The interactive exhibition "The Door to Japanese Art" at the main building of the Tokyo National Museum (hereinafter referred to as "TNM") in Ueno Park, Tokyo, will reopen on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after renovations.
The concept behind the new content, "Tohaku Wonder Wall," is "once-in-a-lifetime encounter." From a vast collection of approximately 120,000 items, it interactively presents a recommended item based on the visitor's actions, guiding them to a "new encounter with cultural artifacts."
"Tohaku Wonder Wall" Exhibition Room Image
■Corner 1: "Tohaku Wonder Wall" – Creating a once-in-a-lifetime encounter between you and cultural heritage sites.
The Tokyo National Museum houses a collection of approximately 120,000 items, including national treasures and important cultural properties. However, only about 3,000 of these cultural properties are on display today. This means that visitors often find it difficult to see the cultural property they are looking for, and some visitors also express confusion about "where to go and what to see" in the various exhibition halls. Due to preservation reasons, exhibits are changed regularly, so there's no guarantee that you'll see the same cultural property you encountered today on your next visit. However, this is by no means a negative thing. In other words, the Tokyo National Museum is a "museum of once-in-a-lifetime encounters," where you can encounter unknown cultural properties every time you visit.
"Tohaku Wonder Wall" is an interactive content that serves as an entrance to the magnificent world of cultural treasures, stimulating visitors' curiosity and guiding them to a more active and enriching viewing experience. By utilizing the Tokyo National Museum's web information and collection database "ColBase," it creates a system that matches visitors with cultural treasures that can definitely be seen on that day, according to their diverse interests, proposing a new way for visitors to experience the museum.
≪First half of the content: A special video (short film) exploring 150 years of history and masterpieces≫
This approximately two-minute special video provides an overview of the Tokyo National Museum. Beginning with the Yushima Seido Exposition in 1872 and continuing to its 150th anniversary in 2022, the video uses visuals and music to express the dynamic breadth of Japanese and Asian cultural artifacts. The video features masterpieces representing the museum, such as the "Pine Forest Screen," the "Kokin Wakashu (Gen'ei Edition)," and the "Shakoki Dogu (Goggle-Eyed Clay Figurine)," conveying the appeal of its diverse collection that transcends eras and genres.
A scene from the "Tohaku Wonder Wall" special movie.
≪Second half of the content: An interactive experience that guides you to "the one thing you'll encounter today"≫
This digital content features various interactive elements, such as a "Meet the Researchers' Favorites!" corner showcasing masterpieces carefully selected by researchers, and a corner where you can encounter cultural artifacts by spinning a lottery-like wheel, where "what you win is a surprise each day." Four randomly selected content pieces from six different perspectives are generated and displayed in real time, linked to information on approximately 3,000 works on display that day, and finally, "a recommended item for you" is suggested, making you want to head to the exhibition rooms to see the actual cultural artifacts. It is available in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, making it intuitively enjoyable for many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Make your encounter with the museum and cultural artifacts more fun and unexpected than ever before.
Image of the "Tohaku Wonder Wall" interactive content experience.
■Corner 2: "Encountering High-Definition Replicas" – The sense of distance without glass provides a moving experience (ongoing exhibition)
The Cultural Properties Utilization Center (Bunkatsu), in collaboration with companies and other organizations, will exhibit high-definition reproductions of folding screens and hanging scrolls, which will be displayed according to the season.
Many Japanese cultural artifacts are sensitive to light, heat, and humidity. To ensure they can be passed down for 100 or even 1000 years, exhibition lighting, temperature, and humidity are strictly controlled, and the number of days they are on display each year is limited. Originally, these items were passed from hand to hand and used in daily life, but now it is no longer possible to enjoy them with that kind of personal connection.
In this section, you can examine highly detailed replicas, created using the latest digital technology and traditional craftsmanship, without glass cases, allowing you to carefully examine every detail. Enjoy a unique viewing experience with replicas that is not possible with the originals—seeing, feeling, and imagining the scenery and space that unfolds from them.
Furthermore, the originals of these high-resolution reproductions, especially masterpieces, are often loaned to other museums, meaning they are only exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum once every few years. These lifelike, high-resolution reproductions ensure that many people can encounter these beloved treasures.
All are high-definition reproductions. From left to right: National Treasure "Screen Painting of People Enjoying Fun Under the Cherry Blossoms" (on display until May 17), National Treasure "Screen Painting of People Enjoying Summer Evening" (on display from June 30 to August 30), "Flame" (on display until August 30).
■Exhibition information
Tokyo National Museum, Main Building, 1st Floor, Room B: "The Gateway to Japanese Art"
Opening date: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday)
*Closed for renovation work from May 18th (Mon) to June 29th (Mon)
Venue: Room B, 1st Floor, Main Building, Tokyo National Museum (13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
*Open until 8:00 PM every Friday and Saturday.
*This exhibition follows the format of the Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition.
Closed on Mondays (except when Monday is a public holiday or weekend, in which case the museum will be open and closed on the following weekday), during the New Year holidays, and other occasional temporary closures.
Admission Fee: (Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition) General Admission: 1,000 yen, University Students: 500 yen, High School Students and younger: Free
*This can be viewed with the admission fee for the Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition or the admission fee for the special exhibition currently being held (valid only on the day of viewing).
Homepage: https://cpcp.nich.go.jp/modules/r_exhibition/index.php?controller=dtl&id=53
[Cultural Property Utilization Center]
Established in 2018 at the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, it is a national center for the utilization of cultural properties. With the vision of "creating a society in which all people think about and participate in passing on cultural properties to the future 1,000 or 2,000 years from now," and with the mission of "creating opportunities for as many people as possible to become familiar with cultural properties," it engages in a variety of activities. https://cpcp.nich.go.jp/
The event will be held from May 16th (Sat) to June 14th (Sun), 2026 at the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza in Ueno (admission is free).
Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ), a gallery operated on the campus of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts (Ueno, Taito-ku) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts, will be hosting an exhibition titled "Craft Ecosystem – A World in Kogei -" by Kaito Kawasaki, Shunsuke Nomura, and Rei Mochizuki from May 16th, 2026 (Saturday).
Admission is free and photography is permitted.
Held on Saturday, May 16, 2026
"The Craft Ecosystem – A World of Kogei -"
What exactly is "craft"? We often perceive it as an accumulation of skills. However, the craft nurtured within Japan's diverse climate and culture is more than just the accumulation and perfection of skills. It is also an activity in which beauty is found within the interplay of the local climate and materials, people's lives, history, and time. Perhaps craft expresses an "ecosystem" that includes people, emerging in connection with people's way of life and environment. The three artists participating in this exhibition seem to be continuously exploring this contemporary state of craft in their respective practices. There, a single ecosystem is surely breathing, where people and nature, past and present, are loosely connected.
