Discovering the Tokyo National Museum

Описание: Discovery what is widely considered Japan’s best museum, the Tokyo National Museum (TNM), is located within sprawling Ueno Park. It is Japan's oldest and largest national museum, a preeminent institution among its counterparts in Kyoto, Nara, and Kyushu. Opened in 1872, the TNM features Japan's most extensive and finest collections of art and archaeological artifacts, including nearly a hundred designated “National Treasures.” At any given time, approximately 4,000 pieces from its permanent collection are on display, complemented by a regular rotation of captivating temporary exhibitions.

If you are attending one of the grand sumo tournaments with us, the museum is located not far from Ryoguku stadium and we can plan timing to visit both the museum, tour the stadium, and attend key sumo matches.

The museum complex is actually a sprawling campus featuring six distinct buildings, each substantial enough to be a museum in its own right, specializing in diverse artistic and historical periods. Given the sheer scale, like the Louvre its impossible to see it all and it is wise to prioritize which buildings you want to explore which we can help in planning.

Galleries
The elegant Honkan (Japanese Gallery) is the heart of the museum, dedicated to Japanese art from ancient times through the 19th century, with sublime array of antique Buddhist statues, intricately painted sliding doors, historical scrolls, exquisite ceramics, and maps, alongside cultural items such as masks, traditional costumes, formidable samurai armor, and weapons. Honkan also hosts special exhibitions, which can sell out.

Adjacent to the Honkan is the Hyokeikan, the oldest building on the grounds and a chance to glimpse a splendid example of Meiji Period Western-style architecture that was completed in 1909 to commemorate the Taisho Emperor's wedding.

The Toyokan gallery of Eastern Art) to the right of the Honkan, was designed by architect Yoshiro Taniguchi in 1968 and offers a vivid journey through Asian art and artifacts. Its diverse galleries feature treasures from China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, India, and even ancient Egypt, reflecting Japan's deep historical connections across the continent.

Heiseikan is the Japanese Archaeology Gallery and also for special exhibitions. Situated behind the Honkan, the relatively modern site was completed in 1993 to commemorate the then Crown Prince's (now Emperor Emeritus Akihito) wedding. It houses comprehensive exhibitions on ancient Japanese culture, offering insights into prehistoric and protohistoric periods, alongside large-scale, often blockbuster, special exhibitions. We will notify you of any special exhibitions scheduled at the Heiseikan. These can be hugely popular and often require advance booking or involve long queues and are often a unique opportunity to see artifacts not usually on public display.

Horyuji Homotsukan is the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures and the museum's newest architectural marvel, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi (son of Toyokan architect Yoshiro Taniguchi), and showcases a breathtaking collection of religious objects. Predominantly consisting of small, intricate Buddhist statues and exquisite copper relief images, these treasures were generously donated by the ancient Horyuji Temple in Nara. Taniguchi's signature minimalist style is evident throughout, aligning with his other acclaimed projects globally. The building offers a serene and contemplative experience. The lighting was meticulously designed to highlight the delicate details of the treasures on display. Don’t forego the Hall of the Buddhist Guardian where statues are displayed creates a powerful, almost spiritual, presence.

Just outside the main museum grounds, the Kuroda Memorial Hall pays homage to Kuroda Seiki, a pivotal figure recognized as the father of modern Western-style painting in Japan. Built from donations by Kuroda himself, the hall features a rotating collection of his influential paintings and sketches, alongside other artworks gifted by his family. This is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in the Meiji-era adoption of Western art and how Japanese artists synthesized new techniques with their own sensibilities. Key to note that it's often less crowded than the main buildings.

Beyond the exhibition halls, the Tokyo National Museum offers a tranquil garden and several traditional teahouses located behind the Honkan (open seasonally in spring and autumn – confirm dates with us if visiting for this). There are also multiple well-stocked museum shops and cozy cafes spread throughout the grounds, perfect for taking a break and reflecting on the immense cultural heritage you've just experienced.

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