Nara National Museum, Nara, Japan

The Nara National Museum, known as Nara Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan, is located in Nara Park. It is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and a must-visit for lovers of art and history.

The museum was established in 1889 and is housed in the original building, with an additional new wing.

In this new wing, annually in the fall, a collection of treasures from the Todaiji Temple is displayed as a temporary exhibit. If you visit during that time, don’t miss the opportunity to see it!

The permanent collection at the Nara National Museum includes Buddhist statues, paintings and other artifacts. Most of the exhibits are from Japan.

Interpretive signs in English allow international visitors to learn more about the exhibits, and a single ticket affords entry to both the original building and the new wing.

Planning a trip? Visit our Nara Park website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

How to Get to the Nara National Museum in Nara, Japan

The Nara National Museum is located in Nara Park, Nara, Japn.

Once you arrive at the JR Nara Station, it is about a 27-minute walk (1.9 kilometers or 1.18 miles) to the museum. See map.

You can also catch the bus (City Loop Bus #2) and get off at the Himuro Shrine/National Museum stop. Take the loop in the clockwise direction.

If you start at the Kintetsu-Nara Station, the Nara National Museum is about a 15-minute walk east from the station on Noboriōji Street. See map.

Nara National Museum Opening Hours

Nara National Museum is generally open from 9.30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with last entrance at 4.30 p.m. Extended hours may be offered during special exhibitions or celebrations.

The museum is closed on Mondays, November 11 each year, and from December 28 through January 1 each year. When a national holiday falls on a Monday, the museum is open on that Monday and closed that Tuesday. In cases of consecutive holidays, the museum is open during the holidays and closes the day after they end.

For up-to-date information on museum opening hours during your visit, consult the museum website.

Nara National Museum Entrance Fee

General admission to the Nara National Museum costs 700 yen (about USD 4.73) per person at the time of writing. College students pay 350 yen (about USD 2.37) per student with production of an ID card.

The Nara National Museum offers free entry to youth 18 and younger, and seniors 70 or older, as well as people with disabilities (and a companion). Proof of date of birth or a disability certificate is required for free entry.

Some temporary exhibitions may require an additional fee.