(Geidai Art Plaza, Shiro Takagi)
■ Exhibition overview
Exhibition Title: "Craft Ecosystem – A World of Kogei -"
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, within the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts campus)
Dates: May 16th (Sat) – June 14th (Sun), 2026
*Pre-opening on May 15th (Fri) at 13:00
Admission fee: Free
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays. *Open on public holidays, closed the following Tuesday.
*Business hours may change. Please check our official website and social media for the latest information.
[Exhibiting Artists]
Kaito Kawasaki
Born in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture in 2000.
2018: Created a painting of the atomic bomb, "Woman Who Died in the Blast."
Graduated from Hiroshima Municipal Motomachi High School, General Studies Course, Creative Expression Program in 2019.
April 2020: Enrolled in the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
In April 2021, I enrolled in the Department of Crafts, specializing in metal casting, at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
November 2021: Yamato Museum Crowdfunding Reward Design Competition – Grand Prize Winner
2022 Tokyo University of the Arts Scholarship Program, Ataka Prize
Selected for the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition in January 2023.
January 2024: Geidai Art Plaza Art Award, Special Jury Prize
January 2024 Heisei Art Award
2025 Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Shogakukan Prize
Salon de Printemps Award 2026
March 2026: Completed the Metal Casting Major, Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Born in Tokyo in 2000.
Enrolled in the Art and Craft Department at Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School in 2016.
Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Kogei High School, Art & Craft Department in 2019.
Enrolled in the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020.
2023 "The 59th Mori Kiln Pottery Exhibition" Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 6th Floor, Museum Craft Salon
2023 "Ceramic Synergy Exhibition" Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
2023 "KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa" Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Art Fair Tokyo 2024, Tokyo International Forum, Hall E
2025 Solo Exhibition at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Seijo Branch
2025 "OSAKA INTERNATIONAL ART" Osaka-jo Hall
2025 "Special Feature on Contemporary Artists' Tea Bowls" Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Art Square
Completed graduate studies in Ceramics at the Department of Crafts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2026.
Selected for the 2022 "Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition"
2023 "Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition" Art Plaza Award
2023: Ceramic Synergy Award at the "Ceramic Synergy Exhibition," Bunkyo Elementary School Award.
2023 International Takifuji Art Award Special Prize
Honorable Mention at the 2023 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Festival
2026 "Art Power Award" Final Project (Insource Co., Ltd.)
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1998.
Entered the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020.
Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2024.
2024 Graduation Project "Shayuru Yoru" (Clear Night), now in the collection and installation of Lectore Hayama Shonan International Village.
In 2024, I enrolled in the Master's Program in Crafts, Metalworking, at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Fine Arts, Master's Program in Crafts (Metalwork) in 2026.
2026 Graduation Project "Late Winter" – Collection of Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, installed at Arakawa Ward General Sports Center
In 2026, I enrolled in the doctoral program in metalworking, specializing in crafts, at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Currently enrolled in the Metal Engraving Laboratory, Doctoral Course, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
2024 All Japan Gold and Silver Art Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Director's Award
2024 Tokyo University of the Arts Scholarship Program Ataka Prize
2026 Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza Art Award Runner-up
Arakawa Ward Mayor's Award, 2026
What is the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza?
The Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereinafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. Located on the Geidai Ueno campus, it is one of the few places where the general public can freely enter and visit throughout the year. It was launched in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.
Currently, the university holds exhibitions with different themes every one to two months. Each exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works expressed through a diverse range of techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.
■ Access
Nearest stations: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station (approximately 10-minute walk)
Get off at Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and walk for about 10 minutes.
Get off at Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and walk for about 15 minutes.
Get off at Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway and walk for about 15 minutes.
Take the Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido to Ueno Park) and get off at Yanaka bus stop. It's about a 3-minute walk from there.
*Please note that there is no parking available, so please refrain from coming by car.
From May 8th (Fri) to May 24th (Sun), enjoy a special week exploring the Ueno area, featuring museums, popular spots, and gourmet food! Enjoy culture and art while exploring the city at a great price!
In the Ueno area, in commemoration of "International Museum Day" on May 18th, "Ueno Museum Week" will be held, with the cooperation of 13 facilities including museums, art galleries, and zoos located around Ueno Park, as well as member stores of the Ueno Norenkai (Ueno Traditional Shop Association). Following last year's great success, the digital stamp rally will continue, and many exhibitions will be held throughout the town, making this an even more attractive special week. Combined with the annual "Town Fun" coupons, the entire Ueno area will become a theme park overflowing with the excitement and thrills of culture, so please enjoy this special time to the fullest.
The main attraction this year is the "free admission" event held in commemoration of "International Museum Day." Please note that this year it will be on Tuesday, May 19th. You can enjoy free admission to the permanent exhibitions of five museums: the Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition), the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art, the former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall, and the Shitamachi Museum.
Matsuzakaya Ueno's art gallery will feature historical works of art that have evolved alongside the development of department store culture, while Ueno Marui will feature a credit card that supports museums when used. In addition to cultural facilities within the park, spots where you can feel art in the city will also be rally points, such as CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (Ueno Station), a gallery created by renovating the former police box site at Ueno Station, and PARCO_ya Ueno, where local artists will hold exhibitions with a panda theme.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Ueno, a town of art, through both International Museum Day and the stamp rally.
■Event Overview■
International Museum Day Commemorative Event 2026: Ueno Museum Week
Event period: May 8th (Fri) – May 24th (Sun), 2026
Venue (participating facilities/organizations): Tokyo National Museum / National Museum of Nature and Science / National Museum of Western Art / Tokyo University of the Arts Museum / Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum / Ueno Zoo / Ueno Royal Museum / Taito City Former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall / Former Iwasaki Garden / National Archives of Modern Architecture / National Diet Library International Library of Children's Literature / Toeizan Kaneiji Temple / Taito City Shitamachi Museum / Ueno Norenkai participating shops (in no particular order)
*There will be days when the museum is closed during the exhibition period.
Organized by: Ueno Museum Week Executive Committee
Co-organizer: Ueno Norenkai
Sponsored by: The National Foundation for the Promotion of Science Museums
Cooperation: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Eastern Parks and Green Spaces Office, Taito Ward, Taito Ward Arts and Culture Foundation
Official website: http://www.ueno-mw.com/
■【Ueno Mori Machifurari】Ueno Museum Week 2026 ~International Museum Day~■ "A thrilling stroll through the forest, a satisfying meal in the city: A greedy walk through Ueno"
A digital stamp rally will be held from May 8th (Fri) to May 24th (Sun). Stamp points will appear at the participating facilities listed below.
