Japan Tokyo Ueno

The Ueno Royal Museum

A central venue for art exhibitions in Tokyo.

Photo of The Ueno Royal Museum, Japan
Photo by Wei-Te Wong (CC SA)

Opened in 1972, the Ueno Royal Museum is a private institution in Ueno Park, Tokyo, known for its special exhibitions that cover various artistic styles and mediums. It has established itself as a significant place for art promotion and cultural exchange.

The Ueno Royal Museum, or “Ueno no Mori Bijutsukan,” is unique in that it does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it is known for its carefully curated exhibitions. The museum is dedicated to supporting contemporary artists, such as events like the Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition, which began in 1983, and the annual “VOCA Exhibition,” a partnership with Dai-ichi Life that started in 1994.

The museum has hosted popular exhibitions, many attracting hundreds of thousands or sometimes millions of visitors, as was the case for the 2012 “Tutankhamun Exhibition”.

Offering a variety of artistic expressions, the museum’s special exhibitions include contemporary art, calligraphy, manga, hanga prints, and ukiyo-e, contributing to a vibrant Tokyo art scene. The Ueno Royal Museum also engages in educational programs and events to promote cultural understanding.

The surrounding Ueno Park enhances the museum experience with its beauty and additional attractions. The museum is proactive in seeking collaborations for art and architecture projects, ensuring that repeat visitors will often find new and compelling exhibitions.

上野の森美術館
Art Museum
in Tokyo
Open
10am - 4:30pm
Closed
Seasonal Dates

Address

上野の森美術館, 東京

Getting There the easiest way to reach The Ueno Royal Museum

E 09
Ueno-okachimachi
Toei Oedo Line
about 5 minute walk (500m)
G 15
Ueno-hirokoji
Ginza Line
about 5 minute walk (400m)
JY 04
JR Okachimachi
JR Yamanote Line
5-10 minute walk (500m)
C 13
Yushima
Chiyoda Line
5-10 minute walk (500m)
H 18
Ueno
Hibiya Line +3 more
5-10 minute walk (800m)

Around The Ueno Royal Museum

Nearby in Tokyo the best attractions close to The Ueno Royal Museum

Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Streets

in Ueno, Tokyo

A historic Tokyo market street that mirrors Japan’s vibrant post-war transformation.

Kaneiji Temple

in Ueno, Tokyo

Historical sanctuary of shoguns in Tokyo.

National Museum of Western Art

in Ueno, Tokyo

A testament to the interaction between Japanese and Western art through the Matsukata Collection

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

in Ueno, Tokyo

A nexus for modern and contemporary art in Tokyo’s cultural heartland

Tokyo National Museum

in Ueno, Tokyo

Japan’s Premier Institution for Historical and Cultural Preservation

Ueno Park

in Ueno, Tokyo

A cultural oasis in Tokyo featuring Japan’s first zoo and renowned cherry blossoms.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

in Ueno, Tokyo

A significant Shinto shrine reflecting the Tokugawa era

Updated 15 Nov 2025 Report an error