What to know
Also known as Rekihaku, the National Museum of Japanese History (国立歴史民俗博物館, Kokuritsu Rekishi Minzoku Hakubutsukan) is a government-run, well-designed museum that traces the history and cultural development of the Japanese people.
The permanent exhibition spans six galleries, each covering a period from prehistoric times to modern Japan. The displays are well designed and include many cultural artifacts, reproductions, and models.
There is also a seventh gallery that hosts temporary exhibitions (separate entrance fees apply). Most permanent exhibition galleries have English signs and descriptions, and English audio guides are available free of charge from the front desk. The museum is located near Narita Airport on the former grounds of Sakura Castle.
The National Museum of Japanese History is about 15 kilometers west of Narita Airport.
Trains run every 20 minutes between Narita Airport and Keisei Sakura Station (20 minutes, 480 yen), stopping at Keisei Narita Station (10 minutes, 280 yen) along the way. From Keisei Sakura Station, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride.
Rapid trains operate once per hour between Narita Airport and JR Sakura Station (25 minutes, 440 yen), stopping at JR Narita Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) along the way. From JR Sakura Station, the museum is a 15 minute bus ride.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from October to February)
- Closed
- Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 27 to January 4, and a small number of irregular closing days
- Admission
- 600 yen (~$3.84) (permanent exhibition), varying fees for temporary exhibitions
- English name
- Original name
- National Museum of Japanese History
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.