If you want to learn about the culture and history of Japan, head to the Tokyo National Museum. It is located on the territory of picturesque Ueno Park in five huge buildings, a walk through which can take more than one day. This is the oldest cultural complex of Tokyo. Besides, it has the largest collection of antiquities and national art.

The Tokyo National Museum appeared in the second half of the 19th century. Today, it stores about 120,000 exhibits, of which more than 80 are registered as national treasures and more than 640 as important cultural treasures. Unfortunately, you won't be able to see the entire collection in one visit: only a small part of it is on display in the exhibition halls. However, the staff of the institution regularly updates the exhibits so that visitors come here again and again to gain new knowledge and impressions each time.

The Honkan is the main building of the museum that opened to the public in 1938. It was designed by Jun Watanabe and combines neoclassical elements with a pointed roof in the characteristic Japanese style called teikan or Imperial Crown. The building is a local architectural landmark protected by the state. The main building houses an impressive collection of Japanese art, including both ancient metalwork and contemporary paintings.

Behind the Honkan building is the Heiseikan building, dedicated to archaeological finds. It features earthenware, stone tools, helmets, armor, and many other ancient artifacts.

An interesting exhibition awaits visitors in the Asian gallery, located to the right of the main building and appeared in 1968. It contains art and antiquities from all over Asia, including the Middle and Southeastern countries.

To the left of the main building stands the Ceremonial building, a Meiji era building that was opened in 1909. Today, this space is used only for special temporary exhibitions.

Another museum building is the Horyuji (Gallery of Horyoji Treasures). It was opened in 1999 along with the Heisei Building. There are more than 300 objects on display, most of which date from the 7th to 8th centuries.