Attraction
Senso-ji
Tokyo's oldest and most visited Buddhist temple, reached through the Kaminarimon gate and the shop-lined Nakamise approach in historic Asakusa.
Tokyo National Museum
Japan's oldest national museum, founded in 1872, with a vast collection of Japanese and Asian art and archaeology across several galleries in Ueno Park.
At a glance
- Type
- Art and history museum
- Area
- Ueno, Tokyo, Japan
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Monday)
- Official site
- tnm.jp
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Late opening Fri and Sat
- Free for under-18s and over-70s
Why we recommend it
The Tokyo National Museum is the place to understand Japanese art history in one visit. Founded in 1872, it spreads across several buildings in Ueno Park: the Honkan for Japanese art, the Toyokan for wider Asian collections, the Heiseikan for archaeology and special exhibitions, and the striking Gallery of Horyuji Treasures with its early Buddhist objects. Expect samurai armour, lacquerware, ceramics, scrolls and screens, with displays rotated regularly to protect fragile pieces.
Standard admission to the collection galleries is 1,000 yen for adults, and visitors under 18 or over 70 get in free with proof of age. It is closed on most Mondays and opens late on Fridays and Saturdays, which are good evenings to visit with fewer people. Special exhibitions are ticketed separately. Allow at least half a day, and combine it with a walk round the rest of Ueno Park.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Tokyo National Museum FAQs
Is the museum closed on Mondays?
Yes, except when Monday is a public holiday, in which case it closes the next day instead.
How much is entry?
Collection galleries cost 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for university students; under-18s and over-70s are free.