[Checkpoints Introduction]
1. Tokyo National Museum
2.National Museum of Nature and Science
3.National Museum of Western Art
4. International Library of Children's Literature, National Diet Library
5. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
6. Ueno Royal Museum
7. Former Tokyo Music School Concert Hall
8. Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum
9. Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, Konpon-chudo Hall
10. Former Iwasaki Residence Garden
11. Shitamachi Museum
12. Ueno Marui
13. CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (JR Ueno Station)
14. Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
15. PARCO_ya Ueno
[How to use]
Download the digital stamp rally app "furari" to your smartphone. Go to the designated locations at participating facilities that are part of the stamp rally and collect stamps.
0 stamps… Morimachi coupon usable at restaurants and shops in the Ueno area.
Three stamps… Special hand-drawn artwork from the Art-Fostering Town Club – Ueno Museum Week 2026.
7 stamps… Prizes from each participating museum
15 stamps… Prizes from participating museums (double your chances of winning)
*Prizes will be shipped to winners one to two months after the end of Museum Week.
★ 0 stamps Morimachi coupons can be used at restaurants and shops in the Ueno area.
From eel, yakiniku, Western food, and sweets to women's clothing, bags, and sukajan jackets.
Take advantage of this opportunity to use our special coupon, which can be used for a wide range of purposes.
You can use it simply by registering for the app.
★ 3 stamps Ueno Museum Week 2026 Special Original Drawings: 40 pieces (40 sets)
Four artists from the Ueno art group, Gei wo Hagukumu Machi Doukoukai, will each create 10 drawings of their own choosing. These original drawings will be given away by lottery.
★ 7 stamps
List of prizes from each participating museum
★ 7 stamps (& 15 stamps)
Prizes from each participating museum
*Winners will be selected by lottery from among those who applied.
These prizes are provided by the participating museums (11 museums).
〇 Tokyo National Museum Award
– Tokyo National Museum Collection Exhibition Invitation Ticket + Original Ticket Folder Set (20 sets, 40 tickets total)
URL: https://www.tnm.jp/
〇National Museum of Nature and Science Award
・Common invitation ticket
Two tickets per person, for 20 people. *Each person can enter one permanent exhibition at any of the following facilities (Ueno Main Building, Tsukuba Botanical Garden, or Nature Education Garden) once.
・URL: http://www.kahaku.go.jp
〇 National Museum of Western Art Award
・20 pairs (40 tickets total) of free admission tickets to the special exhibition "Rembrandt the Printmaker: Challenge, Inheritance, and Impact"
・URL: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/
〇Tokyo University of the Arts University Art Museum Award
– University art museum original postcard (20 winners)
・URL: https://museum.geidai.ac.jp/
〇Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Award
・20 pairs (40 tickets total) of free admission tickets to the special exhibition "Landscapes of This Place – Ueno, Omuta, Buenos Aires"
・URL: https://www.tobikan.jp/
Ueno Royal Museum Award
– Invitation tickets to the "Great Van Gogh Exhibition: Cafe Terrace at Night" (5 pairs, 10 people)
・URL: http://www.ueno-mori.org/
〇 Art and Things Award
– Ring notebooks with handwritten illustrations by artists (not printed): 10 winners
・URL: https://www.mono-to-art.com/
[Checkpoints Introduction]
Ueno Marui
Ueno Marui is a landmark commercial facility located just a few minutes' walk from JR Ueno Station and Tokyo Metro Ueno Station. With approximately 100 tenants from the second basement floor to the ninth floor, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, symbolizing the vibrant atmosphere of Ueno. Events and pop-ups are frequently held on each floor, making it a bustling location that reflects the lively spirit of Ueno.
The Museum Epos Card is a credit card that supports museums with your everyday purchases. There's no annual fee, and you can choose your favorite museum design. Every time you use it, 0.1% of your spending goes to participating museums, helping to preserve cultural assets, artworks, and specimens for the future. It's a card that will delight both card enthusiasts and art lovers.
As the first step in a comprehensive partnership agreement between Tokyo University of the Arts and JR East, this gallery was created by renovating the former police box site at Ueno Station. It will exhibit works by young artists who are students or graduates of Tokyo University of the Arts, providing an opportunity to experience art that reflects the times. Furthermore, the entire Ueno Station will be envisioned as an art museum, and visitors will be guided through the art installations scattered throughout the station, creating a space for diverse cultural exchange. The gallery name "es" is a psychological term referring to the "realm of the unconscious," and was chosen with the aim of creating a space that embodies a small but infinite realm of expression, containing diverse desires and energies.
Venue: CREATIVE HUB UENO “es” (7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Event Period: April 28, 2026 (Tue) – May 31, 2026 (Sun) Duration: 30 days
Closed on: May 11th (Mon), May 18th (Mon), and May 25th (Mon)
Gallery hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry 6:45 PM)
Exhibition content: Aimi Saito Solo Exhibition "Small Vehicles"
Manami Saito solo exhibition “An Exhibition of Small Vehicles”
Titled "Small Vehicles," this exhibition showcases works I've created to date.
"Books and Trains" 2025 Glue, hemp paper, mineral pigments
Manami Saito
Saito creates paintings using mineral pigments. These granular pigments, made by crushing minerals, have a unique and eye-catching color and texture. While capturing the subtleties of everyday life, he has come to realize anew that "vehicles" are fascinating forms, and in this exhibition, he will focus his works on the motif of vehicles.
Career
Graduated from the Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2018.
2020 Graduate School of Fine Arts, Master's Program in Painting, Japanese Painting Research Field
2023 Graduate School of Fine Arts, Doctoral Program, Department of Fine Arts, Japanese Painting Research Area
Currently an associate member of the Japan Art Institute.
Main exhibition history
2022 L'Espoir Newcomer Selection Exhibition (Ginza Surugadai Gallery)
2024 Solo Exhibition "-Days of Yesteryear-" (Matsuzakaya Ueno Store, Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store)
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
The art gallery at Matsuzakaya Ueno Department Store is a historic sales area that has grown alongside the development of department store culture. Since the post-war period, it has held exhibitions in a wide range of fields, including Japanese painting, Western painting, and crafts, introducing works by many artists, from renowned figures to emerging talents. Located in Ueno, a city of culture and art, it continues to host many exhibitions today, serving as a platform for disseminating art culture and showcasing artists' work. Please feel free to visit us on this occasion.
The exhibition schedule is as follows. Please note that the latest information is updated regularly, so please check the page below for details. https://shopblog.dmdepart.jp/ueno/art/
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store is a long-established department store representing the Ueno area, boasting a history dating back to its founding in 1768. It is directly connected to Ueno-Hirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and is also just a 2-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station, making it easily accessible. From the basement to the 8th floor, it offers a wide range of products, from food and fashion to lifestyle goods, and has long been a beloved landmark in Ueno for locals.
