Opened in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum is the oldest national museum and largest art museum in Japan. Set in the surrounds of Ueno Park, it is a major centre for the preservation, study and exhibition of Japanese and Asian cultural heritage, home to a comprehensive collection of artwork and cultural objects. Spread across several buildings, a wander through the museum’s exhibits gives fascinating insight into the development of Japanese culture over 1000s of years through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, swords, armour and archaeological artefacts. Some objects in the collection have even been designated ‘National Treasures’ and ‘Important Cultural Properties’ by the Japanese government.  

The museum’s grounds are also worth exploring, with traditional Japanese gardens to stroll, complete with historic teahouses; visit in the spring or the autumn for beautiful seasonal landscapes.