Reopening of the Toyokan (Asian Gallery)
Reopening of the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) / Asian Gallery (Toyokan) January 2, 2013 (Wed) - March 31, 2013 (Sun)

Enjoy a journey around Asian art through the Toyokan’s comprehensive collection
At the Tokyo National Museum, renovations to protect the Toyokan against earthquakes were recently completed. The refurbished Toyokan will open on January 2, 2013.
In addition to strengthening the building against earthquakes, a more comfortable viewing environment has been created with low reflection glass in display cases and LED lighting instead of fluorescent lights. The number of galleries has been increased, with special areas being created for the “Khmer Sculpture,” “Indian Miniature Paintings,” and “Decorative Art of the Qing Dynasty” sections, which were only exhibited for limited periods before. An elevator has been newly installed in the center of the building to improve accessibility. The panels that introduce each gallery, the object labels and other information appear in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.
Opening Ceremony of the Toyokan (Asian Gallery)
January 2, 2013 9:45 outdoor-In front of Toyokan
Highlights
Recommended spots
Educational ProgramsIn the two education spaces of the Toyokan, knowledge about Asia is introduced through various educational activities and image media. The concept of the Toyokan exhibitions is a “journey around Asian art.” However, as a long journey is tiring, the education spaces are oases for visitors to take a rest and to learn about or experience aspects of Asian culture.
Journey Information (2F) ![]() "The Merchants’ Journey" In about the 1st century, Egyptian merchants crossed the Erythraean Sea (the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean) and traveled through India in search of Chinese silk, perfume, pepper and other goods. This program introduces the objects that merchants obtained in the areas they visited, as well as details about those areas. "The Journey of Xuanzang” This program introduces the major cities from China to India along the route traveled by the seventh-century Chinese monk Xuanzang. Visitors can also view related items in the museum collection as well as photos of the present-day cities. Fortune-telling in Asia (4F) Activity area: Fortune-telling in Asia. Recommended for visitors with children.
Mongolian Fortune-telling with Shagai This type of fortune-telling uses four shagai (ankle bones of sheep or goats). By rolling them like dice, visitors can read their fortunes for the day from the combination of sides facing up. Dream Fortune-telling in Asia “If you dream of a large cat, there will be a large harvest” (Egypt); “Dream of eating an apple and your wishes will come true” (Mesopotamia). This activity introduces ten examples of dream fortune-telling from Asian areas. Lucky Items of Asia Five lucky items from Asian countries, such as Ganesa (India) and the baku (China), are introduced here. There are embossed stamps of these five items for visitors to use. |
Terrace(3F)![]() |
TNM & TOPPAN MUSEUM THEATER (B1F)
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Museum Shop(1F)On the first floor of the Toyokan, products are on sale with designs featuring items in the Toyokan collection.
Visitors can find souvenirs here themed around their favorite artworks or artifacts. |
Restaurant (1F)Hotel Okura Yurinoki
Hours: 10:30 - Museum Close (Last order 40 minutes before closing) |
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