Matsuzakaya Ueno Store (3-29-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Art gallery until 6:30 PM)
PARCO_ya Ueno
This commercial facility in Ueno Frontier Tower is based on the concept of "Parco for a slightly more upscale, adult audience." From the basement to the 6th floor, you'll find a selection of carefully curated fashion and gourmet food, and from the 7th floor upwards, you'll find TOHO Cinemas Ueno. It's a perfect outing spot for adults where you can enjoy both shopping and movies at the same time.
PANDER WONDER ~SAYAKA KOBORI's Exciting Panda Art Museum~ will also be held concurrently.
An exhibition by artist Sayaka Kobori of the Geiikukai will be held next to the escalator on the 2nd floor. A collection of rare pandas, including a panda on a pink background, will be on display, perfect for Museum Week. GOGO Panda paintings created for the city's Chinese New Year event will also be exhibited.
*A lottery-based sale will be held only between May 15th (Fri) and May 17th (Sun).
Special event for Ueno Museum Week! "Special Ueno Panda" appears at PARCO-YA Ueno
The panda being unveiled this time is the "Special Ueno Panda," whose fluffy white and pink fur is sure to catch the eye.
Its soft texture makes you want to stroke it, and the elegant ribbon tied around the neck adds to its charm.
And its charm lies in its clear, round eyes that seem to gaze intently at you. This is a truly adorable piece, filled with the warmth and delicate expression that only handcrafted work can provide.
Why not welcome a favorite piece just for you, as a memento of your art stroll through Ueno or as a special source of comfort in your daily life? Please come and see their adorable forms in person at the PARCO-YA Ueno venue.
PARCO_ya Ueno (3-24-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (6th floor restaurant "Kofuku Kairo" is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
The Art-Fostering Community Club: Ueno Museum Week Special – Original Drawing Artists
Examples of drawings by Sayaka KoboriMegumi Iida's drawing examplesYanagisawa Itsuki Drawing ExamplesChika Toys (CHIKA) Drawing Examples
Kobori Sayaka
A soft sculpture artist. Believing that "cuteness saves the world," she works with the theme of bringing healing and hope to people living in an oppressive society. Using high-quality materials such as German-made fur fabric, she is committed to high-end handmade craftsmanship from pattern making to sewing, dyeing, and accessories. With her Uchinoko series as her main focus, she explores the possibilities of plush toys as a medium through advertising visuals, event appearances, and social media posts. Her "Ueno Panda," a collaboration with the Ueno Tourism Association, continues to soothe the hearts of many panda fans who visit Ueno even though the pandas are gone. Member of the Association for Nurturing the Arts.
The Ueno Panda, an official plush toy of the Ueno Tourism Association, is available here .
Biography and Exhibition History
Ueno's Future Exhibition 2020 (Ueno Marui, Tokyo)
First solo exhibition "Sayaka Kobori's Stuffed Animal Exhibition" (Gallery ROCKET, Omotesando Hills, Tokyo)
Future Artists Tokyo 2021 (Tokyo International Forum Art Fair Tokyo 2021)
Solo exhibition "Sayaka Kobori Exhibition" (Laforet Harajuku, Tokyo)
Exhibited at Laforet Harajuku's Love and Ecstasy Market in 2022.
Megumi Iida
Painter. Interested in and creating works about memories and events that fade away from recognition. By recording the existence of things that become hazy and uncertain in painting, she attempts to recognize the existence of the invisible. Born in 2000, from Chiba Prefecture.
Biography and Exhibition History
Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Oil Painting in March 2024.
April 2024: Enrolled in the Master's Program in Art and Design at Musashino Art University Graduate School.
Currently enrolled in master's program
January 2024: 2023 Musashino Art University Graduation and Completion Exhibition / Musashino Art University Takanodai Campus
November 2024 Group Exhibition:EPIC PAINTERS Vol:14@THE blank GALLERY,Tokyo
Itsuki Yanagisawa
The artist creates oil paintings with "texture" as the theme. By enlarging snake scales to compose the image, and layering fine details and colors, a mysterious texture is created, and each viewer will perceive the texture, temperature, and mass of the object differently. This is because each viewer has a different environment, knowledge, and experience.
Biography and Exhibition History
Born in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in 2001.
Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Oil Painting, Oil Painting Major in 2024.
February 2024: "The Great Art Education Association Exhibition," Matsuzakaya Ueno Store, 7th Floor Art Gallery, A Community for Fostering the Arts
February 2024: Hakkendo "Young Artist Open Call Exhibition 'Good Buds Blooming Buds' in TOKYO 2024" Matsuzakaya Ueno Store
September 2024, Hakkendo "KANZEN -Complete-" Isetan Shinjuku Store
CHIKA Toys
A sculptor, he explores forms of coexistence between AI and humans through futuristic retro designs. His robots, with their unusual heads, possess a charming humor and, at times, a touch of melancholy, despite their rugged and rusty appearance. He re-examines the relationship between technology and humanity, and critically examines a sustainable future. Through his portrayal of society and his own existence, he expresses a unique worldview that prompts viewers to consider what it means to be human. He is an extremely popular artist with over 100,000 followers.
Biography and Exhibition History
Born in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
First exhibited at "Design Festa vol.38" in 2013, officially launching creative activities.
First participated in "Wonder Festival" in 2014, and has been active mainly in both Wonder Festival and Design Festa. 2020: Ueno Future Exhibition (Ueno Marui, Tokyo)
Future Artists Tokyo 2021 (Tokyo International Forum Art Fair Tokyo 2021)
2023 10th Anniversary Exhibition "CHIKA WORLD" (HOWHOUSE, Yanaka, Tokyo)
■Don't throw away that ticket stub! Coupon service■
During the event period, you can receive free services at the following stores by presenting your ticket stub from each museum. For details on the services offered, please visit the Ueno Museum Week official website.
[Participating Stores] Kurofune-tei (dessert service included) Izuei (One complimentary cup of oolong tea or green tea) Anmitsu Mihashi (with 2 mochi balls as a topping) Taishoen (One complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Sakurai's carefully selected Western-style cuisine (one complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Tenjuju (One free vegetable tempura item) Kameya Issuitei (One free red bean monaka ice cream) Kaiseki Chinese Cuisine Kogetsu (One complimentary soft drink or beer) Hachinoki (One glass of wine or dessert; coffee service with lunch) Yoshi Sushi (One complimentary draft beer or soft drink) Ueno Marui (One free museum original sticker will be given to the first 200 customers) Delhi Ueno Store (70th Anniversary Original Sticker Giveaway *First 200 customers only)
[How to use]
Show your ticket stub for a cultural facility in Ueno Park.
QR codes on your smartphone, or those printed at convenience stores or ticket counters, are also acceptable.
*One ticket per person.
*Cannot be used in conjunction with coupon services.
