Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Tokyo
A dynamic art space in Ueno Park, offering free general entry and diverse ticketed exhibitions, set within modernist architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic art space in Ueno Park, offering free general entry and diverse ticketed exhibitions, set within modernist architecture.
"Free entry to explore art and architecture within the vibrant cultural hub of Ueno Park."
🎯 Check Exhibit Schedules
Entry to the museum is free, but special exhibits require tickets. Always check what's on before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore Ueno Park
The museum is part of Ueno Park's cultural hub. Plan to visit other attractions nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rotating Special Exhibitions
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover diverse and often ticketed exhibitions showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and periods.

Kunio Maekawa Architecture
Museum Building
Appreciate the modernist architectural design by Kunio Maekawa, a significant piece of Tokyo's urban landscape.

Ueno Park's Green Oasis
Adjacent to the museum
Enjoy the serene Japanese garden and tea room, offering a peaceful escape within the bustling city.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Exhibit Focus
Ueno Park's Artistic Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Exhibit Schedules
Entry to the museum is free, but special exhibits require tickets. Always check what's on before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore Ueno Park
The museum is part of Ueno Park's cultural hub. Plan to visit other attractions nearby.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't miss the modernist design by Kunio Maekawa. It's a work of art itself!
🌿 Visit the Teien Garden
Find tranquility in the adjacent Japanese garden and tea room for a serene experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Exhibit Schedules
Entry to the museum is free, but special exhibits require tickets. Always check what's on before you go!
🚶♀️ Explore Ueno Park
The museum is part of Ueno Park's cultural hub. Plan to visit other attractions nearby.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't miss the modernist design by Kunio Maekawa. It's a work of art itself!
🌿 Visit the Teien Garden
Find tranquility in the adjacent Japanese garden and tea room for a serene experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum for its free general admission and its prime location within Ueno Park, offering a blend of art and nature. While special exhibitions require tickets and can vary in appeal, the museum's architectural design and the surrounding cultural hub make it a worthwhile stop for many.
"A reaaaaaaaally must for art-lovers!
Today was the last day of the Joan Miró exhibition.
There were families with kids and lots of adults, too. My junior high schooler was free.
There are lots of restrooms, and even a nice restaurant.
The whole experience was perfect!"
Marco Campos
"Located in Ueno, close to many other museums ( like National Museum of the Imperial Collections), at the moment there are many traditional calligraphy exhibitions and local artist collections. For me, as an artist, was very interesting. Miro exhibition was not worth for me comming from EU I saw enough times in Spain etc etc but if you are interested please visit it."
Roby Andreutti
"The Joan Miro exhibition is showing from Mar-July 2025. Cost is 2300 yen, but two of the galleries are free of charge (not Miro). Well worth a 2-3hr visit!
Also, there’s a special bonus seeing cherry blossoms in Ueno Park!"
Kimi & Lucy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Yamanote Line or other JR lines to Ueno Station, or the Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station. It's a short walk from the station.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the art museum itself, Ueno Park has several paid parking lots nearby. It's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential parking challenges.
Yes, it's a pleasant and short walk from Ueno Station to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, typically around 5-10 minutes. Follow signs for Ueno Park.
The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station are excellent choices, offering direct access to the park and museum area.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps available. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the museum's permanent collection and some areas is free. However, special exhibitions often require a separate ticket purchase.
Ticket prices for special exhibitions vary depending on the exhibition. It's best to check the museum's official website for current pricing and to book in advance, especially for popular shows.
The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. Hours may vary for special exhibitions and during certain seasons. Always confirm on their official website.
Some special exhibitions may offer discounted rates for students, seniors, or groups. Check the specific exhibition details on the museum's website for eligibility and pricing.
Tickets for special exhibitions can usually be purchased on-site, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance to secure your entry and avoid queues, especially during peak times.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, from traditional Japanese art to contemporary international works, photography, and sculpture. The focus often shifts with special exhibitions.
