Tokyo National MuseumVisitor Guide — Tokyo
The Tokyo National Museum (TNM), founded in 1872, is Japan's oldest national museum and its largest art museum. Operated by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, the institution is situated in Ueno Park within the Taitō ward of Tokyo. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying a vast and comprehensive array of artwork and cultural objects originating from across Asia. The museum's extensive collection places a significant emphasis on ancient and medieval Japanese art, alongside Asian art from the historic Silk Road and a substantial assemblage of Greco-Buddhist art. As of April 2023, the institution safeguarded approximately 120,000 Cultural Properties. This immense inventory encompasses 89 designated National Treasures, 319 Horyuji Treasures, and 649 Important Cultural Properties. Remarkably, the museum holds roughly 10% of all arts and crafts designated as National Treasures by the Japanese government. In addition to its primary collection, the museum cares for over 2,600 cultural properties deposited by private individuals and organizations. To ensure the preservation of these delicate historical artifacts, only about 3,000 items are exhibited at any given time, with displays rotating every four to eight weeks. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30, and ticket prices vary.
10:00 - 17:30
Must-See at Tokyo National Museum
- 189 designated National Treasures
- 2319 Horyuji Treasures
- 3649 Important Cultural Properties
- 4Ancient and medieval Japanese art collection
- 5Asian art along the Silk Road collection
- 6Greco-Buddhist art collection
Planning Your Visit
What are the opening hours for the Tokyo National Museum?
The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30.
How much does a ticket to the museum cost, and are there free days?
Please check the official website for current ticket rates and information regarding free admission days.
Are skip-the-line tickets available for the museum?
Adult admission to the permanent collection is ¥1,000. Special exhibitions require separate tickets.
What are the must-see works at the Tokyo National Museum?
Must-see highlights include the museum's 89 designated National Treasures, the 319 Horyuji Treasures, and extensive collections of ancient and medieval Japanese art.
How do I get to the Tokyo National Museum?
The Tokyo National Museum is well-connected by public transportation. Use Google Maps or the museum's official website for specific directions, transit routes, and parking information.
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