GoTourist
The Honkan (Japanese Gallery) of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park

No. 23 Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums 2025 · 2,576,118 visitors in 2025

Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo, Japan · City guide: Tokyo

Japan's oldest and largest museum: samurai swords and armour, Buddhist sculpture, screens and ceramics in Ueno Park.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: Wiiii, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Tokyo National Museum is No. 23 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 2,576,118 visitors in 2025, up 6% on 2024. Founded in 1872, it is Japan's oldest museum and holds the country's largest collection of Japanese and Asian art, including many National Treasures.

Its galleries are spread across several buildings in Ueno Park: the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), the domed Hyokeikan of 1909, the Toyokan (Asian Gallery), the Heiseikan with archaeology and special exhibitions, and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures.

The domed Hyokeikan building of the Tokyo National Museum
The domed Hyokeikan building of the Tokyo National Museum. Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are the quietest. The museum is usually closed on Mondays; check the official website for hours and special exhibitions.

Highlights & collections

  • 1

    Honkan

    The main building traces Japanese art from ancient times to the 19th century, with swords, armour, lacquer, textiles and painting.

  • 2

    Gallery of Horyuji Treasures

    Ancient Buddhist bronzes, masks and objects from the Horyuji temple, in a serene modern building by Yoshio Taniguchi.

  • 3

    Toyokan

    Art and archaeology from China, Korea, South and Southeast Asia and Egypt.

  • 4

    National Treasures

    Fragile works, such as famous screens and scrolls, are shown in rotation for limited periods.

  • 5

    Garden

    A Japanese garden with teahouses behind the Honkan, open in spring and autumn.

Getting there

The museum is at the north end of Ueno Park, about a 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) and a similar distance from Uguisudani Station.

Visiting tips

Tickets & hours
Tickets for the regular exhibitions are sold online and at the museum; special exhibitions charge separately. Check the official website for prices and hours.
Time needed
Two to three hours for the Honkan and one other building.
Currency
Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small restaurants, shrines and markets.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Japan visa-free for short stays. Register on Visit Japan Web (vjw.digital.go.jp) before you fly to get QR codes for immigration and customs. Check Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the rules that apply to your passport.

Official information: Tokyo National Museum (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors