National Museum of Nature and Science Museum

Address: National Museum of Nature and Science, Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo, Japan

Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/

Hours: Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (check website for updates)

Admission: Adults ¥630 (permanent exhibitions); additional fees may apply for special exhibitions

National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo is a national museum located in Ueno Park that presents both natural history and the history of science and technology. It combines specimen-based natural history displays with exhibits on scientific development and applied technologies.

Permanent galleries are arranged to show Japan-specific natural history and scientific achievements alongside broader global themes; the museum has specimens, interactive displays and historical scientific instruments. The museum is used by school groups and researchers as well as general visitors.

The institution traces its origins to national exhibitions and collections formed in the late 19th century and has been developed into a modern museum with conservation and research functions.

The museum stands within Ueno Park in Tokyo and is within easy walking distance of Ueno Station.

• Location: Located in Ueno Park and a short walk from Ueno Station, making it one of the most accessible national science and natural history museums in Tokyo.

What to See#

• Japan and Global Galleries: Divides permanent exhibitions between a Japan-focused gallery and a Global gallery that present natural history, technology and the history of science; both galleries contain specimens, models and historical objects arranged by theme.

The National Museum of Nature and Science sits in Ueno Park. Take JR lines (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tōhoku Line and other JR services) to Ueno Station - from the Park Exit the museum is an easy 5-10 minute walk; Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Line stops at Ueno are also within a short walk. By car it’s in the Ueno area roughly 5-6 km north of Tokyo Station (about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic) with parking available nearby.

• Arrive at opening on a weekday to see the permanent exhibition with far fewer visitors than at midday or weekends; this also lets you visit popular halls before school groups and tour buses arrive.
• Enter from Ueno Park (the museum sits inside Ueno Park close to Ueno Station's Park Exit) - that approach puts you at the main Honkan entrance and is quickest if you're coming by JR or Tokyo Metro.
• Check the museum website in advance for special exhibitions and separate-ticket displays; these often have timed entries and can significantly increase visit length, so reserve or time your visit accordingly.