What other travelers are saying about National Museum of Japanese History
A large, very well presented, detailed and informative museum of Japanese history and culture from prehistoric times to modern Japan. Beautiful permanent exhibits in 6 large halls (hall 5 closed for renovation during our visit). Often Special Exhibitions too. Most narrative in Japanese but titles in English too which is enough. There is a lot so you could spend hours if you want to. I was there for 1,5hours which was too quick!
Beautiful museum, if you want to be adventurous you can try squatting toilets there but they have regular toilets too.
Incredibly nice staff, they have school experience there, lady there was super nice and explained for us how school used to look. You can also try calligraphy there.
The special exhibition "Kimono Ambassador: Nomura Shōjirō and the Age of Japonisme" was totally exquisite, so beautiful, so breathtaking.
What an incredible museum. Extensively covers the rich history of Japan with some truly amazing displays. The dioramas are a sight to behold. Cheap entry price too. Check it out!!
A great place to get to know and appreciate Japanese history. While most of the written explanations are in Japaneaw, visitors can download an app to listen to English audio guide for the items in the museum.
The dioramas that depict various events are awesome. They really pay attention to the details. They bring to mind imaginations on life in the past.
The entrance is a short hike from the main street. I would recommend to have luggages deposit e.g. at coin lockers at keisei sakura for those who walk to the museum. For my case, the museum staff helped us depositing our luggages in the museum upon entry.
A thorough visit to all six permanent exhibition galleries typically requires 2-3 hours. If you plan to explore the temporary exhibitions in the seventh gallery or use the audio guide for deeper insights into the artifacts, allow 3-4 hours. The museum's chronological layout makes it easy to navigate, though the extensive collection of cultural artifacts, reproductions, and models means there's substantial content to absorb in each period gallery.
Yes, the museum accommodates international visitors well. Most galleries in the permanent exhibitions feature English signs and descriptions alongside Japanese text. Free English audio guides are available from the front desk, providing detailed explanations of the exhibits. The visual nature of the displays—including artifacts, models, and reproductions—also helps convey Japan's historical narrative even without extensive text comprehension.
While possible, the National Museum of Japanese History is better suited as a stop for travelers passing through Narita rather than a dedicated day trip from Tokyo. The museum is located 15 kilometers west of Narita Airport in Sakura City. From Tokyo, you would need to travel to Narita first (approximately 1-1.5 hours), then take local transport to the museum. Consider combining it with a visit to Narita's Shinshoji Temple or scheduling it before or after a flight.
The National Museum of Japanese History distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach to both formal history and folk culture. Unlike museums that focus solely on political or military history, Rekihaku dedicates significant space to everyday life, customs, and cultural practices throughout Japanese history. The museum functions as both a public exhibition space and an inter-university research institution, ensuring scholarly depth in its presentations. Its location on the former Sakura Castle grounds also adds historical context to the visit.
Photography policies vary by exhibition, with some areas permitting non-flash photography while others restrict it to protect sensitive artifacts. Check signage at each gallery entrance or ask staff for current policies. Large bags and backpacks may need to be stored in lockers at the entrance, which is standard practice in Japanese museums to protect exhibits and ensure visitor safety. Coin lockers are typically available, and most museums return the coin after use.
