Overview
Japan's oldest and largest museum, founded in 1872, holds the country's biggest single collection of art and archaeology — samurai swords, Buddhist sculpture, and some of the finest ukiyo-e woodblock prints in the country.
The Honkan (Japanese Gallery) is where most first-time visitors spend the bulk of their time. Don't skip the Horyuji Homotsukan, a separate building holding 7th-century Buddhist treasures from Nara — it's one of the quietest, best-lit galleries in the museum and most tour groups miss it entirely.
Good to know: The museum sits inside Ueno Park, so it pairs naturally with a day that also includes the National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Zoo, and the National Museum of Western Art — all within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Tickets & Prices
Compare standalone tickets against the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass to see which makes sense for your trip — the pass covers this venue along with 106 others for ¥2,500.
| Option | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone e-ticket — Klook | Skip-the-line QR entry for the regular collection | From ¥1,000 |
| Private guided tour — Viator | A guide explains the 3,000+ objects on display in historical context | From ~¥12,000/group |
See the full Tokyo Grutto Pass 2026 review →
How to Book
Compare your options above
Decide between a standalone skip-the-line ticket, a guided tour, or the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass if you're visiting 2+ other participating venues.
Book on your chosen platform
Klook and Viator both issue an instant e-ticket or booking confirmation by email.
Show your QR code at the entrance
No printing required — scan the code on your phone at the ticket gate.
Access & Info
Visitor Info
- Address
- 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712
- Hours
- 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Closed
- Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), New Year's period
- Access
- 5-min walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit)
- Official site
- tnm.jp
Good to Know
✓ Good fit if you're… Good fit for first-time visitors who want Japan's best single collection of historical art, anyone doing a full Ueno Park museum day, and history or samurai-culture enthusiasts.
✗ Maybe skip if you're… Consider skipping if you have under 45 minutes to spare (the Honkan alone deserves more), or if you're traveling with kids under ~8 without an interactive focus — pair with the Science Museum instead.
FAQ
Related Guides
Want a guide instead of going solo? See our comparison of guided tours for Tokyo National Museum across Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide.
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