For general exploration of free areas and one special exhibition, plan for 1-2 hours. If you're deeply interested in art or visiting multiple exhibitions, you could easily spend half a day.
Photography policies vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography may be permitted in some areas, but it's crucial to look for signage or ask staff before taking pictures.
Guided tours are sometimes offered for special exhibitions, often in Japanese. Check the museum's schedule or inquire at the information desk for availability and language options.
The museum offers restrooms, lockers for rent, a gift shop, and cafes/restaurants. The adjacent Ueno Park also has amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum typically has a cafe and sometimes a restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments and light meals.
Ueno Park and the surrounding Ueno area offer a wide array of dining choices, from casual eateries and cafes to more formal restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the exhibition halls. There are usually designated areas or cafes where you can consume them.
Dining options in the Ueno area are diverse. While the museum cafe might have limited options, you'll find plenty of restaurants nearby that cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan.
Prices at museum cafes are typically moderate, similar to other cafes in tourist areas. Expect to pay around ¥1,000-¥2,000 for a meal or substantial snack.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules vary by exhibition. Always check for signage or ask staff. Non-flash photography is sometimes allowed in general areas, but not in special exhibitions.
The museum's modernist architecture by Kunio Maekawa offers striking visual lines. The adjacent Japanese garden also provides beautiful, serene photo backdrops.
For the exterior architecture and garden, morning light can be lovely. Inside, it depends on exhibition lighting and any restrictions.
Tripods and selfie sticks are almost always prohibited inside art museums to protect the artworks and ensure visitor safety.
Explore the museum's facade and the tranquil Japanese garden. Inside, look for architectural details and well-lit exhibition spaces where photography is permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for exhibitions that might have interactive elements or themes that appeal to younger audiences. The museum's location within Ueno Park means you can easily pair an art visit with a trip to the Ueno Zoo or the National Museum of Nature and Science, creating a well-rounded family day out. Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated areas or the park itself.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special exhibitions require tickets, you can strategically choose one that particularly interests you to manage costs. Alternatively, focus on enjoying the free sections and the beautiful surrounding Ueno Park, which offers plenty of free exploration opportunities. Dining options in the Ueno area range from affordable street food to more budget-friendly eateries, making it easy to keep overall expenses down.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the special exhibitions, take time to appreciate the museum's modernist architecture by Kunio Maekawa and the serene Japanese garden. Consider dedicating a full day to Ueno Park to explore other nearby art institutions like the Tokyo National Museum, maximizing your artistic immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ueno Park's Cultural Landscape
Beyond the museums, Ueno Park offers a refreshing escape with its Shinobazu Pond, often dotted with lotus flowers, and various shrines and temples. The park's accessibility from Ueno Station makes it incredibly convenient for tourists. Planning your visit to Ueno Park allows you to immerse yourself in art, history, and nature all in one location.
When visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, consider its location as part of a larger itinerary within Ueno Park. This strategic positioning allows for a richer cultural experience, where you can seamlessly transition from viewing fine art to exploring historical artifacts or enjoying the park's serene environment.
The Architectural Significance of the Museum
Visitors often appreciate the museum's structure as a piece of art in its own right. The interplay of concrete, glass, and open spaces creates a visually engaging experience even before entering the exhibition halls. The building's design reflects a thoughtful approach to creating an environment conducive to appreciating art, with ample natural light and well-proportioned galleries.
While the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, the architectural merit of the building by Kunio Maekawa is a constant feature. It’s worth taking a moment to admire the structure itself, understanding its place in Tokyo's architectural history and how it complements the artistic works displayed within.
Navigating Exhibitions and Entry
It's crucial for visitors to check the museum's official website or social media channels for the current exhibition schedule and ticketing information. Popular exhibitions can attract large crowds, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and long queues. The pricing for these special exhibitions can vary, so budgeting accordingly is wise.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly art experience, exploring the free-access areas of the museum is still worthwhile. However, to fully experience the museum's dynamic offerings, engaging with its special exhibitions is often the most rewarding approach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit