iNational Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)
Minpaku opened in 1977 in the grounds of the former Expo '70 site in Suita, as both a research institute and a museum. The permanent galleries cover nine world regions in a route that runs from Oceania eastward around to Japan, alongside cross-cultural displays on language and music. A special exhibition hall and a thematic exhibition hall host changing shows, and the Information Zone offers a video-on-demand library of everyday life and performing arts worldwide.
More in Osaka
What's On
The Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) and Japan: History and Connection As Seen Through the Ohshima George Photograph Collection
Thematic exhibition on the history of the Torres Strait and its ties to Japan, seen through the Ohshima George photograph collection.
Living along the Saru River: Ainu Lives from Ancestral Times to the Present
Special exhibition on Ainu life along the Saru River in Hokkaido, from ancestral times to the present.
The Ever-Evolving "Universal Museum": Before Sight, There Was Touch
Special exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the museum's opening, built around touch as a way of experiencing objects.
Permanent Collections
Regional and Cross-cultural Exhibitions
Nine regional galleries running from Oceania eastward around to Japan, plus cross-cultural displays on language and music.
Information Zone and Videotheque
A video-on-demand library on the lifestyles, technologies and performing arts of peoples worldwide, with a study area and collection terminals.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
10-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita, Osaka 565-8511, Japan
Nearest station: Bampaku-kinen-koen Station (Osaka Monorail) and Koen-higashiguchi Station (Osaka Monorail)
Show on mapHours
| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:00 |
| SunToday | 10:00–17:00 |
Admission
From ¥780
University students 340 yen, ages 65 and over 660 yen, high school students and younger free. Special exhibitions cost extra.
Last verified
Visitor Information
- How much does National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) cost?
- Standard adult admission to National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is ¥780. University students 340 yen, ages 65 and over 660 yen, high school students and younger free. Special exhibitions cost extra.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)?
- National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is open Open 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30. Closed Wednesdays (the following day when a national holiday falls on a Wednesday) and from 28 December to 4 January. May close in storm warnings or when Expo '70 Commemorative Park closes.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)?
- National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is located at 10-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita, Osaka 565-8511, Japan, in the Senri Banpaku Kinen Koen area of Osaka. The nearest stations are Bampaku-kinen-koen Station (Osaka Monorail) and Koen-higashiguchi Station (Osaka Monorail).
- What can I see at National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)?
- Japan's national ethnology museum in Expo Park, with galleries on world cultures from Oceania to Japan, and a large film and music library. Current highlights include Living along the Saru River: Ainu Lives from Ancestral Times to the Present, The Ever-Evolving "Universal Museum": Before Sight, There Was Touch and The Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) and Japan: History and Connection As Seen Through the Ohshima George Photograph Collection.
- Do I need to book National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Image credits
1
- National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku)Yanajin33 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0