A Message to Museum Visitors

To ensure the safety of the art and a pleasant viewing experience for all, we ask that visitors understand and observe the following policies.

General Policy

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  1. Pets (except service animals) are not permitted.

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  2. Hazardous and flammable materials may not be brought into the museum.

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  3. Visibly intoxicated individuals will be refused entry.

Museum Policy

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  1. Please leave umbrellas outside the galleries.

  Locked umbrella stands are located at the museum entrance. Small folding umbrellas should be carried folded inside a bag or placed in a locker.

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  2. Do not bring flowers or plants into the museum.

  Insects and mold spores from plants can cause damage to cultural properties, so please do not carry any plants into the museum. If necessary, plants may be checked at the South Gate entrance and retrieved upon exit.

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  3. Please do not bring food or drink into the galleries.

  Spilled drinks or dropped food and trash attract insects and mold that can cause damage to cultural properties. Please also refrain from eating candy or chewing gum while in the galleries.

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  4. Smoking is prohibited.

  Many Japanese artworks and cultural properties are flammable, so any kind of fire or smoke could cause severe damage. Smoking is restricted to a designated smoking area located in the museum garden.

Gallery Policy

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  1. Please check luggage and other large items.

  Large bags or luggage may not be brought into the galleries. Please use the coin lockers located on the 1st floor and on the B1 level of the Heisei Chishinkan Wing.

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  2. Lighting and humidity are carefully regulated to protect cultural properties.

  Many of the artworks and cultural properties kept at the museum are highly sensitive to environmental changes. In order to prioritize the preservation of these works, the museum uses low levels of lighting and maintains appropriate temperature and humidity levels, even though these conditions may not be ideal for all visitors. We ask visitors for their understanding as we try to protect and preserve these treasures in the best possible condition for future generations.

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  3. Please be considerate of other visitors by keeping conversation and other noise to a minimum.

  Please be mindful when wearing wooden geta, high-heels, or other shoes that cause loud noises. Consult our staff if you would like to borrow slippers.
  For visitors who purchase the audio guide, please be aware of the volume level.

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  4. Do not touch exhibits or display cases.

  Fingerprints or hand marks on the glass may detract from the viewing experience of other visitors.

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  5. Please use only pencils in the galleries.

  Fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and water- or oil-based pens and markers create ink spots and marks that are difficult to remove, risking damage to artworks, cases, or other visitors. If you do not have a pencil, you may ask a staff member for one.

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  6. Please refrain from making phone calls in the galleries.

  To ensure a pleasant viewing environment, we ask visitors to either silence or turn off their mobile phones and to refrain from making phone calls in the galleries.

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  7. Photography is prohibited in the galleries.

  In order to protect the artworks and the wishes of their owners, as well as to maintain an optimal viewing environment, please refrain from taking photographs inside the galleries (excluding the designated "Photo Spots" of special exhibitions).

NOTE

• In some cases, the museum staff may issue verbal instructions to visitors in order to protect artworks or to maintain optimal viewing conditions in the museum. We ask that you follow any guidance from our staff.