Tokyo National Museum

Japanese National Treasures (国宝, Kokuhō) are objects designated by the Japanese government as having exceptional historical or cultural significance — items so important they are considered irreplaceable to Japan. The Tokyo National Museum holds 89 National Treasures, the largest single collection of such objects in Japan. These range from Jōmon period pottery (c. 10,000–300 BCE) to medieval Buddhist sculpture, samurai swords, and Edo-period paintings and calligraphy.

The Pine Trees screen (Shōrin-zu byōbu, c. 1595) by Hasegawa Tōhaku — one of Japan's most celebrated ink paintings, depicting misty pine trees in spare, atmospheric brushwork; a complete set of samurai armour from the 12th–16th centuries in the Japanese Gallery; the Hōryū-ji Treasures collection, which houses objects from one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples; and an extraordinary collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Hiroshige, Hokusai, and Utamaro.

The Tokyo National Museum complex in Ueno Park consists of six main buildings: the Honkan (Japanese Gallery, the main hall — a 1938 Imperial Crown Style building); the Toyokan (Asian Gallery, featuring art from China, Korea, and South Asia); the Heiseikan (Japanese Archaeology Gallery); the Hyokeikan (temporary exhibitions); the Hōryū-ji Hōmotsukan (Hōryū-ji Treasures); and the Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures. Each building has a distinct architectural style, from Meiji-era Western classicism to postwar modernism.

Yes — the Tokyo National Museum provides English-language labels and explanatory panels in all major galleries. Free audio guides in English are available for the permanent collection. The museum also offers a free English-language highlights pamphlet at the entrance and has an English-language website and mobile-friendly map. Staff at the information desk can assist in English.

The Tokyo National Museum is located at 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, in Ueno Park, Tokyo. It is a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines). Standard admission is 1,000 JPY. The museum is closed on Mondays (and the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday). Ueno Park also contains the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Ueno Zoo.

Plan 2–4 hours for the highlights of Tokyo National Museum. Our 4-stop route — Pine Trees (Shōrin-zu byōbu), Haniwa Warrior, Shigisan Engi Emaki and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.

Objects designated by the Japanese government as having exceptional cultural significance. The TNM holds 89 — the largest single collection in Japan.

Start with the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) for the core collection, then the Hōryū-ji Hōmotsukan for ancient Buddhist art. Allow 2 hours for these two alone.

Yes — English labels in all major galleries, plus free English audio guides and a highlights pamphlet at the entrance.

No — Tokyo National Museum is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.

Tokyo National Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.

Not for everyone. Standard admission: 1000 JPY standard admission. Free or reduced entry: Under 18 free on weekends; Museum Day (late September) free; Permanent collection free some dates — check website.