Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo

Name: Tokyo National Museum
Address: 13-9 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712, Japan
Telephone: +81 3-3822-1111

#2 among attractions in Tokyo

Museum, Art museum, History museum, Top attraction, More...

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Facts and practical information

The Tokyo National Museum, standing as a cultural beacon in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan, is the country's oldest and largest museum. Established in 1872, this prestigious institution is dedicated to preserving and displaying a comprehensive collection of art and archeological artifacts from Japan as well as other Asian countries.

Housed in a complex of elegant buildings within Ueno Park, the museum's extensive collection spans thousands of years, showcasing the rich history and heritage of Japan. Among the treasures are classical Japanese art, ancient pottery, samurai armor, delicate scroll paintings, and a prized array of Buddhist sculptures.

The museum's main building, the Honkan, takes visitors on a chronological journey through Japanese art history, while other structures, such as the Heiseikan, Toyokan, and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, offer thematic exhibitions that delve into various aspects of Asian art and culture.

With over 110,000 individual items, including numerous designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, the museum not only offers a visual feast for art aficionados but also serves as an educational resource for those interested in the historical progression of art in the region.

The Tokyo National Museum is not just about indoor exhibits. It also features a serene garden where visitors can enjoy the harmonious blend of nature and art. Traditional tea houses situated in the garden provide a space for reflection and respite, complementing the cultural experience.

Local name: 東京国立博物館 Established: 1872 (152 years ago)Visitors per year: 2.18 mil.Coordinates: 35°43'8"N, 139°46'34"E

Address

13-9 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku台東区 (上野)Tokyo 110-8712 Japan

Contact

+81 3-3822-1111

Website

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Day trips

Tokyo National Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Park, National Museum of Nature and Science, Kappabashi-dori.

~1310 ftS
National museum for western art
National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo
7 min walk • The National Museum of Western Art, nestled in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan, stands as a cultural beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike. This museum, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, is a treasure trove of Western art from the late...
0.4 miSW
Large park with a zoo, a lake and museums
Ueno Park, Tokyo
11 min walk • Ueno Park, a verdant oasis amidst the urban sprawl of Tokyo, Japan, is a cultural hub that offers a serene escape from the city's frenetic pace. Established in 1873, this park is one of Tokyo's largest and oldest public spaces, sprawling across approximately 133 acres.
~1130 ftS
Museum with an array of science exhibits
National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
6 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, the National Museum of Nature and Science stands as a bastion of knowledge and a celebration of Earth's history and the wonders of the natural world. This esteemed institution, located in the vibrant Ueno Park, offers a rich tapestry of...
0.7 miE
Hub for cookware and restaurant supplies
Kappabashi-dori, Tokyo
19 min walk • Nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, Japan, Kappabashi-dori stands as a unique and vibrant shopping district, renowned for its extensive range of kitchenware and restaurant supplies. This street, often referred to as Kitchen Town, stretches approximately 800 meters...
~1720 ftSW
Zoo, Park, Outdoor activities
Ueno Zoo, Tokyo
9 min walk • Nestled in the vibrant district of Taito in Tokyo, Ueno Zoo stands as a cherished urban oasis and Japan's oldest zoo, having opened its doors in 1882. Spanning over 35 acres, this verdant enclave offers refuge to over 3,000 animals from around the world, making it a...
0.6 miS
Cultural museum with replicas and relics
Shitamachi Museum, Tokyo
17 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's historic Ueno district, the Shitamachi Museum offers a unique window into the city's past, specifically the Shitamachi area, which was once home to Tokyo's working class. This museum is a treasure trove for those interested in...
0.6 miW
Museum, Specialty museum
Daimyo Clock Museum, Tokyo
15 min walk • Tucked away in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the Daimyo Clock Museum offers a unique glimpse into the passage of time through the art of horology. This specialized museum, nestled in the special wards of Tokyo, Japan, is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the...
0.6 miSW
Pond with boat rentals and bird watching
Shinobazu Pond, Tokyo
15 min walk • The Shinobazu Pond is a pond within Ueno Park, and a historically prominent Shitamachi feature often appearing in history and works of art.
~1110 ftSW
Museum with classical and contemporary art
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo
6 min walk • The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is an art museum in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of Japan's many museums which are supported by a prefectural government. The current structure, designed by Kunio Maekawa, was completed in 1975. The museum is located in Ueno Park.
0.7 miNW
Museum, Art museum, Specialty museum
Asakura Museum of Sculpture, Tokyo
17 min walk • Asakura Museum of Sculpture or Asakura Choso Museum is a museum in Tokyo that showcases the sculptures and life work of Fumio Asakura. The art museum is located specifically in the Yanaka neighborhood of Taito, in Tokyo. The museum opened in 1967 after Asakura's death.
~1770 ftS
Music and shows, Nightlife, Music venue
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo
9 min walk • The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan is a Japanese concert hall located in Ueno Park, Taitō, Tokyo. Designed by Japanese architect Kunio Maekawa, it was built in 1961 and renovated in 1998–99. Its larger hall seats 2303 people, and its small hall seats 649. It is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Tokyo National Museum open?

Tokyo National Museum is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Tokyo National Museum?

Nearby attractions include Independent Administrative Institution National Museum, Tokyo (2 min walk), Imperial Library, Tokyo (3 min walk), Sogakudo Concert Hall, Tokyo (5 min walk), Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo (5 min walk).

How to get to Tokyo National Museum by public transport?

The nearest stations to Tokyo National Museum:

Bus

東京国立博物館 • Lines: 東西めぐりん (3 min walk)
上野桜木 • Lines: 上26 (7 min walk)

Train

Uguisudani (5 min walk)
Ueno (10 min walk)

Metro

Iriya • Lines: H, H-Ts, Ts;H (13 min walk)
Ueno • Lines: G, H, H-Ts, Ts;H (13 min walk)

Light rail

Nippori • Lines: Nt (19 min walk)
Nishi-nippori • Lines: Nt (29 min walk)

Tram

Arakawa-kuyakushomae • Lines: Sa (32 min walk)
Minowabashi • Lines: Sa (33 min walk)