October 4, 2026 (Sun), 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: Dying Verse

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 12

September 29, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)
The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 2026 (Sun)
The Arts of the Imperial Court | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 2026 (Sun)
Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 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

September 29, 2026 (Tue) -
December 20, 2026 (Sun)
Paintings on Folding Screens and Sliding Doors | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 17

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 2026 (Sun)
Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

September 8, 2026 (Tue) -
November 29, 2026 (Sun)
Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 2026 (Sun)
Performing Arts　Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Momijigari

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room19

September 15, 2026 (Tue) -
November 29, 2026 (Sun)
The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

September 15, 2026 (Tue) -
November 29, 2026 (Sun)
The Art of Ukiyo–e | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

September 29, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 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.

List of Exhibits

The Bodhisattva of Sunlight
Previously owned by Kinrinji Temple and Kōsanji Temple, Kyoto, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Arrival of Buddhism | 6th–8th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 11

July 14, 2026 (Tue) - October 4, 2026 (Sun)

Japan's leaders transformed their society by adopting Buddhism and other foreign cultures and practices. Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha in ancient India around 500 BC. Later it spread throughout Asia and was introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century AD.

In the Asuka period (593–710), people from the Korean Peninsula brought advanced knowledge to Japan. They included monks, scholars, and artisans, who brought technology, scholarship, artistic traditions, and Buddhist teachings. Under the leadership of the emperor and powerful clans, Buddhism began to flourish as temples were built and sacred images created.

In the Nara period (710–794), Japan’s leaders emulated the Buddhist culture that was thriving in China. In the capital of Nara, the emperor oversaw the creation of a giant buddha sculpture at Tōdaiji Temple, the symbol of a state now unified under Buddhism. The sculptures, ritual tools, sacred texts, and other works on display illustrate these two periods of rapid change.

List of Exhibits

Dying Verse(detail)
By Qingzhuo Zhengcheng (1274–1339), Nanbokuchō period, 1339 (National Treasure, Lent by the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokyo)

National Treasure Gallery: Dying Verse

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 12

September 29, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

A death verse is a poem written by an eminent Buddhist monk near the end of his life, expressing his state of mind in the face of death. Displayed here is the death verse of Qingzhuo Zhengcheng (1274–1339), a revered Chinese monk who taught Zen Buddhism in Japan.

The verse reads: “A raging gale at the boundary between life and death whips the waters of the ocean into the air, while even the stars of the heavens grow dim with tears. The deity of the earth, enraged, lashes with his whip the iron ox that the legendary sage-king Yu is said to have placed in the Yellow River to prevent it from flooding. Its speed far surpasses even sparks struck from stone or a flash of lightning.”

Qingzhuo brushed this poem in ink, charging every character with the energy he summoned in his final moments. Later generations revered the poem and its calligraphy as though it embodied Qingzhuo himself, and they carefully preserved it through the centuries.

List of Exhibits

Volume 1 of Collection of Letters Exchanged between Amoghavajra and the Emperor(detail)
Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

The beliefs and arts of Buddhism, along with its followers, became more diverse over time. In the Heian period (794–1192), the emperor and court nobility practiced and supported Buddhism. They used their vast wealth to build temples and create images for worship, often in delicate styles reflecting their tastes.

In the Kamakura period (1192–1333), the samurai gained political power, also becoming patrons of Buddhism. They preferred Buddhist art that was clear and dynamic, which led artisans to develop new styles. Many common people also became followers of Buddhism at this time, blending this religion with local beliefs, especially in the Muromachi period (1392–1573).

During these centuries, monks brought new schools of Buddhist thought from China, and developed new schools in Japan based on older teachings. Buddhism also became more integrated with Shinto, the indigenous religion. The paintings, sculptures, ritual tools, and sacred calligraphy on display illustrate this diversity in Buddhism.

