Founded in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum is the oldest museum of Asian art in Japan. The extensive collection is housed in multiple buildings, but most recommended for a first visit is the Japanese gallery in the Honkan, or main building. Works in all medium are beautifully presented and there is an English language handout explaining the pieces. The current Honkan was designed by Jin Watanabe and was constructed after the Great Kanto Earthquake damaged much of the previous building.
Tokyo National Museum
The museum is open 9:30 am to 5 pm, though some days have extended hours. It is closed Mondays unless Monday falls on a national holiday, in which case the museum will be closed on Tuesday. Admission is 600 yen for adults, 400 yen for university students, and free for those under 18, over 70, or disabled. The museum may ask for proof of age for this discount.
Tokyo National Museum Kimono display
Aside from the Honkan, there are other galleries with art from other Asian cultures, one for special exhibits, and a research and information center. There are two restaurants on the grounds. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has coin lockers.
Sculpture, Japanese Woman, Tokyo National Museum
It is a 10 minute walk from the JR Ueno Station.
If you have time, the Tokyo National Museum is well worth a visit. It is an excellent introduction to Japanese art and history. It also has an extensive website with information on the buildings, collections, complete schedules and access information. It also has a photo gallery of artworks for study purposes: http://www.tnm.jp/
Tokyo National Museum Samurai Armour
Tokyo National Museum’s Honkan galleries and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures can also be viewed through Google’s Street View. You can navigate the galleries with a 360-degree field of visibility. Descriptions and enlarged views of artworks can be seen by clicking the titles appearing on the screen in Street View.
Around the area are a number of other excellent museums, such as the National Museum of Nature and Science, scenic attractions such as Ueno Park and the famous Ueno Zoo with the pandas.
photos by:
Ian Muttoo &
Ian Muttoo,
Ianz
