A new interactive experience is coming to one of Japan’s most iconic museums this summer, and it sounds like a must-visit for anyone exploring Tokyo beyond the usual tourist checklist.
From June 30th, 2026, Tokyo National Museum will reopen its newly renovated exhibition space, “The Door to Japanese Art,” inside the museum’s Main Building in Ueno Park. Designed around the idea of a “once-in-a-lifetime encounter,” the updated experience blends history, technology, and cultural discovery in a way that feels personal.
At the center of the new exhibition is the “Tohaku Wonder Wall,” an interactive digital experience that helps visitors discover cultural treasures based on their interests and actions. The museum holds an enormous collection of around 120,000 items, including national treasures and important cultural properties, though only a fraction are displayed at any one time. Instead of wandering aimlessly through galleries, visitors are guided toward artworks and artifacts that are actually on display that day, creating a more tailored museum experience.
The interactive system connects to the museum’s collection database and includes features like researcher recommendations and a lottery-style discovery wheel that suggests a surprise artwork to seek out. Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, it’s designed to be easy and engaging for international visitors too.
Another highlight is the ongoing “Encountering High-Definition Replicas” section, where guests can closely examine incredibly detailed reproductions of famous folding screens and hanging scrolls without protective glass cases. Since many original works can only be displayed for limited periods due to preservation concerns, these replicas offer a rare chance to appreciate details that are often difficult to see.
Before the interactive experience begins, visitors can also watch a short immersive film tracing over 150 years of the museum’s history, featuring celebrated masterpieces from across Japan and Asia.
