weaponry
- The six exhibition halls on the museum grounds
- Enjoying tea in one of the many teahouses, if you're lucky