■What is International Museum Day?■
International Museum Day is an international day established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to promote a broader understanding of the role of museums. With the aim of making museums more accessible to a wider audience and raising awareness of their role, commemorative events are held at museums around the world on and around May 18th. In Ueno, which has an exceptionally large number of cultural facilities such as museums and art galleries, the period around International Museum Day is celebrated as "Ueno Museum Week" each year, with cultural facilities and the Ueno Noren Association holding various commemorative events.
■Ueno Norenkai■
Ueno, known as the "Cloud of Flowers," has been a representative entertainment district since the Edo period. Since the Meiji era, it has been a center for the dissemination of arts and culture. The Ueno Norenkai is a federation of about 100 famous shops in Ueno. Since its founding in 1959 (Showa 34), it has been publishing the town magazine "Ueno" every month, aiming to rediscover the cultural traditions of this area. The magazine is currently on its 796th issue (as of April 2026).
■Flyer■
◎Inquiries
Ueno Museum Week Executive Committee Secretariat
TEL 03-3833-8016 FAX 03-3839-2765 (Ueno Norenkai, Weekdays 10:00-17:00)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will be hosting the "Dufy Exhibition" from Saturday, April 24th to Sunday, August 22nd, 2027.
A massive 6-meter masterpiece! The original fresco painting "The Spirit of Electricity," created for the Paris World's Fair, is coming to Japan!
Raoul Dufy (1877–1953) was a leading 20th-century French painter known for his use of color and light. He left behind numerous works depicting tranquil and pleasant subjects such as the sea, ships, music, wheat fields, and rural landscapes in vibrant colors. His creative activities extended beyond canvas to textiles, costume design, ceramics, tapestries, and furniture, making him a widely recognized and versatile artist.
This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of Dufy's birth and presents a comprehensive overview of his work, primarily through numerous pieces held in the collection of the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Of particular note is the precious 1/10 scale painting (6 meters wide) that served as the original for the colossal fresco "The Spirit of Electricity," created for the 1937 Paris World's Fair.
In the spring of 2027, vibrant and bright colors will spread throughout Ueno, Tokyo.
The spirit of electricity
"The Spirit of Electricity" is a massive fresco, measuring 60 meters wide, created for the "Pavilion of Electricity and Light" at the 1937 Paris World's Fair. It is now housed in a dedicated exhibition room at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, creating a magnificent space that envelops visitors. With its technical brilliance and rich motifs, it can be considered the culmination of Dufy's art and one of the greatest works of decorative art.
[Event Overview]
Exhibition name: Dufy Exhibition
Date: April 24, 2027 (Sat) – August 22, 2027 (Sun)
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo) 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée de la Paris, Yomiuri Shimbun
Official website: https://dufy2027.jp
<Visit>
September 11 (Sat) – December 12 (Sun), 2027, Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
[From the press release of the Dufy Exhibition Public Relations Office]
Date: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – February 21, 2027 (Sun) Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
The National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo) will be holding a special exhibition, "The Sexuality of Living Things," starting October 31, 2026 (Saturday). This exhibition is the first at the National Museum of Nature and Science to focus on the theme of "sexuality," and will explore the diverse forms and mechanisms of sexuality in living things.
There are many things in the world that seem obvious but are actually difficult to explain in depth. A prime example of this is "sex."
Sex is not limited to humans; it is found in all living things. Many living things have males and females, and offspring are produced when the sperm and eggs they produce are fertilized. However, the "form," "mechanism," and "behavior" of sex are surprisingly diverse and differ greatly from one living thing to another. For example, there are many cases that overturn our common sense, such as organisms whose sex changes during development, and organisms whose sex is determined by environmental factors such as temperature.
This exhibition scientifically explores the "sexual diversity" of living creatures from various perspectives, including morphology, behavior, sex determination, and parenting. It is the National Museum of Nature and Science's first special exhibition to delve into the fundamental question of what "sex" means to living things.
We are pleased to announce the completion of a teaser visual that represents the content of this exhibition.
The visuals are interspersed with keywords that help us understand what "sex" truly means.
The design, woven together by these keywords, visually conveys the diversity of sexuality presented in this exhibition, resulting in a striking visual.
The design of this teaser visual is
Art director Idea Oshima was in charge.
The special exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things" will open this autumn, on Saturday, October 31st.
Please look forward to it.
[Implementation Overview]
Exhibition Title: Special Exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things"
Date: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – February 21, 2027 (Sun)
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science [Ueno Park, Tokyo]
(7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718)
Organizers: National Museum of Nature and Science, Yomiuri Shimbun, Fuji Television Network
For inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial), 03-5814-9898 (FAX)
Official website: https://www.ikimono-sei.jp
■ Supervision
General Supervision
Chie Tsutsumi (Senior Researcher, Biodiversity Analysis and Conservation Group, Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Kenichi Shinoda (Director, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Supervision
Isao Nishikai (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Shinichiro Kawada (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Yuko Tajima (Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Masanori Nakae (Research Director, Vertebrate Zoology Research Group, Animal Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Natsuhiko Yoshikawa (Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Hiroshi Namikawa (Research Director, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Animal Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Utsugu Jimbo (Senior Researcher, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science)
Minoru Tanaka (Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University)
[From the press release of the Special Exhibition "The Sexuality of Living Things" Secretariat]
Date: July 11th (Sat) – October 12th (Monday/holiday), 2026 Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
The National Museum of Nature and Science, NHK, and NHK Promotions will be holding a special exhibition themed on "Survival Strategies of Living Things," titled "The Super World Exhibition of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!" from July 11th (Sat) to October 12th (Mon/Holiday), 2026.
From the Earth's formation to the present day, the Earth's environment has changed dramatically. Living things that have adapted to this diverse and ever-changing environment have nurtured the next generation, building a long history of life's evolution.
This exhibition broadly introduces the adaptive evolution, survival strategies, and acquired traits and functions of such creatures, primarily focusing on animals. In collaboration with NHK's nature program "Darwin Comes to Town!", the exhibition utilizes specimens and materials from the National Museum of Nature and Science, research findings, and numerous videos filmed by NHK to explore the environmental adaptations and survival strategies of animals, organized by topic.
Furthermore, under the supervision of researchers from the National Museum of Nature and Science specializing in vertebrates, invertebrates, insects, and paleontology, this exhibition clearly introduces the amazing world of "survival strategies of living things."
We are pleased to announce that the main visual for this exhibition has been completed. The visual features a large gathering of various creatures.
The special exhibition "The Super World of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!" opens this summer in July. Please look forward to it!
<Exhibition composition>
Learn with specimens and videos! The more you know, the more fascinating it becomes! The "survival strategies" of living creatures.
This exhibition showcases the amazing and inspiring world of living creatures, using specimens and the latest research findings from the National Museum of Nature and Science, as well as breathtaking footage of animals surviving in the wild that has been filmed by NHK's "Darwin Comes to Town!".