List of Exhibits

Part of Illustrations of Fine Oxen(detail)
Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

After emulating China for generations, the imperial court began to develop its own cultural identity around the 10th century. This movement was led by the court nobility serving the emperor. The body of work they produced — literature, calligraphy, painting, and elegantly decorated items for daily use — became one of Japan’s cultural foundations.

Even after the samurai gained more political power than the court in the 12th century, the court remained the home of high culture for centuries. The different art forms of the court were closely related, with literature playing a central role. Previously the nobility wrote in Chinese, but the creation of a new writing system (kana) helped Japanese literature to flourish. Both noblemen and noblewomen wrote some of Japan’s most celebrated poetry and stories, including by the court lady Murasaki Shikibu. Scenes from literature were also shown in paintings and on furnishings, which the nobility commissioned for their mansions.

List of Exhibits

Landscape(detail)
By Gakuō Zōkyū, Muromachi period, 15th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya)

Zen and Ink Painting | 13th–16th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 13

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

Zen Buddhism was introduced from China, and had widespread influence on culture in Japan. Zen does not stress elaborate rituals or the study of sacred texts. Rather, it teaches that meditation and daily tasks, even cooking and cleaning, are the way to spiritual enlightenment. In the 13th century, monks brought Zen to Japan as a complete school of Buddhist thought.

These monks also brought the latest cultural practices from China. One of them was ink painting, which uses expressive lines and delicate gradations to portray nature and people. Ink painting spread beyond Zen temples and became a major artistic tradition in Japan.

Another practice was calligraphy by Zen masters, which was prized for its spiritual and aesthetic value. Along with the painting and calligraphy shown here, Zen Buddhism influenced tea ceremony, garden design, and many other forms of art.

List of Exhibits

Water Jar, Named "Shiba no Iori (Grass Hut)"
Shigaraki ware, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige)

Tea Ceremony

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 14

July 14, 2026 (Tue) - October 4, 2026 (Sun)

Tea drinking and its role in society changed over time. In the 12th century, Zen monks introduced a new kind of tea drinking from China: green tea was ground into a powder and mixed with hot water. Monks drank this tea as a medicine and to stay awake during meditation.

Before long, the samurai also began to drink tea and competed for prizes in blind tasting competitions. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the elite samurai who ruled Japan focused on the aesthetics of tea drinking. They collected valuable Chinese works like paintings and tea bowls, displaying and using them during tea gatherings.

A century later, Sen no Rikyū (1522–91) established the foundations of the tea ceremony. When serving tea, he used valuable Chinese works together with simple utensils. He also stressed humility and the beauty of imperfection. Elite samurai practiced his style and its variations as a social, aesthetic, and spiritual pursuit.

List of Exhibits

Armor (Gusoku) with a Two-Piece Cuirass and White Lacing
Edo period, 17th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yoshihiro)

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

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

September 29, 2026 (Tue) - December 20, 2026 (Sun)

The samurai ruled Japan for nearly 700 years, from the late 12th to the 19th century. They emulated the imperial court, which was the home of high culture, but also borrowed from the practices of common people. Wishing for divine protection in this life and salvation in the next, they worshipped both Shinto and Buddhist deities. The culture of the samurai was complex and ever–changing, but always reflected their authority as the warrior class of Japan.

This gallery focuses on the most prominent symbols of samurai authority: swords, armor, and other military equipment. These had many purposes. Through diverse colors and materials, they showed the tastes of their owners. Differences in shape and construction reflected differences in rank and social standing. Many samurai passed down this equipment as heirlooms, while high–ranking samurai exchanged it as diplomatic gifts. Swords and armor were also donated to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in prayer for victory in battle.

List of Exhibits

West Lake in Spring, High Tide at Qiantang(detail)
By Ike no Taiga (1723–76), Edo period, 18th century (Important Cultural Property)

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 17

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

The paintings here were not just for looking at — they served many other purposes, even that of furniture. Sliding doors divided rooms, while folding screens could be placed anywhere to create private spaces, reduce draftiness, or hide items from view. Sometimes artisans decorated the paintings with gold leaf, which reflected light and helped to brighten dim interiors.

