Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum
6 minutes read•Published on 17-10-2024
Established in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum, or TNM, is considered the oldest and largest museum in Japan. Located in the Ueno Park in Tokyo, this exceptional museum boasts an extensive collection contributing significantly to the rich canvas of Japanese and Asian culture and history. Housing over 110,000 individual artifacts, including 87 national treasures and 634 important cultural properties, the museum stands as a harmonious shrine for archeological artifacts, fine arts, and crafts. A trip to this museum offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage and intricate craftsmanship of Japan and other Asian countries.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Tokyo National Museum with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan, was originally established in 1872 by the government of the Meiji era. The museum was initially located in the Yushima Seido Shrine in Tokyo before moving to Ueno Park in 1882. Its inception followed a period of rapid Westernization in Japan, and it was intended to educate the public about the nation's cultural heritage amid these changes at a time when foreigners started showing interest in Japanese culture and art.
The Tokyo National Museum has housed a collection of over 110,000 items, including numerous national treasures and important cultural properties. Its rich collection offers a vast array of historical artifacts ranging from ancient pottery and Buddhist sculptures to samurai armor, kimono, and ukiyo-e prints. The collection has grown significantly over the years, attracting experts and scholars worldwide and making the museum an important institution for cultural education.
The museum underwent a significant transformation in the post-World War II period. Following the end of the war, the Allied Occupation authorities took over the museum and repurposed it into the Civil Information and Education Section, using it primarily for civil education purposes and discontinuing the display of its art collection. However, in 1950, the museum was returned to the Japanese government's jurisdiction and its original purpose of art display was reinstated.
In 1968, the Tokyo National Museum saw a huge expansion with the addition of a series of new buildings including the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), the Toyokan (Asian Gallery), and the Hyokeikan among others. In 2016, a comprehensive renovation of the Honkan was undertaken, enhancing the museum's ability to preserve and display its unparalleled collection of Japanese art. Today, the museum continues to manifest its dedication to celebrating and preserving Japan’s cultural heritage, organizing various domestic and international exhibitions, research projects, and educational programs.
One reason to visit
The Statue of Ashura
One exceptional reason to visit the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo is to witness the awe-inspiring Statue of Ashura, designated as a national treasure of Japan. This artifact, dating back to the 8th-century, is one of the most famous Buddhist statues in the country, recognized for its unique style—an exquisite fusion of Indian and Greek aesthetics. The Ashura is a portrayal of an important deity in Buddhism and it stands out among several Buddhist artifacts in the Asian gallery of the museum. The combination of spiritual depth and artistic mastery make the Statue of Ashura a must-see masterpiece that tells a captivating narrative of ancient Japans religious and cultural encounters.
Getting there
Starting from the Ueno Station which is located in the southeast corner of Ueno Park, walk northwards through the park until you reach a large fountain. Here turn right and walk east until you spot a big building with a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof. This is the Tokyo National Museum. It should only be a 10 minute walk from the Ueno Station. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays and specific holidays. Always check its opening hours on their official website in advance.
To start your journey to the Tokyo National Museum, you must first head northwest on Route 15 towards Ueno Park, which is the park that houses the museum. Turn right as soon as you pass the Shinobazu Pond on your left and keep going until you come across a path that steers to the left into the park. Make sure to keep an eye on the signage at this point as there are multiple museums residing in this park. The museum is located approximately 500 metres into the park. However, since bikes are not allowed on museum grounds, you will need to park your bike at the bike parking spot near the Park Exit 3. From there, just keep walking straight ahead and you will arrive at the museum. Remember to check the museum's opening times, the museum operates from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays. Safe ride!
If you are traveling from Tokyo Station, hop on the Yamanote Line and get off at Ueno Station. Ueno Station is very close with Tokyo National Museum so you can either walk for around 10-15 minutes or take the bus no. 02 to the museum. Use Exit 13, if you decide to walk. If you choose bus, the closest bus stop is Ueno Kouen which is just before Ueno park, and the museum is within the park right after the Ueno Zoo. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays unless it's a national holiday. The fare for Yamanote Line from Tokyo station to Ueno is approx 160 yen, and the bus from Ueno Station to Ueno Kouen is about 220 yen.
If you are planning a trip to the Tokyo National Museum, the shortest route by car would be to take the Shuto Expressway Inner Circular Route (C1). Enter the expressway via the Iidabashi Junction and drive towards the northeast, exit the expressway at the Ueno Exit. From there, take a left on Kasuga-Dori Avenue then take another left to reach the Museum's parking area on 124-2 Ueno Park. Please note that the Museum's parking lot has a limited space and is available on first-come, first-served basis and is subjected to charges. It is also recommended to use public transportation like the JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Uenohirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line which are a short walk away. For more information, refer to the museum's official website and Google Maps for real-time traffic updates. Always plan your trip in advance to avoid rush hours and ensure a smooth journey.
