Tokyo National Museum Tickets

If you only visit one museum in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park is the sensible choice. Founded in 1872, it is the country’s oldest museum and holds the finest collection of Japanese art anywhere, from samurai swords and armour to kimono, ukiyo-e prints, tea ceremony wares and serene Buddhist sculpture spanning well over a thousand years.

How to tackle it

The complex is made up of several buildings, and first timers should start with the Honkan, the main Japanese gallery, where the collection walks you through the whole sweep of Japanese art history floor by floor. The Toyokan next door covers the rest of Asia, and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures displays ancient Buddhist objects in a beautifully quiet modern building. Trying to see everything in one visit is a mistake. Pick two buildings and go slowly.

Getting there

The museum sits at the northern end of Ueno Park, about ten minutes on foot from the Park exit of JR Ueno Station, which is on the Yamanote Line and easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The stroll up through the park, past the fountain and the other museums, is a pleasant start to the visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there English signage? Yes. Major works are labelled in English and free floor guides make the highlights easy to find.

How long should I allow? Two to three hours covers the Honkan comfortably, and enthusiasts can happily fill half a day.

Can I take photos? Photography is allowed in much of the permanent collection, though individual works and special exhibitions can be excluded, so watch for the signs.

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