Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo (must see)

The Tokyo National Museum—Japan’s oldest and largest vault of history, art, and culture—is way more than just a dusty archive for scholars in tweed jackets. This place is a time-travel machine packed with samurai armor, ancient scrolls, and delicate ceramics that survived centuries of human clumsiness.

But how did it all start? Flashback to 1872, when the museum was just a 20-day pop-up exhibit inside a former Confucian temple. The collection—curated by the Ministry of Education—was such a hit that they decided to keep the party going. After a couple of relocations, the museum found its forever home in Ueno Park, where it now stands as a treasure chest of Japanese heritage.

Today, the Tokyo National Museum is five buildings strong. Its main event, the Honkan, features Japan’s history in 24 rooms of artifacts from 10,000 BC to the 19th century. The Toyokan is a trip through Asia, divided into 10 rooms and seven regions—because Japan doesn’t hog all the historical limelight. The Hyokeikan – built in 1909, this beauty is all about temporary exhibits and events. The Heiseikan represents a deep dive into Japanese archaeology, from prehistoric relics to impressive imperial collections. And finally, the Horyu-ji Homotsukan, home to priceless treasures donated by the Horyu-ji Temple.

And if you like superlatives, get this: the museum holds 87 National Treasures and 610 Important Cultural Properties—basically, a historian’s dream come true.

So, whether you're an art nerd, a history buff, or just looking for a solid indoor activity in the Japanese capital, the Tokyo National Museum is a must-see—comprehensive, affordable, and wonderfully curated with clear English explanations (plus an audio guide, if you prefer a guided adventure). So, go forth and explore!

Tips:
Bring a 100 yen coin for the lockers—you’ll get it back, promise!
Snap all the photos you want, except where you see those “no photos” signs—respect the artifacts and people.
And let’s not forget the gift shop, where you can pick up gorgeous, artsy souvenirs to flex your cultural sophistication.