[CHAPTER 1] The Five Senses that Different Living Things Have
The five senses: sight (seeing), touch (touching), hearing (hearing), smell (smelling), and taste (tasting).
These are crucial sensors for survival! Which sensors are highly refined in different creatures, and what surprises and strategies do they employ?
[CHAPTER 2] How living things change your "energy replenishment"
Energy replenishment is absolutely essential for survival. The strategies for achieving this are a treasure trove of diversity, and the more you learn about them, the more fascinating they become. Let's take a look at the diverse strategies used to acquire energy sources (animals and plants) and how they are absorbed into the body.
[CHAPTER 3] The Challenges of Living Things: How to Adapt to Size
The body sizes of living creatures vary greatly. Some creatures that are small now were once large, and the largest animals on Earth can be found in the ocean. If you look closely at the sandy beach, you'll find countless creatures too small to see with the naked eye. Amazing strategies and adaptations can be seen in their body sizes.
[CHAPTER 4] Different Forms of "Movement" in Living Things
Most living things live by moving, but the means of movement and the physical structures they employ are incredibly diverse. This is to adapt to their habitat and to develop survival strategies. But did you know that some creatures don't move at all?! Let's take a look at some amazing survival techniques.
[CHAPTER 5] The Significance of "Groups" as Learned from Living Things
To gain an advantage in various situations, most living things spend their entire lives alone, making it an important survival strategy. On the other hand, there are also many living things that have survived by deliberately "grouping." What does it mean to "group"? What does it mean to "not group"? Let's explore the significance and true meaning of these two approaches.
[CHAPTER 6] The "Baton of Life" Woven by Living Things
Living things pass on the "baton of life" to the next generation through repeated cycles of encounter, nurturing, and departure. This is the foundation of all living things. Let's look at the surprising and moving strategies and adaptations we see in each of these scenes.
*The "living things" featured in this exhibition are animals.
*The images on the flyer are for illustrative purposes only. The animals shown will be presented as specimens or in videos.
<Original character for this exhibition>
"Kujira-jii" is born!
Name: Kujiraji
The exhibition's original character, "Kujira-jii," was created in collaboration with Hige-jii from the TV show "Darwin's Coming!".
This section connects the highlights of the specimens, research, and videos, highlighting the surprising points.
<Exhibition Navigator>
Masaki Aiba has been chosen as the navigator for this exhibition!
Masaki Aiba, who is active in many fields as an actor and talent and appears as the navigator for NHK's nature program "Darwin Comes!", will guide you through the amazing world of living creatures.
[Event Overview]
Name: Special Exhibition "The Super World of Living Things: National Museum of Nature and Science x Darwin's Coming!"
Date: July 11th (Sat) – October 12th (Monday/holiday), 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science [Ueno Park, Tokyo]
(7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718)
Organizers: National Museum of Nature and Science, NHK, NHK Promotions
Production cooperation: NHK Enterprises
Official website: https://ikimonoworld.jp
Supervision
Yuko Tajima, Senior Researcher, Vertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science
Hiroshi Namikawa Research Director, Marine Invertebrate Research Group, Zoological Research Department, National Museum of Nature and Science
Tatsuya Ide, Senior Researcher, Terrestrial Invertebrate Research Group, Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science
Takanobu Hihichi National Museum of Nature and Science, Life History Research Department, Evolutionary Paleontology Research Group, Research Director
[Related Program Information]
"Darwin's Coming!" NHK General TV / Every Sunday at 7:30 PM
From remote wilderness to familiar city streets, this NHK nature program closely follows wildlife around the world. Utilizing the latest equipment to its fullest, it presents stories of the great outdoors filled with wonder and emotion through exclusive footage. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of its broadcast!
The program has aired over 900 times and covered more than 70 countries and regions. The reporting team has achieved over 160 "world firsts"! Their findings have also been published in numerous scientific papers.
The National Museum of Nature and Science will hold a special exhibition, "Satoshi Kako's Science Picture Books: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of His Birth," from Tuesday, March 24, 2026 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, as detailed below. [For more information, please visit: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/tenji-event/nid00001839.html ]
Poster visual for "Satoshi Kako's Science Picture Books," commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Satoshi Kako (1926-2018) was a picture book author who debuted in 1959 with "The Dam Builders" and has since published over 600 books. His picture books spanned a wide range of genres, including humorous works such as "The Crow's Bakery," as well as many science picture books, including "The River." These works can be considered pioneers of science communication and contributed to the development of science education.
This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Satoshi Kako's birth and showcases his major science picture books, along with his passionate beliefs in science education and his insatiable curiosity for natural science, all presented with original illustrations. Please enjoy the world of science picture books as seen through the eyes of a researcher, as only the National Museum of Nature and Science can.
Project Overview
Special Exhibition: 100th Anniversary of Birth – "Satoshi Kako's Science Picture Books"
[Venue] National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park, Tokyo), Japan Gallery, 1st Floor, Special Exhibition Room and Central Hall
[Event Period] March 24, 2026 (Tue) – June 14, 2026 (Sun)
[Opening Hours] 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*From April 25th (Sat) to May 6th (Wed/Holiday), we will be open until 6 PM.
*Entry is permitted until 30 minutes before each closing time.
[Closed days] Mondays, Thursday, May 7th
*However, the museum will be open on March 30th (Mon), April 27th (Mon), May 4th (Mon/National Holiday), and June 8th (Mon).
[Admission Fee] General public and university students: 630 yen (510 yen for groups), high school students and younger, and those 65 years and older: Free
*This exhibition can be viewed with the regular admission fee only. *Group rate applies to groups of 20 or more.
*For details on admission procedures and other information, please visit our website. https://www.kahaku.go.jp/
[Sponsor] National Museum of Nature and Science
[Special Cooperation] Kako Research Institute
[Exhibition Overview] See attached exhibition flyer.
Supervisor of this exhibition
Senior Researcher, Fungi and Algae Research Group, Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science Taiju Kitayama
His specialty is phycology. To unravel the mysteries of the seaweed fauna along the Japanese coast, where an unparalleled diversity of warm and cold currents flows, he collects seaweed by free diving and dredge from Hokkaido in the north to the Ogasawara Islands in the south. Recently, he discovered the brackish water alga Kanagawa Aonori, a new species found in Japan, on Chichijima Island and is continuing his research. He also conducts research on freshwater algae in Tokyo, and in 2024, he reported a new species of red alga Kitanomaru Mozuku from Kitanomaru Park in the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace. The museum's permanent exhibitions include a systemic plaza, Japanese seaweed, Earth history navigator, and Yoshio Tanaka projection mapping.