A painting could also change the mood of a room. Ink paintings might create a relaxed or meditative atmosphere. Ones with bright colors and gold leaf might evoke an extravagant feel. The subject matter and style of a painting could also reflect the formality of a room, the current season, and the tastes of the owner. This gallery surrounds visitors with large-scale paintings to show how they create different moods.

List of Exhibits

Long-Sleeved Kimono (Furisode) with a Stormy Seascape
Edo period, 19th century

Decorative Arts | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

September 8, 2026 (Tue) - November 29, 2026 (Sun)

From the late 16th century, changes in society helped artisans to develop the decorative arts. In the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1573–1603), samurai warlords united Japan after more than a century of fighting. The following Edo period (1603–1868) saw economic growth under a new samurai government, with merchants and other people gaining the wealth to buy art.

Potters succeeded in making Japan's first porcelain in the early 17th century. Methods for decorating porcelain and other ceramics then became more diverse, as shown by works with gold, silver, and color enamels. Meanwhile, textiles saw rapid technical advances. The loom was improved to make complex weaves possible, while dyeing became as detailed and expressive as painting.

Items like furniture and dining sets were coated with lacquer and decorated with metal powders, most often gold. Lacquer workers refined this technique, called maki–e, and combined it with new materials for more elaborate designs. Metalworkers also began using a wider variety of base metals and alloys, creating works with greater detail and precision.

List of Exhibits

Volume 1 of Sketches of the Izu Peninsula and Sagami Province (detail)
By Tani Bunchō (1763–1840), Edo period, 1793 (Important Cultural Property)

Painting and Calligraphy | 16th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 18

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

A thriving economy, foreign trade, and better education invigorated the development of painting and calligraphy. Previously, ruling classes like the samurai and court nobility were the main patrons of art. But in the Edo period (1603–1868), more people started to benefit from the economy. Successful merchants in particular gained the wealth to support artists and buy their works.

Many painters continued working in traditional styles, while others started looking to outside sources for inspiration. Paintings and painting manuals imported from China were one source. Another was the books and prints that traders brought from Europe, which showed techniques like realistic shading and perspective. As a result, painting in Japan became more diverse in style and subject matter.

Meanwhile, the ancient custom of writing with a brush and ink continued. The literacy rate increased dramatically as schools for different social classes were established, particularly in cities and towns. The publishing industry thrived and more people took up the art of calligraphy.

List of Exhibits

Noh Mask: Hannya
Formerly owned by the Konparu troupe, Edo period, 17th–18th century (Important Cultural Property)

Performing Arts　Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Momijigari

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room19

September 15, 2026 (Tue) - November 29, 2026 (Sun)

The Noh play Momijigari ("Viewing the Autumn Foliage") tells the story of a samurai's encounter with a man-eating demoness. In the first half, a noblewoman ventures into the mountains with her attendants to view the autumn foliage. There she meets the samurai Taira no Koremochi, who is out hunting with his entourage. She invites him to drink and beguiles him with an elegant dance. Koremochi, lulled by wine and beauty, falls asleep drunk.

In the second half, he awakens to find the noblewoman transformed into her true form: a demoness who preys on travelers in these mountains. She attacks him, but Koremochi draws his sword — a divine weapon he received from a Shinto god — and cuts her down after a fierce struggle.

This exhibition features masks and costumes worn by actors in this play. These include a manbi mask depicting the young noblewoman, paired with a karaori robe woven with elegant, courtly patterns. In contrast, the hannya demon mask on display has uptured eyes and a gaping mouth embodying rage and torment.

List of Exhibits

Kimono (Furisode) with Eight Views of Ōmi Province
Edo period, 18th century

The Art of Fashion | 17th–19th century

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

September 15, 2026 (Tue) - November 29, 2026 (Sun)

Japan's traditional clothing, kimono, are based on kosode — the outer wear of the Edo period (1603–1868). At first, the court nobility and samurai wore kosode under other clothing. But from about the 15th century, the samurai began using them as daily outer wear. In the 17th century, kosode became the most common clothing for men and women of all classes.

