Tokyo National Museum: A Century of Treasures in East Asian Art

Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and is Japan's oldest and largest museum. It houses over 110,000 artifacts, including 87 National Treasures and 634 Important Cultural Properties. The Main Building showcases masterpieces of Japanese paintings, swords, and crafts, while the Toyokan focuses on artifacts from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, with the "Chinese Archaeology" section being particularly renowned. This section offers a comprehensive view of millennia-old civilizations, featuring items ranging from Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes to Song and Yuan dynasty ceramics. Highlights of the museum include Ma Yuan's "Fishing Alone on a Cold River" from the Southern Song dynasty, Tang dynasty tri-colored tomb guardian figures, and Japan's National Treasure "Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Statue." Special exhibitions often incorporate digital technology, immersing visitors in the profound allure of Asian art. On holidays, the museum extends its hours and offers tea room experiences, adding a touch of Japanese elegance. 📍Address: Northern end of Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo ⏰Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Fridays until 9:00 PM)