Tokyo National Museum

Overview

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM) is Japan's oldest and largest museum, housing the world's most comprehensive collection of Japanese art and antiquities, with over 120,000 objects spanning thousands of years.

Highlights

• Honkan (Japanese Gallery): The main building containing national treasures including samurai swords, Buddhist sculptures, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and exquisite lacquerware.
• Toyokan (Asian Gallery): A superb collection of art from across Asia, including Chinese ceramics, Korean Buddhist art, and Southeast Asian textiles.
• Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: A stunning Taniguchi-designed modernist building housing 7th-century treasures from Horyuji Temple in Nara.

History

Founded in 1872, making it Japan's first museum. The current main building was designed by Watanabe Jin in the Imperial Crown Style and completed in 1937. The collection includes 89 National Treasures and 648 Important Cultural Properties.

Visitor Tips

• Prioritize: The collection is enormous — focus on the Honkan's 2nd floor highlights gallery if short on time.
• Garden: The traditional Japanese garden behind the Honkan opens seasonally (spring and autumn) with stunning views.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.