Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan: Guide to Tokyo’s National Museum

The Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 100,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any one time, about 4000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display.

The museum's collections are divided into several departments, including Japanese Art, Asian Art, and Archaeology. The Japanese Art collection features a wide range of artworks such as paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and textiles, representing various periods of Japanese history. The Asian Art department includes artifacts from China, Korea, and other Asian countries, showcasing the cultural exchange and influences across the region. The Archaeology department exhibits archaeological findings from Japan's prehistoric and ancient periods.

Historical Highlights

Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukanwas founded in 1872.
In 1882, the museum was established in its Ueno Park location.
The museum went through several name changes. It was called the Imperial Museum in 1886. It was known as the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum from 1900 through 1947.

Visitor Information

The appeal of the Tokyo National Museum can be found in its collection. The collection, consisting of archaeological artifacts and artworks from Japan and other Asian countries, totals approximately 120,000 items, including 89 national treasures and 650 important cultural properties (as of April 2024). This makes it the greatest collection of Japanese art in the world, both in terms of quality and quantity.

The Tokyo National Museum is the only museum in the world where visitors can enjoy Japanese art of all genres and all periods, as well as an overview of cultures of Asia and Egypt.
There are approximately 3,000 items on display at one time. Exhibits are rotated every four to eight weeks depending on the genre and material, so no matter how many times you visit, you are sure to find something new.

Story and Legends

The Tokyo National Museum, known as Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan (東京国立博物館) in Japanese, is one of Japan's oldest and largest museums. Founded in 1872, it houses an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts that span Japan's history and cultural heritage.
It was established during the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. It was originally located in Ueno Park and later moved to its current location in Ueno's Taitō ward. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection through acquisitions, donations, and archaeological excavations.