Ueno Royal Museum
A dynamic art museum dedicated to showcasing emerging Japanese artists and hosting world-class special exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Ueno Royal Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic art museum dedicated to showcasing emerging Japanese artists and hosting world-class special exhibitions.
"Extraordinary curation that pulls together masterpieces, though crowds and language support can be challenging."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your tickets in advance to skip the queue. :ticket:
📱 Use Translation Apps
Be ready to translate exhibit labels for a richer understanding. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monet Exhibition
Main exhibition hall
Experience a vast collection of Monet's works, tracing his artistic evolution.
Ukiyo-e Masters
Special exhibition space
Admire masterpieces from Japan's greatest Ukiyo-e painters.
Contemporary Japanese Art
Permanent collection
Discover emerging talent and the future of Japanese art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Language Support Varies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your tickets in advance to skip the queue. :ticket:
📱 Use Translation Apps
Be ready to translate exhibit labels for a richer understanding. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Avoid Peak Times
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy a less crowded experience. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Check Photo Policy
Note that photography is restricted for many artworks. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your tickets in advance to skip the queue. :ticket:
📱 Use Translation Apps
Be ready to translate exhibit labels for a richer understanding. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Avoid Peak Times
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy a less crowded experience. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Check Photo Policy
Note that photography is restricted for many artworks. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ueno Royal Museum for its exceptional exhibitions, particularly the Monet and Ukiyo-e shows, highlighting the quality and curation. However, many note significant issues with overcrowding during popular events and inconsistent English language support, leading to a less than ideal viewing experience for some.
"Terrible experience, one of the worst!
with great expectations, I came to see the 5 Stars of Ukiyo-e Artists, which was truly a fantastic exhibition. The problem is that very limited language support was provided at the exhibit. So I had to use my phone to take snapshots of the exhibit labels on Google Translate in order to understand the artwork.
But then I was stopped by the staff because they thought I was taking photos of the paintings. After I explained, I only got in response was ‘sorry’ on repeat.
Was the staff sorry that I should not have pulled out my phone or was she sorry that she made a mistake of approaching me? I couldn’t tell. Like I said, sorry on repeat.
Anyhow, my experience was ruined. I felt like a thief trying to steal images from this exhibition while all I was only trying to do was get a better understanding of the background story of these masterpieces.
No wonder I saw almost zero tourists at this fantastic show in a city full of foreign visitors. It almost felt like Japanese people were gatekeeping these art gems from the outside world. What a shame cuz this is indeed an incredible exhibit.
Somebody needs to inform the management of the museum."
AperolSpritz J
"Specially travel to japan for the 5 greatest Ukiyoe painters' exhibition.
My friend warned me to get the tix online in advance, otherwise I had to queue for extra 30 mins for tix.
The tix costs yen 2000 (usd 15)， which is double the price of Tokyo national mesuem (you can find lots of national teasure class collection).
Inside the exhibition, everything is a mess... over-crowded, can bearly observe the painting.
I totally understand which is a profit making show, but please be responsible .... If you cannot handle such large amount of visitors, just cut the line.
It is not that difficult to arrange online reservation for certain time slot for visitors. Visitors can enjoy the exchibiton and staffs are less over-loaded.
The 2 stars is for the staffs standing under the intensive sunlight with me.
Organizer deserves 1 star."
Vimla Mak
"Loved this free small museum. Great Japanese contemporary art and not crowded early March."
Carolyn Phinney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ueno Royal Museum is conveniently located within Ueno Park. You can reach Ueno Station via JR lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Hibiya Line. From Ueno Station, it's a short walk to the museum.
Yes, Ueno Park is a vibrant area with several attractions, including museums, a zoo, and a pond. It's often recommended to explore the park before or after your museum visit.
The closest stations are Ueno Station (JR and Metro lines) and Keisei Ueno Station.
There are several parking lots available in and around Ueno Park, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! Ueno Park is home to multiple museums, the Ueno Zoo, and Shinobazu Pond, making it easy to plan a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition. For special exhibitions like the Monet or Ukiyo-e shows, expect prices around ¥2000.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues, which can be up to 30 minutes long.
Opening hours typically range from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but can vary for special exhibitions. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While the main exhibitions usually require a paid ticket, the museum sometimes hosts smaller, free displays or events. Check their schedule for details.
Refund policies vary by exhibition and ticket type. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the museum directly.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Crowding can be an issue, especially during popular exhibitions. Visiting on weekdays and arriving early can help mitigate this.
Language support can be limited for some exhibits. Visitors may need to rely on translation apps for detailed information.
Photography is generally not allowed for most artworks, though some specific pieces or areas might permit it. Always check for signage.
Arrive early, be patient, and try to view pieces from different angles. Sometimes moving to a less central spot can offer a clearer view.
Guided tours are not always available and depend on the exhibition. It's best to check the museum's schedule or inquire at the information desk.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The souvenir shop often offers items related to current exhibitions, but some visitors find the selection disappointing, expecting higher quality books or unique merchandise.
The museum itself may have limited dining options, but Ueno Park and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls to protect the artworks.
The streets around Ueno Station and within Ueno Park offer numerous dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
Yes, there are cafes within Ueno Park and near the museum where you can relax and grab a coffee or a light snack.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the museum's rules regarding photography and noise levels. If visiting during a popular exhibition, the crowds might be challenging with very young children. Planning your visit for weekdays and early mornings can help manage the experience.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
For those interested in contemporary art, the museum's mission to showcase emerging artists provides a chance to discover new talent and potentially invest in or follow the careers of future art stars.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Exhibitions: Crowds and Clarity
To enhance the visitor experience, some have suggested implementing timed entry slots, similar to other major museums, to better manage visitor flow.
Despite these challenges, the quality of the exhibitions themselves is often lauded. The Ukiyo-e exhibition, for instance, was described as 'truly fantastic,' and the Monet exhibition was called 'extraordinary' for its curation and the breadth of works displayed.
The Ueno Royal Museum's Role in Promoting New Artists
While the museum is renowned for its special exhibitions, its core purpose remains to champion new artistic voices. This means that beyond the blockbuster shows, visitors can often discover innovative and thought-provoking works from artists who are just beginning to make their mark. This commitment to fostering new talent makes the Ueno Royal Museum a dynamic and forward-looking cultural institution.
For those interested in the cutting edge of Japanese art, the Ueno Royal Museum offers a unique opportunity to engage with works that are shaping the future of the art world. It's a place to discover artists before they become widely known, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary creativity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit