Tokyo National Museum Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM) is Japan's oldest and largest museum, founded in 1872. The complex includes five main buildings set within the northern section of Ueno Park: the Honkan (Japanese Gallery), Toyokan (Asian Gallery), Heiseikan, Hyokeikan, and Horyuji Homotsukan (Gallery of Horyuji Treasures). The collection spans over 120,000 objects, including 89 National Treasures. The museum has made significant accessibility improvements, with elevators, slopes, and ramps throughout most buildings. Visitors with disabilities and one companion enter free of charge.

Getting There

• Metro: Ueno Station (Ginza Line and Hibiya Line) has elevator access. From the station, follow the Park Exit and head through Ueno Park toward the museum. The walk is about 10 minutes on paved paths.
• JR: Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Park Exit) is closest. The route through the park to the museum is mostly flat with one gentle slope.
• Bus: Toei Bus routes stop at the Ueno Park entrance on Chuo-dori.
• Parking: Disability permit parking spaces are available at the museum. Reservations are recommended.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Honkan (Japanese Gallery): The main building has elevator access to all floors. The ground floor entrance has a slope with a gentle gradient. Gallery corridors are wide and step-free.
• Toyokan (Asian Gallery): Elevator access to all exhibition floors. Wide corridors suitable for wheelchair navigation.
• Heiseikan: Elevator access. This building hosts special exhibitions and the Japanese Archaeology Gallery.
• Horyuji Homotsukan (Gallery of Horyuji Treasures): A modern building (designed by Yoshio Taniguchi) with full step-free access and elevator.
• Hyokeikan: This historic building's second floor does not accommodate wheelchair visitors. The ground floor is accessible.
• Free wheelchair loan is available at the museum. Ask staff at any entrance or the information desk.
• The outdoor paths connecting the five buildings within the museum compound are paved and mostly flat, with gentle slopes between some buildings.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible restrooms are located in each of the main buildings. The museum's barrier-free maps indicate the exact locations. All accessible toilets have grab bars, emergency call buttons, and sufficient wheelchair turning space.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Visitors with a disability certificate (Japanese or foreign) and one companion enter free. Show your certificate at the ticket counter.
• Friday and Saturday evenings (open until 20:00) are less crowded than daytime visits. The museum is quieter and easier to navigate after 17:00.
• The Honkan building is the largest and contains the most important Japanese art collection. Allow at least 90 minutes for this building alone.
• The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures is the most modern building and the easiest to navigate in a wheelchair. It also has a cafe on the ground floor with step-free access.
• Special exhibitions in the Heiseikan can draw large crowds. Book timed tickets online when available.
• The museum garden (behind the Honkan) opens seasonally. Paths in the garden may have unpaved sections.