Three-day weekends are lovely on their own, but the next national holiday falling on Monday November 3 comes with one extra perk. Established in 1945, this day is earmarked as Japan’s Culture Day to celebrate and appreciate the arts. It's a time when events, exhibitions and museum visits become a communal affair, with friends and families spending quality time together, revelling in the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.
As such, in the spirit of this holiday, many museums and local galleries in Tokyo – and across Japan – have graciously waived their entry fees on this day. In this guide, we highlight the most prominent institutions participating in this complimentary admission day, along with the exhibitions you won’t want to miss.
The National Museum of Western Art
Established in 1959, Japan's National Museum of Western Art has a vast permanent collection spanning pre-18th-century works to early 20th-century French paintings. There are works by the great masters, including Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, tracing Western art's evolution from the Renaissance to modern expression.
On November 3, two special exhibitions will be on view: Two Flemish Paintings from Tokyo and Bruges Reunited and Black Lines Speak: Dürer’s “Three Great Books” Woodcuts. Note that only the latter exhibition offers free admission.
Entry to the permanent collection is free on Culture Day.
Tokyo National Museum
Japan’s oldest and largest museum houses over 110,000 works, including Japanese arts and antiquities as well as artworks from around Asia. Special exhibitions such as Expressing Prayer, Capturing Form Buddhist Sculptures by Unkei from the Northern Round Hall of Kohfukuji Temple will require a separate fee, but the regular exhibitions are free on this day. These thematic exhibitions currently include a showcase of theatrical masks inspired by animals, Korean archaeological artefacts, and illustrations of the tale of Shuten Doji from the Muromachi period (1392-1573).
Printing Museum
Based in Toppan Printing's headquarters in Bunkyo, the Printing Museum showcases the evolution of printing from ancient texts to digital advancements. In addition to vintage posters, fliers and books, the museum also features a library and VR theatre.
National Museum of Nature and Science
There are two main exhibitions to explore at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno Park. First, you have the Japan Gallery, where you can explore Japan's origins, flora, fauna and ancient inhabitants.
Next, the Global Gallery dazzles with fossils and dinosaur skeletons, and showcases Japanese technological advancements since the Edo period. Engaging exhibits and a well-stocked souvenir shop make it a delightful experience for all ages
Entry to the permanent collection is free on Culture Day.
Katsushika City Museum Planetarium
This planetarium presents a 'digital universe’ based on historical planetary data. Expand your astronomical knowledge at the museum, or discover the 92-year history of Katsushika ward at the newly renovated exhibition featuring local artefacts, reconstructed historical homes, and interactive digital maps.
Institute for Nature Study
This central Tokyo forest, designated for scientific research in 1949, hosts an array of specimens spanning plants, birds and insects. A small museum at the park's entrance displays a map illustrating the evolution of Tokyo's green spaces since 1677, alongside an exhibition on diverse bird sounds.
Yokosuka Museum of Art
Outside Tokyo, you can enjoy a free exhibition of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Riken Yamamoto's works at the Yokosuka Museum of Art – itself one of his own masterpieces overlooking Tokyo Bay. Yamamoto’s works will be presented in the most extensive exhibition to date, offering a comprehensive look at the architect’s design philosophy.
This article was published on October 31 2023 and updated on October 22 2025.
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