A must-see museum whose collection of treasures is astounding both in terms of scope (110 000 exhibits) and quality. Four buildings, an affiliated research centre, two restaurants… you would need at least a whole day to see everything. If you don't have that much time on your hands, we would recommend prioritising the Japanese Gallery (Hon-kan) and the Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures, with its many Buddhist splendours. The examples of calligraphy, painted vases, sculptures, ink drawings etc also show Japan's artistic development from the Jomon era (10 000 BC) to the 19C.