Tokyo National Museum houses more than 110,000 objects in areas of architecture, fine art, sculpture, calligraphy, classical books, ancient manuscripts and archaeological materials.
Many artifacts are very old, including earthenware vessels from more than 12,000 years ago. The exhibits provide insight to practices and products that are uniquely Japanese, including tea ceremonies, Noh and Kabuki costumes, samurai warrior swords and armor, calligraphy, Japanese coins and mirrors, masks, lacquerware, and folding screen paintings.
Stroll through the Asian gallery to see items from China, Korea and Southeast Asia as well as India and Egypt. Stone Khmer sculptures, Indonesian textiles, Chinese bronzes and jade, Indian miniatures, and Korean Buddhist statues show the richness and diversity of the art created in Asia. There is also an activities area for fortune-telling that will entertain families with children.
See some of the outdoor exhibits, including large stone statues from Korea and China and gates and tiles. There is even a statue of physician Edward Jenner who developed vaccination providing immunization against smallpox.
The museum was created in 1872 and moved to its current location in 1882. Much of its structure was damaged in the devastating Kanto earthquake of 1923. It was gradually rebuilt only to have further damage in World War II air raids. With the Japanese commitment to appreciation of art and history, the museum has recovered, grown and thrived.
A museum visit will take several hours to several days to view the regular and special exhibits. Many of the objects included are identified as national treasures and important cultural properties.
Foreign visitors will appreciate that many exhibit items have English, Chinese and Korean labels. English-speaking volunteers provide frequent gallery talks and brochures are in seven languages.
The museum is open during the day from Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended opening hours on Friday evenings for special exhibitions. The museum is closed Mondays and December 24 to January 1. There is a modest entrance fee with additional charges for special exhibitions.
Located in northern Tokyo’s Ueno Park, the museum is a short walk from Ueno station with subway and rail service.
Tokyo National Museum
Visit Tokyo National Museum
Plan a trip to see Tokyo National Museum

MONday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon
Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025


MONday Apart Premium Asakusa
Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Tokyo National Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 577 activities
Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, LakeKawaguchiko, Pagoda, & Oishi Park Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 219 activities
Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 154 activities
Tokyo: Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater Asakusa-Kaguwa Ticket
Classes & workshops
See all 84 activities
Let's make kimono !(Kimono is a gift for you
Shopping & fashion
See all 35 activities
Tokyo: Fuji 5th St & Hakone Day Trip with Cable Car & Cruise
Popular places to visit

Tokyo National Science Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Tokyo National Science Museum during your travels in Tokyo. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

Ueno Park
Home to important museums, shrines and one of the city’s most photographed ponds, this public park is a perfect one-stop destination for culture and tranquility.

Gojoten Shrine
You can learn about the history of Tokyo with a visit to Gojoten Shrine. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.
International Library of Children's Literature
After visiting International Library of Children's Literature, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Tokyo. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Homboomotemon
Learn about the local history of Tokyo when you take a trip to Homboomotemon. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum during your travels in Tokyo. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Tokyo National Museum
Check availability on hotels close to Tokyo National Museum

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International

Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno Station

MONday Apart Premium Ueno

Hotel STAY&GO Iriyakita

APA Hotel TKP Nippori-Ekimae

APA Hotel Keisei Ueno Ekimae

HOTEL MYSTAYS Ueno East

APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno Tokyo
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Tokyo National Museum
- Other Hotels near Tokyo National Museum, Taito
- Hotels near popular Tokyo Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Tokyo National Museum
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotel Niwa Tokyo
- &Here TOKYO UENO
- Hotel Graphy Nezu
- Mimaru Tokyo Ueno Inaricho
- hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi
- KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Kappabashi
- Hotel Wing International Select Ueno Okachimachi
- the b asakusa
- Asakusa View Hotel
- Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi
- MONday Apart UENO-SHIN-OKACHIMACHI
- Centurion Hotel Ueno
- Hotels near Tokyo Disneyland®
- Hotels near Tokyo DisneySea®
- Hotels near Tokyo Dome
- Hotels near Tokyo Skytree
- Hotels near Tokyo Tower
- Hotels near Shibuya Crossing
- Hotels near Tokyo Bay
- Hotels near Sensoji Temple
- Hotels near Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Hotels near Tokyo Big Sight
- Hotels near Waseda University
- Hotels near Toyosu Market
- Hotels near Tokyo Disney Resort®
- Hotels near Ghibli Museum
- Hotels near Ueno Park
- Hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Hotels near Roppongi Hills
- Hotels near Nippon Budokan
- Hotels near Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Hotels near Tokyo Midtown
Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels in Hiroshima
- Hotels near Tokyo Dome
- Hotels near Meiji Jingu Stadium
- Hotels near Bank of Japan
- Hotels near Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Hotels near Shibuya Crossing
- Hotels near National Stadium
- Hotels near Mori Art Museum
- Hotels near Sumida Aquarium
- Hotels near Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku
- Hotels near Tokyo Tower
- Hotels near Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
- Hotels near Ariake Garden
- Hotels near Sunshine Aquarium