Researched guide · Checked on Oct 20, 2026
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Dinosaur skeletons, a life-size blue whale model outside and hands-on science exhibits: the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park is Japan’s main museum of natural history and science. High school students and younger get in free, which makes it a great stop for families.
Quick answer
Admission: ¥630 for adults and university students. Free for high school students and younger.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed on Mondays (open on Monday holidays, then closed Tuesday) and December 28 – January 1.
Getting there: about 5 minutes on foot from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station.
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What to see
- Global Gallery: the history of life on Earth, including the dinosaur fossils, and the history of science and technology.
- Japan Gallery: the nature and history of the Japanese islands and how people have lived with nature.
- Outdoor exhibits: a blue whale model and a rocket launcher.
- Touch and Talk Wagon: volunteers explain the highlights.
Tickets and hours
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults and university students | ¥630 |
| High school students and younger | Free |
| Groups of 20+ | ¥510 |
- Open 9:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. From August 9 to 15, 2026, open until 18:00.
- Closed on Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, open that day and closed on Tuesday) and December 28 – January 1. There are also a few closing days for fumigation.
- Crowds: the museum’s crowd forecast calendar (in Japanese) rates each day from “plenty of room” to “very crowded”, based on the past three years. Its English homepage also shows the current crowd status.
- E-tickets can be bought in advance, but this is optional.
- Special exhibitions cost extra, and free admission may not apply to them.
How to get there
| Station | Walk |
|---|---|
| JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) | About 5 min |
| Ueno Station (Ginza and Hibiya lines) | About 10 min |
| Keisei Ueno Station | About 10 min |
The museum is in Ueno Park, next to the Tokyo National Museum and near Ueno Zoo. See our Ueno and Akihabara guide.
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FAQ
How much is the National Museum of Nature and Science?
¥630 for adults and university students. High school students and younger are free. Special exhibitions cost extra.
When is it closed?
On Mondays (when Monday is a national holiday, it closes on Tuesday instead) and from December 28 to January 1.
Are there dinosaurs?
Yes. Dinosaur fossils are part of the Global Gallery’s history of life exhibits.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Children and teenagers through high school get in free, and there are hands-on exhibits.
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Sources
Hours, prices and access come from the museum’s official website (checked October 20, 2026). Please check before you go.
