Why go: Tobikan + Orsay in Ueno
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (東京都美術館 / Tobikan) is the park-side venue many visitors under-plan — then a blockbuster lands and the calendar fills. The Musée d’Orsay collaboration “What a Wonderful World” (14 Nov 2026 – 28 Mar 2027) is the clear winter–spring anchor: Impressionist and related holdings in a timed Tokyo run, not a permanent wing you can “do anytime.”
Balance a ticketed day with free or cheaper art stops: the free Galaxy Harajuku teamLab, the broader teamLab Japan guide, or a comparative read on new museums in Shanghai. For zero-yen city tactics, see free things to do in any city.
Dates, tickets and hours
Exhibition window: 14 November 2026 – 28 March 2027. Museum hours typically 9:30–17:30 (Fridays to 20:00), last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed Mondays and listed holidays; some holiday Mondays open — use the official calendar for your exact date.
| Category | Door | Advance |
|---|---|---|
| General | ¥2,400 | ¥2,200 |
| College students | ¥1,300 | ¥1,100 |
| Seniors 65+ | ¥1,600 | ¥1,400 |
| Under 18 / high school | Free | Free |
Purchase through e-tix / official museum channels only. We affiliate hotels, flights and eSIM / Yesim — never museum tickets.
Ueno access and time needed
Tobikan sits inside Ueno Park. JR Ueno, park-side subway exits and Keisei Ueno all work; follow park maps toward the museum buildings rather than the zoo gate alone. On blossom weekends the walk stretches — leave buffer.
Budget 90–150 minutes for the Orsay show; longer if you stack another exhibition the same day. Scaffold the rest of Tokyo with:
What to see
Expect a curated Orsay selection under the “What a Wonderful World” theme — paintings and related works that travel for this Tokyo run, not the full Paris hang. Read wall texts for loans and conservation notes; photography rules often tighten in special exhibitions, so follow staff and posted signs.
After the galleries, Ueno Park itself is the decompression zone: ponds, shrines and other museums within walking distance if energy remains. Keep bags small; cloakrooms fill on peak Saturdays.
Practical tips
- Buy advance tickets when the slot you want appears — door prices are higher.
- Friday evenings (to 20:00) help if daytime is sold out, but last entry is still 30 minutes before close.
- Monday closures catch travellers off guard; always check holiday exceptions.
- Pair with a free Harajuku stop (Galaxy) on another day so Ueno stays focused.
- Carry offline maps via eSIM before you enter the park canopy.
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FAQ
When is the Musée d’Orsay “What a Wonderful World” show in Tokyo?
Published dates are 14 November 2026 through 28 March 2027 at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tobikan) in Ueno Park. Confirm the live calendar and any timed-entry rules before you buy.
What are museum hours?
Typically 9:30–17:30, Fridays until 20:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed Mondays and listed holidays, though some holiday Mondays open — check the official calendar for your date.
How much are tickets?
As checked on 2026-09-07: general ¥2,400 (advance ¥2,200); college ¥1,300 / ¥1,100; seniors 65+ ¥1,600 / ¥1,400; under 18 and high school free. Buy via e-tix / official channels — we do not affiliate museum tickets.
How do I get to Tobikan?
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum sits in Ueno Park. Use JR Ueno, Ueno subway stations or Keisei Ueno and walk into the park. Allow extra time on cherry-blossom weekends.
How long should I plan for the Orsay exhibition?
Most visitors need 90–150 minutes for the special exhibition alone; add time if you also walk permanent or concurrent shows. Arrive early on Fridays if you want the evening hours without the late crush.