August 6, 2026 (Thu), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

The original Japanese Gallery (designed by the British architect Josiah Conder) was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In contrast to western style of the original structure, the design of the present Honkan by Watanabe Jin is the more eastern "Emperor's Crown Style." Construction began in 1932, and the building was opened in 1938. 24 exhibition rooms on two floors provide a thorough introduction into Japanese art: "Highlights of Japanese Art" on the second floor introduces the development of Japanese art from Jomon through to the Edo period in a chronological manner, and genre galleries presenting specific rooms displaying ceramics, swords, lacquerwares, sculptures, modern decorative arts as well as the material culture of Ainu and Ryukyu are located on the first floor.

Highlights of Japanese Art(PDF)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 11

June 30, 2026 (Tue) -
December 20, 2026 (Sun)
The Arrival of Buddhism | 6th–8th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 11

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
National Treasure Gallery: The Sovereign Kings Sutra Written to Form a Pagoda (First Image)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 12

July 22, 2026 (Wed) -
August 23, 2026 (Sun)
The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
August 30, 2026 (Sun)
The Arts of the Imperial Court | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
August 30, 2026 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
August 30, 2026 (Sun)
Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 14

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
Arms and Armor of the Samurai | 12th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Rooms 15 & 16

July 7, 2026 (Tue) -
September 27, 2026 (Sun)
Paintings on Folding Screens and Sliding Doors | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 17

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
August 30, 2026 (Sun)
Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

June 23, 2026 (Tue) -
September 6, 2026 (Sun)
Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

July 14, 2026 (Tue) -
August 30, 2026 (Sun)
Performing Arts Masks and Costumes for the Classic Comic Drama Kyōgen

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room19

June 30, 2026 (Tue) -
September 13, 2026 (Sun)
The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

June 30, 2026 (Tue) -
September 13, 2026 (Sun)
The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

July 22, 2026 (Wed) -
August 23, 2026 (Sun)

Clay Figurine (Dogū) with Goggle-Like Eyes
Found in Ōsaki City, Miyagi, Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC (Important Cultural Property)

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 11

June 30, 2026 (Tue) - December 20, 2026 (Sun)

Japan has some of the earliest pottery in the world, dating back about 13,000 years. It was created by the people of the Jōmon period (ca. 11,000–400 BC). These people built permanent settlements and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering.

At the height of their culture, they made pottery with richly sculpted forms and figurines with distinctive shapes.

In the Yayoi period (ca. 4th century BC–first half of 3rd century AD), people from Northeast Asia (now China and Korea) immigrated to Japan. They brought knowledge of how to farm rice and make objects with bronze and iron. More food became available and people started making tools, weapons, and ritual objects with metal.

In the Kofun period (ca. second half of 3rd–7th century), regional rulers seized power and resources. They formed an early state and the imperial line became its central authority. These rulers had giant tomb mounds built for themselves, with clay sculptures placed outside and valuable objects buried inside to express the rulers’ authority even after death.

August 6, 2026 (Thu), Japanese Gallery (Honkan)

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"

Ancient Art | Ca. 11,000 BC–7th century AD

The Arrival of Buddhism | 6th–8th century

National Treasure Gallery: The Sovereign Kings Sutra Written to Form a Pagoda (First Image)

The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

The Arts of the Imperial Court | 8th–16th century

Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

Tea Ceremony

Arms and Armor of the Samurai | 12th–19th century

Paintings on Folding Screens and Sliding Doors | 16th–19th century

Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

Performing Arts Masks and Costumes for the Classic Comic Drama Kyōgen

The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century

2nd floor

The Japanese Emperor's Palanquins

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

1st floor

The Door to Japanese Art

Welcome to the Tokyo National Museum (TNM)! Here you can step into an interactive experience to explore our collection.

Japanese Culture Plaza

Education Space

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Sculpture

Lacquerware

Metalwork

Swords

Ceramics

Floral Motifs in Buddhism: Lotus and Hōsōge Flowers

Historical Records

Ainu and Ryūkyū

Conservation and Restoration

Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century

Welcome to the Tokyo National Museum (TNM)!
Here you can step into an interactive experience to explore our collection.

Floral Motifs in Buddhism:
Lotus and Hōsōge Flowers