Tokyo National Museum

Why thex Tokyo National Museum is special
It is the oldest and biggest museum in Japan - and has the most comprehensive Japanese art collection in the world.

Tokyo National Museum tips & insights
Top 2 exhibition buildings
There are five altogether and each has a distinct focus. The two most interesting for first-time visitors are:

Honkan
The focus is Japan. The Honkan gives you a perspective overview of thousands of years of Japanese art (dating backwards from the late 19th century). Categories include:

• Calligraphy
• Ceramics
• Lacquerware
• Metalworks
• Paintings
• Pottery
• Sculptures
• Samurai swords and clothing
• Screens
• Scrolls

Toyokan
It concentrates on the art of Asia beyond Japan. The Toyokan covers China, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and more.

Growth
The Tokyo National Museum has steadily grown since it was established in 1872. Today, it has more than 100,000 art objects in its collections.

When to go
The popular exhibitions are best appreciated when the area is not obscured by crowds. If possible, avoid weekends and holidays.

Location in Japan