Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The museum was founded in 1872 and has a collection of over 110,000 items related to Japanese art, history, and culture, including ceramics, textiles, calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings.

The museum is divided into several exhibition halls, each focusing on a different aspect of Japanese art and history. The Honkan or the main gallery houses the museum’s permanent collection, which showcases Japanese art from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Other galleries feature temporary exhibitions of Japanese and foreign art and artifacts.

The museum also has a library and research center, which is open to scholars and researchers interested in Japanese art and culture. Visitors can also participate in workshops and lectures, where they can learn more about Japanese art and culture from experts in the field.

The Tokyo National Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese art and culture. The museum’s vast collection and knowledgeable staff provide a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

The National Museum has many famous objects in its collection, some of which are listed below.

• Jomon Human Bone – A human skeleton from the Jomon period, believed to be the oldest human skeleton in Japan.
• Itsukushima Shrine Picture Scroll – A picture scroll from the Heian period (794-1192) and a famous Japanese national treasure.
• Horyuji Kondo Murals – Buddhist murals painted in the Nara period (710-794), one of the most representative works of Buddhist art in Japan.
• Traditional Japanese Crafts – The museum houses a rich collection of traditional Japanese crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, and dyed textiles.
• Japanese Swords – Traditional weapons, the National Museum has the largest collection of Japanese swords designated as national treasures in Japan.
• Ukiyo-e: Prints from the Edo period (1603-1868), the National Museum’s collection includes works by many famous ukiyo-e artists.

These collections are representative of Japanese culture and history, and are one of the attractions of the National Museum, which attracts many tourists and researchers.

Getting there

From Tokyo Station to Tokyo National Museum:

Train	Tokyo Station ↓ Ueno-Tokyo Line ↓ 5 minutes (Nonstop) Ueno Station ↓ Walk about 8 minutes ↓ Tokyo National Museum  (Cost 170 yen)
Walk	About 1 hour (4 km)

Details

Hours	9:30 AM – 5:00 PM 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Fridays and Saturdays) Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time. Closed on Mondays.
Admission	Adults: 1,00 yen University students: 500 yen
Phone	+81 50-5541-8600
Address	13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712
Official Website	https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en