Japan’s cultural story is told through thousands of historical artefacts, artworks and archaeological finds in five exhibition buildings.
Tea ceremonies, haiku, samurai swords and armour, screen paintings of mountain scenes and Kabuki costumes. What could be more uniquely Japanese? The Tokyo National Museum is home to hundreds of thousands of objects and national treasures which together describe Japan’s cultural history. First built in 1872, the museum proves that there is much, much more to Japan than cutting edge technology and skyscrapers, fast trains and Manga. Many of the exquisite artefacts date back thousands of years to prehistory and show a culture rich in tradition and ceremony. The collection and the growth of the museum is sheer evidence of Japan’s commitment to preserving and appreciating the nation’s art and history.The vast collection at Tokyo National Museum spans from archaeological finds and ancient manuscripts to architecture, fine art, sculpture and calligraphy, housed in five exhibition buildings. The architecture of the museum is a work of art in itself. The Honkan Building, home to the Japanese collection, is reflected perfectly in its beautiful mirror pond and the Toyokan Building has a mind-boggling spiral arrangement of floors housing its Asian collection. Even the gift shop is carefully designed, laid out with a striking pure white interior.It’s impossible to take Japan’s history from an isolated perspective and for that reason, a visit to the Asian gallery is a must. The exhibits from Japan’s neighbours show the historical, cultural and geopolitical context for the country’s development and range from stone Khmer sculptures and Indonesian textiles to Chinese bronzes, Indian miniatures and Korean Buddhist statues. Outside there are huge stone figures from Korea and China, and even a statue of the physician Edward Jenner who in the eighteenth century pioneered the smallpox vaccine. Family and foreign-visitor friendly, the museum has activities for children and a wealth of information in seven different languages. English-speaking volunteers are on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