Wealthy women placed orders for custom-made kosode at luxury clothing stores. They often chose the patterns from clothing design books that were published and widely circulated. Together with these kosode, they wore hairpins and combs to accent their elaborate hairstyles.

In contrast, men wore kosode with understated patterns like stripes or checks.

Their usual fashion accessories were a small case (inrō) and a toggle (netsuke) for securing the case to the sash. This gallery features kosode and accessories, together with prints and paintings (ukiyo-e) showing how people wore them and how fashions changed over time.

List of Exhibits

Courtesan at a Writing Table (detail)
By Utagawa Toyohiro (died 1829), Edo period, 19th century

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

2nd floor "Highlights of Japanese Art"
Room 20

September 29, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Prints and paintings called ukiyo-e were the first genre of art enjoyed by common people on a large scale. Economic growth contributed to the creation of this genre in the 17th century. As living standards improved, common people developed an urban culture that was passionate about trends, fashion, and entertainment.

At first, ukiyo-e depicted the celebrities of the day, especially actors of the kabuki theater and courtesans of the pleasure quarters (the legal brothel district). The subject matter later expanded to include topics like seasonal festivals, travel spots, and landscapes.Techniques for making ukiyo-e also changed over time. Early ukiyo-e were painted by hand. Artisans later started carving images into blocks of wood and used these blocks to print ukiyo-e in large numbers. These black-and-white prints were much more affordable. As carving and printing techniques were refined, prints with a brilliant range of colors became possible.

List of Exhibits

2nd floor

The Japanese Emperor's Palanquins

2nd floor the Imperial Lounge

April 8, 2026 (Wed) -
March 31, 2027 (Wed)
Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

August 4, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Imperial Palanquin (Hōren)
Transferred from the Ministry of the Imperial Household in 1906, Edo period, 19th century

The Japanese Emperor's Palanquins

2nd floor the Imperial Lounge

April 8, 2026 (Wed) - March 31, 2027 (Wed)

The emperor historically rode in imperial palanquins (hōren) during official outings. This particular palanquin was used when Emperor Kōmei (1831–1867) relocated to a new imperial palace in 1855 (currently the Kyoto Imperial Palace) and when the Meiji Emperor (1852–1912) went on official outings in Tokyo.

Also on display is the yōyo palanquin, which is carried at waist height. It was used to transport the emperor within the imperial palace and to evacuate him in the event of emergencies. Emperor Kōmei (1831–1867) would ride on the yōyo palanquin when he celebrated niiname-sai, a traditional Japanese harvest festival, on the palace grounds.

List of Exhibits

Yuya
By Kishi Isshū, 1991

Netsuke: The Prince Takamado Collection

2nd floor The Prince Takamado Collection Room

August 4, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

This exhibition displays the contemporary netsuke toggle collection of the late Prince Takamado and her Imperial Highness Princess.

List of Exhibits

1st floor

The Door to Japanese Art

1st floor
Room B

June 30, 2026 (Tue) -
March 31, 2027 (Wed)
Japanese Culture Plaza

1st floor
Room C

April 8, 2026 (Wed) -
March 31, 2027 (Wed)
Education Space

1st floor
Room 9

April 8, 2026 (Wed) -
March 31, 2027 (Wed)

The Door to Japanese Art

1st floor
Room B

June 30, 2026 (Tue) - March 31, 2027 (Wed)

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

Details

Japanese Culture Plaza

1st floor
Room C

April 8, 2026 (Wed) - March 31, 2027 (Wed)

Here at the Tokyo National Museum, you can get in touch with Japanese culture through items created and treasured by people long ago, known as “cultural properties.” This exhibition is like a “plaza” where all kinds of people can gather and have fun before and after viewing these cultural properties, thereby experiencing the appeal and joy of Japanese culture.

