National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo Tickets

The National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park is Tokyo’s answer to the great natural history museums of the world, and it holds its own. Dinosaur skeletons, a beloved taxidermied dog named Hachiko, a blue whale model guarding the entrance, and floor after floor of science, technology and Japanese natural history make it one of the best value indoor days in the city.

Two buildings, two stories

The museum splits into the Japan Gallery, which tells the story of the Japanese islands, their wildlife and their people, and the larger Global Gallery, which covers life on Earth from fossils to space science. The dinosaur floor is deservedly popular, but do not skip the Japan Gallery’s beautiful old building, where exhibits on the animals of Japan sit alongside genuinely moving pieces like the faithful Hachiko. Interactive areas keep younger visitors engaged throughout.

Getting there

The museum is a five minute walk from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station on the Yamanote Line, at the eastern edge of Ueno Park near the whale statue. It is easy to combine with the Tokyo National Museum, the zoo or the park itself in a single Ueno day.

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for kids? Extremely. Between dinosaurs, animals and hands on exhibits, it is one of Tokyo’s most reliable family museums.

Is there English? Yes, key exhibits carry English text and audio guides are available.

How long should I allow? Two to three hours minimum, and enthusiasts can lose most of a day.

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