A trip to the Tokyo National Museum was a heartwarming time to spend with my family. The brilliance of the national treasures of Japan’s oldest museum, the innovative special exhibition in 2025, the fresh local cuisine, and the joy of a leisurely stroll in Ueno Park. All were moments where history and modernity intersected. Here are my recommendations for the best of what my family and I discovered on this trip to the Tokyo National Museum. The majestic exhibits in the main building, the immersive experiences in the special exhibitions, the rest in cozy accommodations, and the unique workshops. This trip will surely leave a deep aftertaste in your heart. Why not strengthen a special bond with your family or loved ones at the Ueno Cultural Forest?
Morning: Experience the history of national treasures at the Honkan
On the morning we landed at Ueno Station, our first stop was the Tokyo National Museum’s Honkan, a 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, surrounded by the greenery of the park and the oldest museum in Japan, founded in 1872 and boasting a collection of about 116,000 items. On an autumn morning when we visited, the children’s eyes lit up as they walked through the soft sunlight illuminating the exhibition rooms, saying, “So many treasures! and their eyes lit up. With my husband, I toured the Japan Gallery, from Jomon earthenware to Edo period ukiyoe prints, and was impressed by the national treasure, a tea ceremony utensil. The archeological fossil exhibit was a special time for the family to let their imaginations run wild. The Asian art in the Toyokan was also not to be missed, and it was a mind-opening experience. The Tokyo National Museum is a place where families can relax and immerse themselves in the depths of culture.
Admission is 700 yen for the permanent exhibition (free for high school students, free for elementary and junior high school students). The museum is open from 9:30 to 17:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays; last admission 30 minutes before). Please check the official website ( Tokyo National Museum ) for access and digital collection. 2025 autumn leaf season is a great time to take a walk in the park.
Lunch: Ueno Gourmet at the Museum Restaurant
After fully enjoying the exhibition, we went to ” Insho-tei” inside the museum for lunch. Located on the second floor of the main building, this restaurant in the tasteful setting of Ueno Onshi Park serves Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients. Upon entering the calm, wood-grained interior, the aroma of the fragrant dashi broth spread gently. I ordered the tendon set (1,500 yen). The crispy tempura topped with fresh prawns and vegetables was a hit with the kids, who said, “Crispy and delicious! The kids were overjoyed with the crispy tempura, fresh prawns and vegetables. My husband added a glass of locally brewed sake and said, “This refined taste is Ueno. I, too, was impressed by the broth accented by the sourness of the pickled plums. The accompanying pickles were refreshing and perfect for a post-exhibition meal. Sharing the meal with my family, it was a warm time to experience Ueno’s food culture. Gourmet food in the museum is convenient and family-friendly.
Open from 10:00 to 17:00 (L.O. 16:30). It is recommended to aim for weekdays when it is crowded. For details, check the official website ( Museum Restaurant ). Other gourmet foods in the vicinity, tempura at Yinshotei and the food court in the park are also attractive, but tendon is light and energizing for your trip.
Evening: Cultural Forest Rest at Ueno no Mori Hotel
After lunch, we checked into the Ueno Royal Forest Hotel in the evening. This hotel, about a 5-minute walk from the museum, boasts spacious, family-friendly rooms. The family room overlooking Ueno Park has a spacious bed, and it was relaxing to see the children frolicking in the night view from the window. The view of the museum lit up at dusk was a highlight of the trip. For dinner, we enjoyed a Japanese/Western buffet of local ingredients at the hotel restaurant. Fresh tempura and Ueno’s famous vegetable dishes were a big hit with the children, who were especially surprised by the plum-flavored desserts. At the breakfast buffet, freshly baked bread and fruit juices were impressive. The warm hospitality of the staff was also pleasant, and I was pleased that they gave my children a museum quiz. The large public bath was relaxing, and a nighttime soak made my body feel warm and fuzzy. Close to the park, convenient for walking around the next day.
Accommodation plans start at around 15,000 yen per room per night including breakfast. Park view rooms are also available. For details, please check the official website ( Ueno no Mori Hotel ). While other hotels in Ueno are attractive, the cultural location and comfort of this hotel are exceptional.
Morning: Immersive experience with special exhibitions and workshops
After enjoying breakfast, return to the museum for the 2025 special exhibition ” The Evolution of Japanese Culture through the Five Senses,” which runs from March 25 to August 3. This exhibition uses the latest immersive technology to experience everything from Jomon earthenware to modern animation. Children were so excited to enter the world of Ukiyo-e through VR, saying, “Time slip to the Edo period! They were so excited. I, too, was moved by the time I spent with my family experiencing the interactive exhibits and feeling the flow of history. My husband and I shared our creativity by making Edo faceted glasses at a workshop linked to the special exhibition (1,000 yen per person, 45 minutes). This facility is a unique spot where visitors can play and learn about museum knowledge, stimulating the imagination of the family.
Special exhibition admission is an additional 1,500 yen (includes permanent exhibition). The museum is open from 9:30 to 17:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays). For details, please check the official website ( Special Exhibitions ). Cooler hours in the morning are recommended.
Tips for a smooth trip
There are a few things I tried to keep in mind in order to fully enjoy my trip to the Tokyo National Museum. First, for transportation, use Ueno Station as a base and walk or take a bus. The museum and park are compact, so you can get around efficiently in a day, but if you are with children, check in advance which routes are stroller-friendly. For special exhibitions, enter the museum in the morning to avoid crowds. Workshops are by reservation only, so use the official app to secure your spot. Lunch at Inshotei before 11:00 a.m. to shorten the waiting time. For the 2025 special exhibition, consider the time required for the VR experience. Check the official website for seasonal events (Autumn Cultural Festival in October, Museum Night Friday and Saturday night openings) to further color your trip. Don’t forget to bring hydration and sunscreen for children.
Ueno’s Cultural Forest brought smiles to the faces of families. When the children were exposed to the national treasures, “I want to come back!” was the best thing that could have happened to us.
Private Wisdom Summary
Our trip to the Tokyo National Museum fulfilled the spiritual richness and sensitivity that Private Wisdom values. The National Treasures exhibit in the Honkan deepened my heart, and the immersive experience of the special exhibitions gave me the joy of living history with my family. The innovative exhibitions of 2025 added depth to this journey, leaving a deep and lasting impression. We hope you, too, will experience the serene charm of the Tokyo National Museum and have a heartwarming journey with your family and loved ones. Let us know your favorite museum experience in the comments!
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