Details

Education Space

1st floor
Room 9

April 8, 2026 (Wed) - March 31, 2027 (Wed)

This Education Space is for educational displays/activities. They include " Let's Explore National Treasures at TNM," an enhanced version of the "e-Museum" website; and "Let's Rotate Artworks at TNM," a hands-on space where you can rotate 3D images of artworks as you like.

Details

1st floor: Genre Exhibits

Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 1

June 30, 2026 (Tue) -
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 2

August 18, 2026 (Tue) -
November 8, 2026 (Sun)
Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

August 25, 2026 (Tue) -
November 15, 2026 (Sun)
Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

August 4, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)
Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

September 29, 2026 (Tue) -
January 24, 2027 (Sun)
Thematic Exhibition

Family Gallery　 The Emotions Behind Noh Masks

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 4

September 1, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)
Historical Records

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 5

August 25, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)
Ainu and Ryūkyū

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 6

August 4, 2026 (Tue) -
October 25, 2026 (Sun)
Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 7

April 8, 2026 (Wed) -
March 31, 2027 (Wed)
Art of the Modern Era | Late 19th–first half of 20th century

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 8

July 28, 2026 (Tue) -
October 18, 2026 (Sun)

The Buddha Dainichi
Heian period, 11th–12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Sculpture

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 1

June 30, 2026 (Tue) - October 4, 2026 (Sun)

Japan has three main traditions of sculpture: Buddhist deities, Shinto deities, and portraits of people. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century, together with sculptures of Buddhist deities. These sculptures were made primarily for worship. Making a sculpture was also an “act of spiritual merit” that would help one’s prayers to be answered.

In contrast, Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan. Since ancient times, people believed that Shinto deities dwell in natural features like mountains and rivers, and rarely depicted them as humanlike sculptures. Even when a Shinto shrine had a sculpture for worship, the priests usually kept it hidden from view out of respect.

Some portrait sculptures were also worshipped, as they showed deified monks or samurai. Others were made to remember the dead and pray for their salvation. This gallery features works mainly from the Heian (794–1192) and Kamakura (1192–1333) periods, when many of Japan’s most admired sculptures were created.

Download the Leaflet for the Guardian Gods（2.71MB）

List of Exhibits

Box for Monk's Robes with an Image of Mount Penglai
One of the Hōryūji Treasures, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)

Lacquerware

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 2

August 18, 2026 (Tue) - November 8, 2026 (Sun)

Lacquer is the sap of the lacquer tree, which grows in East and Southeast Asia. Naturally sticky, it can be brushed onto different materials, and hardens into a durable coating that is waterproof and resistant to acids, alkalis, and heat. Because of its versatility and beauty, lacquer has been central to daily life in parts of Asia for over 9,000 years.

In Japan, artisans coated everyday items with lacquer, including furniture, boxes, dining sets, and cosmetic and writing tools. The base material could be wood, pottery, cloth, leather, or paper. To decorate these items, artisans painted designs with a mixture of lacquer and pigment, or used lacquer like a glue to inlay metal and mother-of-pearl.

But the pinnacle of lacquer decoration in Japan is maki-e (sprinkled picture). It consists of painting a design with lacquer, and then sprinkling metal powders onto the sticky lacquer before it hardens. Artisans first used maki-e techniques in the 8th century. As shown in this gallery, they developed them to an extraordinary degree over the centuries.

List of Exhibits

Buffalo-Shaped Incense Burner
Edo period, 17th century

Metalwork

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

August 25, 2026 (Tue) - November 15, 2026 (Sun)

This exhibition provides a historical overview of Japanese metalwork from the Heian (794–1192) to the Edo (1603–1868) period. Objects are displayed by category, such as Buddhist ritual implements, mirrors, tea kettles, objects with designs in cloisonné, decorative fittings, and okimono ornaments. Visitors are invited to view the beauty of metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron, as well as the shapes they were crafted into, and the designs they were freely embellished with.

List of Exhibits

Blade for a Dagger (Tantō), Named "Meibutsu Atsushi Tōshirō”
By Yoshimitsu, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure)

Swords

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

August 4, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Room 13 features selected swords and sword–fittings from the Heian to Edo periods, including the Blade for a Dagger (Tantō), Named "Meibutsu Atsushi Tōshirō”

List of Exhibits

Portable Dining Set with Dragons and Waves
By Mokubei (1767–1833), Edo period, 19th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Kasagi Tōru)

Ceramics

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 3

September 29, 2026 (Tue) - January 24, 2027 (Sun)

Early Japanese ceramics were heavily influenced by techniques and processes originating in China and Korea. Over time, a more diverse range of forms and styles came to be embraced in Japan. This increased diversity was driven by economic and political factors, including foreign trade and the changing preferences of disparate social classes.

Throughout Japanese history, people of different social classes—emperors, nobles, samurai, and townspeople like merchants—held political or economic power at different times. Potters responded by creating regionally distinct ceramics that met the needs and tastes of each set of clientele.

This gallery traces the history of Japanese ceramics from around the 12th century onwards, beginning with storage jars for daily use, which highlight the unique colors and textures of local clays. It continues with tea bowls and other utensils for the tea ceremony, a practice that greatly influenced ceramic production. The ceramic traditions of Kyoto are then presented, followed by porcelain made in Arita, and other works from regional kilns.

List of Exhibits

Noh Mask: Waka Shakumi
Engraved: "Created by Zairen/Kumadayū of Heisenji Temple", Passed down by the Konparu troupe, Muromachi period, 15th–16th century (Important Cultural Property)

Thematic Exhibition

Family Gallery　 The Emotions Behind Noh Masks

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 4

September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

In Japanese, there is an expression, “like a Noh mask,” which refers to an expressionless face. In reality,however, Noh masks are full of emotion. The characters who appear in Noh plays each have specific roles and corresponding emotions, which are emphasized through the movements and gestures of the performers on stage, heightening the drama of the story.

In this exhibition, we invite you to compare a variety of Noh masks. Try imagining, from their “expressions,” what kinds of roles they represent and what kinds of emotions they convey.

Details

Maps of the Tōkaidō Road: Mishima and Numazu (detail)
Compiled by the Office of Road Management, Previously owned by the Asakusa Bunko Library, Edo period, 1806 (Important Cultural Property)

Historical Records

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 5

August 25, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Tokyo National Museum has more than artworks and archeological artifacts. The collection also includes records, which provide valuable insights into history and the cultures of different ethnic groups. This diversity stems from the Museum’s origins as a comprehensive institution in 1872. It was even home to animal, plant, and mineral specimens, although these were moved to the National Museum of Nature and Science in 1925.

The extensive collection of historical records at Tokyo National Museum now includes maps, diagrams, texts, photographs, ink rubbings, and copies of artworks. These items, dating mainly from the 17th to 20th century, shed light on politics, society, culture, transportation, and scenery in Japan. Here we display a selection of these items under different themes throughout the year.

List of Exhibits

Cinerary Urn
Okinawa Main Island; Tsuboya ware, Second Shō dynasty, Ryukyu kingdom, 19th century

Ainu and Ryūkyū

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 6

August 4, 2026 (Tue) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

The Ryukyu Kingdom reigned over the Nansei islands, which include the Okinawa main island, from the 1400s. The kingdom developed its unique culture through trade with regions in Asia including China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia.

This exhibit presents a range of Ryukyuan artifacts. These include metalwork objects including personal accessories; colorful textiles which would stand out brilliantly against the tropical sunlight; and ceramics and lacquerware that arose out of interactions with surrounding regions such as China and Japan. It also features ritualistic artifacts, such as articles associated with hereditary priestesses called noro, who took charge of ceremonial rites, as well as those used for a unique funerary custom in which the bones of the deceased were washed after exposure burials.

