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Past Family and Children's Programs

Play Space at the Tokyo National Museum

あそびば　とーはく　バナー

Come and play at the museum!

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM) is introducing a casual play space for kids. We want kids, our future leaders, to visit the museum and leave thinking, “That was fun!” We also want to provide a comfortable space for parents and guardians where they won’t have to worry about disturbing others. Come and join us for this special, limited-time experience.

You need a timed ticket to use Play Space on Weekends and Holidays
（You can get a timed ticket between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM on the day of your visit.）
Please see the Entry Method for details.

You can do the following with your kids at Play Space:

  • You can play and make some noise (No need to worry about disturbing other visitors!)
  • Feel free to move around, read picture books, and enjoy yourselves in any way you like.
  • You can take a moment to relax and unwind at Play Space when you get tired of exploring the museum.
  • You can use the private baby care rooms for nursing and diaper changing.
  • We also have a calm-down space for neurodiverse people who would like some time away from Play Space.

International Visitors are Welcome

  • English guidance is available for our international visitors.
  • Explanations are provided in both Japanese and English.
  • Multilingual versions of picture books are available.
あそびば　とーはくに向かう親子のイメージ

What can you do at Play Space?

1．Step into the prehistoric Kofun Period as you pass through the entrance! An ancient kofun tomb and an excavation ball pit appear as you enter.

TNM Kofun

Like the ancient tomb mounds of Japan, the TNM Kofun is shaped like a keyhole. It’s about 12 meters long. Climb onto the kofun like an explorer.

TNM Kofun

Kids’ Excavation Site (Ball Pit)

Became an archaeologist searching for treasures in the ball pit. After you get out, search for cushions inspired by our ancient tomb sculpture, Haniwa of Dancing People. (Please note that the ball pit is for kids age 2 and up.)

Kids’ Excavation Site (Ball Pit)

2．Take off your shoes and unwind with everyone.

Relaxation Area

Many books are available. If you find a book you like, you can purchase it at the museum shop on the first floor of the main building. (Some books are not available.) You can also try the Haniwa Coloring Activity and the Haniwa Puzzle. If you need a private area, you can use the calm-down space. A designated drinking area is also available. (Please eat only in designated areas in the museum.)

Relaxation Area
The calm-down space

3．Use the baby area and the private baby care rooms.

Baby Area

A space where you can spend time with children under age 1.

Baby Care Rooms

  • Two baby care rooms for breastfeeding and diaper changing will be inside the venue, and one will be located outside the venue, at the main entrance. The one outside will be available for everyone, not just visitors to Play Space.
  • During the event, a diaper disposal box will be installed in the multi-purpose restroom on the basement level of the main building.
  • A stroller parking area (for about 14 strollers) will be set up near the venue exit. Those entering Play Space can leave their strollers unfolded.
Baby Area and Baby Care Rooms

 

The venue will be cleaned regularly.

Entry Method

Weekends and Holidays

You need a timed ticket to use Play Space.
You can get a timed ticket between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM on the day of your visit. Please come to the entrance at least 5 minutes before your time slot. Everyone in your group should be with you. You can enter even if you are late, but please leave by the end of your time slot.

A timed ticket allows entry for 45 minutes during one of the following time slots:

（1）10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
（2）11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
（3）12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
（4）1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
（5）2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
（6）3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
（7）4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

How to Get a Timed Ticket

（1）Website (Recommended)

（2）You can also get a timed ticket at the ticket machine at the entrance.

  • Tickets for each time slot are limited.
  • Timed tickets are valid only on the day of your visit.
  • You cannot get multiple tickets for the same day. We may invalidate tickets at our discretion.

Weekdays

Please come directly to the entrance.
You may use Play Space for up to one hour between 10:00 AM and 4:45 PM. However, timed tickets may be issued to prevent crowding.

 

Who can enter Play Space?
Target Audience
  • Children under elementary school age and their parents, guardians, or chaperones, aged 18 and over. (Please note that children must be accompanied. Entry is not permitted for children or adults who are by themselves.)
Examples of groups that can enter.
  • One adult and one child (age 0–12).
  • One adult, one middle-school student, and one child (age 0–12).
  • Two adults and four children (age 0–12).
Examples of individuals or groups that may not enter.
  • Adults without accompanying children.
  • Children without accompanying adults.
  • One adult and four children. (The limit is three children per adult.)
  • One middle-school student and one child. (Middle- and high-school students are not considered chaperones.)

Related Information

Limited-Time “Children’s Kofun Curry”

お子様向けメニューイメージ

Kids’ Kofun Curry (includes juice and dessert): ¥1,400 (tax included)
This curry is inspired by the TNM Kofun and features sausages and pies shaped like the Haniwa of Dancing People.

At the museum’s restaurant, Yuri no Ki, we will offer a special meal for children under elementary school age during Play Space. (Please note that orders cannot be placed by middle school students and older.)

Overview

Use of the venue may be restricted due to other events or conditions.

Date
November 8, 2024 (Fri) - December 8, 2024 (Sun)  
Closed
Mondays
Venue
Tokyo National Museum, Japanese Gallery (Honkan), Special Room 5
Admission
Free (However, a ticket to the museum is required for individuals aged 18 to 69, excluding high school students.)
General admission ticket: ¥1,000; University students: ¥500
Please note that separate fees apply for other events and special exhibitions at the museum.
Target Audience
Children under elementary school age and their parents, guardians, or chaperones, aged 18 and over. (Please note that children must be accompanied. Entry is not permitted for children or adults who are by themselves.)
Organizers
Tokyo National Museum, Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs
Cooperation
Tokyo National Museum Kyōryokukai
Supervision
Nomura Co., Ltd.