Kako Research Institute Representative: Mari Suzuki
She is the representative of Kako Research Institute and the eldest daughter of Satoshi Kako. She has worked at Kako Research Institute since 2003, supporting her father's work. Currently, she gives lectures and engages in other activities with her husband.
Spring has arrived at the museum. The Tokyo National Museum (Director: Makoto Fujiwara) will once again be holding its annual spring event, "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum."
In the main building, you can see masterpieces of Japanese art with a cherry blossom motif in each exhibition room. In addition, about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom one after another in the garden. In addition to viewing the artworks, you can also enjoy a stroll through the garden and various events.
Main visual
■ Cherry blossom viewing in the main building
In the exhibition rooms of the main building, which mainly exhibits Japanese art, you can see a variety of works, including a painting of a famous cherry blossom spot, "Arashiyama Spring Scene," as well as ceramics and lacquerware with a cherry blossom motif, such as "Colored Cherry Blossom Tree Design Open Bowl" and "Sakura Saigyo Maki-e Inkstone Box."
The captions of the relevant works will have a cherry blossom mark, so please look for it and enjoy the cherry blossoms in the exhibition room.
*The following exhibits on the second floor of the Main Building will be closed until Tuesday, April 7th: "Folding Screens and Sliding Door Paintings," "Furnishings for Everyday Life," "The Development of Calligraphy and Painting," "Noh and Kabuki," and "Ukiyo-e and Costumes."
[Major exhibits] *All works are from the Tokyo National Museum
1. Spring Scene of Arashiyama (Arashiyama Shunkei), by Shiokawa Bunrin, 1873 (Meiji 6), donated by Shiokawa Bunrin
March 10th (Tue) – April 19th (Sun) Exhibition in the "Modern Art" section on the first floor of the Main Building
Bunrin was born in Kyoto and was active from the end of the Edo period to the early Meiji period, making him one of the painters who laid the foundations for the modern Kyoto art world. Known also as a master of landscape painting, this work depicts a scene from Arashiyama, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The depiction of the misty, hazy atmosphere that envelops the entire painting makes the delicate cherry blossoms in Arashiyama even more beautiful. Bunrin himself donated this work to the museum.
1. Arashiyama Spring View
2. Openwork Bowl with Cherry Blossom Design (Iroe Oujuzu Suka Shibachi), by Ninnami Dohachi, Edo Period, 19th Century
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun) Exhibition in the Ceramics section on the 1st floor of the Main Building
Cherry blossoms in full bloom are depicted on both the inside and outside of the vessel using pointillism with mainly white, red, and blue paint. The multiple openwork patterns near the rim are also skillfully applied, and when you peer into the vessel, you can almost feel the wind rustling the flowers, making this an exciting piece.
2. Openwork bowl with a design of cherry blossoms
3. Sword Guard with Cherry Blossoms and Mountain Magpies, by Tsukada Hidekyo, 1870
March 3rd (Tue) – May 24th (Sun) On display at "Swords" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
As if celebrating the tranquil spring, a mountain magpie dances within the tsuba, and cherry blossoms bloom. The relaxed atmosphere is created by the way the spreading tail and the shape of the cherry blossom branches harmonize with the white space. This tsuba was made shortly after the end of the samurai era, but the engraving techniques and refined sensibility cultivated in sword fittings have had a major influence on modern metalwork.
3. Cherry blossom and magpie design tsuba
4. Sakura Saigyo Makie Suzuribako (Sakura Saigyo Makie Suzuribako), Edo period, 18th century
March 17th (Tue) – May 24th (Sun) Exhibition at "Lacquerware" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
The image of a wandering old monk gazing at cherry blossoms is a standard representation of the early modern "Hanami Saigyo" (cherry blossom viewing) scene. The inside of the lid shows a completely different view, overlooking Mount Hiei from the eastern shore of Lake Biwa. In 1189, Saigyo composed his final waka poem with Jien while gazing at Lake Biwa from Mount Hiei, and passed away the following year during the cherry blossom season. The design and composition of this piece is thought to have been intended to evoke in the user the life of Saigyo.
4. Sakura Saigyo Maki-e Inkstone Box
5. Gourd-shaped sake container, made by Funada Ikkoto, Edo period, 1843 (Tempo 14)
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun) Exhibition at "Metalwork" on the 1st floor of the Main Building
This gourd-shaped sake container is made by joining dark shibuichi (a silver and copper alloy) and red suaka (plain copper) diagonally, and features scattered golden cherry blossoms at the bottom and a silver moon shrouded in clouds at the top. It is the work of Funada Ikkin, who studied under the renowned swordsmith Goto Ichijo.
Cherry blossom viewing has always been accompanied by sake and bento boxes, and this stylish sake container would look great at a cherry blossom viewing party.
5. Gourd-shaped sake container
■ Cherry Blossom Events *No prior registration required, participation is free (however, admission fee is required on the day)
◆ Guided tours and slide talks by volunteers
During the "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" event, volunteer guided tours and slide talks will introduce the trees and cherry blossoms on the premises, as well as artwork related to cherry blossom viewing.
Please check our website for dates, times, and details of volunteer guided tours and slide talks.
*The contents may change depending on the weather, etc.
◆ "Tokyo National Museum Coloring Book"
In conjunction with "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum," you can enjoy coloring the "Colored Cherry Blossom Plate" from our museum collection.
Please also take a look at the colors and expressions used in the works in the exhibition room.
Coloring book
Dates: March 10th (Tue) – April 19th (Sun)
Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm, open until 8:00pm during night hours
Venue: Main Building Special Room 4
◆Cherry Blossom Viewing Yoga in the Horyuji Treasure Museum
We will be holding a "Cherry Blossom Viewing Yoga" event that anyone can feel free to join.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Yoga 2023
Date and time: Thursday, March 26th
(1) 13:00-13:30
(2) 14:00-14:30
(3) 15:00-15:30 (reception opens 15 minutes before each session)
Location: Entrance to the Horyuji Treasure Gallery
*Only the first 20 people will be accepted, and participation is free (however, admission fee for the day is required)
*Please check our website for details.
Tohaku Haiku Society "A Haiku at Cherry Blossom Viewing"
During the "Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" event, we are accepting haiku submissions with a cherry blossom theme. Why not try writing a haiku about a cherry blossom garden or a work of art with a cherry blossom motif?
For details on how to apply, please visit our website.
■About strolling around the garden
In the garden, about 10 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom one after another, including Somei Yoshino, Oshima cherry, and weeping Edohigan cherry. You can also sit on the stone bench in front of the pond and relax and enjoy the view. This is the best season for a stroll, so please enjoy the cherry blossoms in the garden along with the cherry blossom artworks in the exhibition room.
8. Garden scenery
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm
*Due to weather or maintenance work, the trail may be closed or the walking area may be restricted.
*You cannot enter the tea house in the garden.