List of Exhibits

Conservation and Restoration

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 7

April 8, 2026 (Wed) - March 31, 2027 (Wed)

>> detailed information
Continuous conservation activities are required to effectively care for the objects in the Museum's collection. These activities ensure that works of art can be displayed while also preserving them for future generations. This gallery presents the Museum's conservation activities in three categories: environmental control during display and storage, assessment and analysis of each object’s condition of preservation, and conservation treatments for damaged objects.

Dressed Up(detail)
By Tsuchida Bakusen (1887–1936), Shōwa era, 1930 (Gift of Ms. Katayama Yoshiko)

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

1st floor: Genre Exhibits
Room 8

July 28, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 2026 (Sun)

Drastic changes in the late 19th century created new challenges for artists. The samurai government that had strictly regulated contact with the outside world collapsed in a civil war. Japan's new leaders announced the start of the Meiji era (1868–1912), engaging with the world and reforming their nation to be more like “the West” (mainly Europe and the United States).

These leaders soon realized that works produced in Japan were not seen as “fine art” in the West. Artisans often mounted paintings on sliding doors and folding screens, but this practice made them look like furniture to Europeans and Americans. Japan's ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, and textiles were also labeled as “decorative art” rather than “fine art.”

In response, artistic traditions were changed to meet Western standards. Japan's leaders established schools of fine art, organized national exhibitions, and urged artists to participate in world fairs. They intended to show the world that Japan was a “modern” nation with sophisticated arts and culture. The works on display reflect how Japanese artists met these challenges.

List of Exhibits

1st floor

Special Exhibitions

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Gift of the Uchiyama Susumu Collection Hiroshige: New Perspectives on Edo Japan

1st floor
Room A

September 29, 2026 (Tue) -
December 20, 2026 (Sun)

Special Exhibitions

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Gift of the Uchiyama Susumu Collection Hiroshige: New Perspectives on Edo Japan

1st floor
Room A

September 29, 2026 (Tue) - December 20, 2026 (Sun)

The artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) was primarily a commercial print designer working in ukiyo-e, a genre of woodblock prints and paintings depicting popular subjects. His striking landscapes evoking the changing seasons and vibrant images of birds and flowers marked the beginning of a new era in ukiyo-e. Today, Hiroshige’s name is most strongly associated with his landscape prints. He captured the beauty of scenic places across Japan, carving out a unique place for himself through inventive compositional layouts, clever methods of signaling shifts in time and weather, and by seamlessly integrating local inhabitants. His approachable yet innovative style won him a massive following during the Edo period (1603–1868).
The Tokyo National Museum was recently gifted 1,025 ukiyo-e prints from the collection of Uchiyama Susumu (1893–1980). Over the course of his life, Uchiyama built a high-quality collection of prints, largely focused on Hiroshige’s works, and made significant contributions to the popularization and study of ukiyo-e through exhibitions and publications showcasing his collection.
To commemorate the acquisition of these invaluable works, the Museum is holding a three-part exhibition featuring Hiroshige’s most renowned prints in the landscape and bird-and-flower genres, with a special look at his three most iconic series: The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road (Part One), The Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kiso Road (Part Two), and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Part Three). The exhibition constitutes a globally unprecedented opportunity to view all three works in their entirety.
Visit to discover how the master printmaker Hiroshige breathed new life into Edo Japan’s most famous scenic views.

All works on view will change in each of the exhibition’s three parts.
Part One: September 29–October 25
Part Two: October 27–November 23
Part Three: November 25–December 20

Details

Exhibitions

October 4, 2026 (Sun), 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: Dying Verse

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 in the Noh Play Momijigari

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

Family Gallery The Emotions Behind Noh Masks

Historical Records

Ainu and Ryūkyū

Conservation and Restoration

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

1st floor

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Gift of the Uchiyama Susumu Collection Hiroshige: New Perspectives on Edo Japan

Performing Arts　Masks and Costumes in the Noh Play Momijigari

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

Family Gallery　 The Emotions Behind Noh Masks