Tokyo National Museum - Toyokan (Asian Gallery) — Attraction in Tokyo

PROS ➕ Dark and quiet ➕ Interactive objects

CONS ➖ Mundane artifacts

Date visited: 04/29/2024

At one end of Ueno Park, there are three towering buildings, and among them stands the Tokyo National Museum Toyokan, which holds artifacts from all over Asia. This place has been on my to-go list for a while.

The museum is set apart from the busy park. Tickets are 1000 yen each, a small price for what it offers.

Leaving behind the noise of the park, I step into a place that feels worlds away: quieter, darker, almost like stepping into another time. The inside has an elegance, a kind of mystique, with glass cases and stairwells that seem to protrude from the walls and ceiling.

There are multiple floors, each one dedicated to a different culture. I won’t list them here; it’s something best experienced in person. Some artifacts are hands-on, or rather, recreated for people to touch and explore.

Funny enough, it isn’t the ancient artifacts that capture me, or even the architecture itself. It’s the calm that fills the entire building. Inside, people step lighter, speak softer, and are more aware of what’s around them. It’s as if something deep and instinctual has awaken within us, something we lose sight of most...

The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) is Japan’s oldest and largest museum, offering a fascinating journey through thousands of years of Japanese and Asian art, culture, and history. Located in the heart of Ueno Park, it’s a peaceful and beautiful escape from Tokyo’s busy streets — perfect for tourists who want to dive deep into the country’s rich heritage.

🌸 What to Expect: • Extensive Collection: From ancient samurai armor and katana swords to delicate ceramics, calligraphy, and Buddhist sculptures, the museum houses over 100,000 items. • Japanese Gallery (Honkan): Explore the story of Japan through beautifully displayed artifacts, with exhibits rotating regularly. • Asian Gallery (Tōyōkan): See treasures from China, Korea, India, and other Asian cultures. • Special Exhibitions: Temporary exhibits often showcase rare, world-class works — check the schedule when planning your visit. • Beautiful Grounds: Enjoy the tranquil garden with historic tea houses, especially scenic in...

Huge collection of Japanese relics, as well as some Korean, Chinese, Indian and Egyptian pieces too. Many fascinating historical objects, including almost 2000-year-old swords and armour. A real gem for Japanese history buffs.

On the downside, the rich collections were let down by the haphazard curation and fell into the common old-school museum trap of just showing a bunch of great objects on shelves, without presenting the visitor with a clear thread through history, events and culture tying everything together.

Also, the layout of the museum is confusing. Upon entry, one does not know where to start in the huge compound of several major buildings, and progress through the exhibitions is not...