■Other special features and projects to be held in March 2026
*For further details, please visit our website.
Special feature: "Calligraphy and Painting in the Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties: Dreams in Chaotic Times"
January 1, 2026 (Thursday/Holiday) – March 22, 2026 (Sunday) Toyokan Room 8
Special Feature: 60th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and South Korea
"A Treasure Box of Korean Art: Welcoming the Collection of the National Museum of Korea"
February 10th (Tuesday) – April 5th (Sunday), 2026 Main Building Special Room 1, Special Room 2
Special Feature: "The Rich Lifestyle of Formosa (Beautiful Island)" – Materials on the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan –
March 10th (Tue) – May 31st (Sun), 2026 Heiseikan Special Exhibition Room
["Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum" Visitor Information]
Date: March 10th (Tuesday) – April 5th (Sunday), 2026
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5pm
* Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. * Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed: Mondays
*However, the museum will be open on Monday, March 30th.
*Rooms 7-10 in the Main Building and the Heiseikan Archaeological Exhibition Room will be closed until Tuesday, April 7th.
*Room 8 of the Toyokan will be closed from March 24th (Tue) to April 7th (Tue).
Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for university students
*Free admission for high school students and younger, those under 18, and those 70 and older.
Please show proof of age when entering the museum.
*Free admission for disabled people and one caregiver.
Please present your disability certificate when entering the building.
*Additional fees apply for paid events.
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Uguisudani Station South Exit
15 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station or Nezu Station, or Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Ueno Station
Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Website: https://www.tnm.jp/
*The dates, opening days, opening hours, exhibited works, exhibition period, and event content may be subject to change due to future circumstances. Please check the museum's website for further details.
More than 500 plants of 110 species, including rare varieties such as "Zipangu" and "Shakudou no Kagayaki" and unusual green peonies, decorate the garden in spring.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine (located in Ueno Onshi Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo) will be holding the 47th Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival from Saturday, April 4th to Wednesday, May 6th, 2026.
The shrine is located in Ueno Park and enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshimune, and Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
This event is attended by many people every year, with over 30,000 people visiting the park last year.
At the Spring Peony Festival, you can enjoy over 500 peony plants of 110 varieties, developed in Japan, China, America, France, etc., along with the changing flowers that vary depending on the variety. In addition to the classic flower colors of red and pink, you can also enjoy rare yellow varieties.
The garden is enveloped in fresh greenery and the warmth of spring, and the flowers change with each passing day.
The flowering status will be posted daily on our official Instagram.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utbotanen_official/
■Outline of the 47th Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival
Event period: Saturday, April 4th, 2026 to Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 *Open every day during the period
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission)
Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, groups (15 or more) 800 yen, admission ticket for the event period 2,500 yen, free for elementary school students and below
Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
TEL: 03-3822-3575 (Peony Garden)
Access: 5 minutes walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station
5 minutes walk from Ikenohata exit of Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
10 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro
[Zipangu]
It is a yellow, thousand-flowered variety, and its fragrance is one of its characteristics.
[Brilliance of Red Copper]
This is a rare variety with yellow and pinkish orange petals.
■ Message from the Director of Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
We have been caring for the peonies throughout the year in preparation for the spring Peony Festival.
The buds are healthy again this year, and I hope everyone will be able to see beautiful flowers.
Please enjoy the spring peonies along with the fresh greenery and seasonal flowers.
Shingo Ono, Director of Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
■Ueno Toshogu Shrine Peony Garden
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden was opened in April 1980 to commemorate friendship between Japan and China, on the grounds of Ueno Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as its deity. The strolling Japanese garden is planted with peonies, and currently 500 plants of 110 varieties are cultivated in the spring, and 160 plants of 40 varieties are cultivated in the winter. In addition, in the fall, 200 plants of approximately 100 varieties of dahlias (also known as Tenjiku peonies) are exhibited, allowing you to enjoy seasonal flowers.
Enjoy the Edo atmosphere at your leisure in the lush green Ueno area, located in the heart of Tokyo.
Official website: https://uenobotanen.com/ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utbotanen_official/
March 28th (Sat) – May 10th (Sun) 2026 at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (free admission)
Geidai Art Plaza ( https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/ ) is a gallery operated on the campus of Tokyo University of the Arts' Faculty of Fine Arts (Ueno, Taito Ward) as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts. From Saturday, March 28, 2026, they will be holding a special exhibition titled "Energy: What is Energy?" The exhibition will be themed around "energy," and will feature new works by 11 artists affiliated with or alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts. Admission is free, and photography is permitted.
Held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 Special exhibition "Energy: What is Energy?"
The special exhibition "Energy" is themed around energy in a broad sense, including invisible "force," "presence," and "heat." The exhibition features new works by 11 artists affiliated with or alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts, creating a space where the presence of energy can be visualized and experienced through sight, space, and the body. "Energy" is something we come into contact with every day but rarely pay attention to, but through art it allows viewers to reinterpret it sensorily and intuitively, offering an opportunity to ask themselves, "What does energy mean to me?"
■ Exhibition Overview
Special exhibition name: Special exhibition "Energy: What is Energy?"
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: Saturday, March 28th, 2026 – Sunday, May 10th, 2026 *No rotation of exhibits
Admission fee: Free
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays *Open on public holidays, closed the following Tuesday
Sponsor: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
*Business hours may change. Please check the official website and social media for the latest information.
Geidai Art Plaza is a gallery that exhibits and sells works by faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Tokyo University of the Arts (hereafter referred to as Geidai), which has produced many top artists. It is one of the precious places on the Geidai Ueno Campus that is open to the public and open to the public throughout the year. It began operation in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Geidai.
Currently, exhibitions with different themes are held every one or two months. Each special exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, bringing together works that are expressed using the diverse techniques and approaches unique to Geidai, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.
The store has a permanent exhibition corner called "LIFE WITH ART" that focuses on art that is close to daily life, such as tableware and accessories. The store also sells several "Drawing T-shirts (commonly known as Doro T)," which are one-of-a-kind items that have been drawn directly by Geidai artists. Admission to Geidai Art Plaza is free.
Taking photos and sharing them on social media is also welcome. We aim to be a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.
Exhibition view of the permanent corner "LIFE WITH ART"
Drawing T-shirt exhibition view
The official online shop, "Tableware and T-shirt Store," is scheduled to open in September 2024. In addition to one-of-a-kind tableware, cutlery, teapots, tea bowls, and other items created by Geidai artists, it also sells a variety of original goods.
■ Access
Nearest station: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), Uguisudani Station, approx. 10-minute walk
About a 10-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Approximately 15 minutes' walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
About 15 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
Take Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido – Ueno Park) to Yanaka bus stop and walk for about 3 minutes
*There is no parking lot, so please refrain from coming by car.
