The Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s premier institution for Japanese artwork and cultural treasures. The museum features two main exhibitions: a permanent exhibition showcasing its extensive collection and a special exhibition, where themed displays are held approximately five times a year.
The permanent exhibition is divided into four main galleries:
- The Honkan (Japanese Gallery) highlights the beauty of Japanese art through a chronological exhibition, showcasing stunning examples from different periods of Japanese history. The first floor features swords, armour, masks, and metalwork, while the second floor displays paintings, screen printing, lacquerware, and exquisite calligraphy. Visitors can also admire remarkable sculptures and ceramics.
- The Toyokan (Asian Gallery), opened in 1968, presents a fascinating collection of Eastern art from across Asia. While the majority of the collection consists of artifacts from China and Korea, there are also pieces from other countries. Highlights include an 11-faced Buddha statue from Xi’an, China, dating back to the 11th century, and Korean artworks from as early as 100 BC. A prized piece in this collection is a set of Bronze Age Korean daggers.
- The Heiseikan Gallery, opened in 1999, houses a superb collection of Japanese archaeological artifacts, some dating back to 10,000 BC. The exhibition mainly features ceramic works, including prehistoric figurines, warrior sculptures, bowls, and animal-shaped pottery. Many Haniwa figures are on display—Haniwa, meaning “clay ring”, refers to the technique used to create these intricate earthenware sculptures, which were crafted between the 4th and 7th centuries.
- The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures contains ancient Buddhist artworks donated by the Horyuji Temple in exchange for funding for its restoration. This collection includes over 300 artifacts, such as Buddhist statues, masks, and beautifully painted screens.
The Tokyo National Museum is located on the edge of Ueno Park, near the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Ueno Zoo is also within the park.
Access:
The museum is easily accessible by rail:
- JR Yamanote Line – a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station or Uguisudani Station.
- Tokyo Metro Ueno Station – about a 15-minute walk, serviced by the Ginza Line (G16) and Hibiya Line (H17).
Official Website: http://www.tnm.jp/.
