International Library of Children's Literature

Ueno & Yanesen


Occupying a handsome brick-clad building dating from 1906, this branch of the National Diet Library stores hundreds of thousands of volumes including picture and kids' story books from around the world. Exhibitions are held here and there is a cafe with an inexpensive menu of food aimed to please children.

In 2002 Ando Tadao's architectural firm designed the Library's contemporary curved-shaped addition to the rear of the building


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ueno & Yanesen attractions

1. Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures

0.05 MILES

This enchanting gallery, part of the Tokyo National Museum, displays masks, metalwork and sculptures from the temple Hōryū-ji (in Nara Prefecture, dating…

2. Kuroda Memorial Hall

0.06 MILES

Kuroda Seiki (1866–1924) is considered the father of modern Western-style painting in Japan. This 1928-vintage hall, an annex to Tokyo National Museum,…

3. Kanei-ji

0.08 MILES

During the Tokugawa reign, Kanei-ji was a powerful temple – its grounds once covered all of what is now Ueno-kōen (its pagoda is inside Ueno Zoo). With…

4. Hyokeikan

0.1 MILES

Within the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum, this grand 1909 Western-style hall is only used for special exhibitions and events.

5. University Art Museum

0.1 MILES

Tokyo University of the Arts, commonly known as Geidai, is Japan's top art school. Its collection dates back to 1887 and includes over 28,000 items, a…

6. Kuro-mon

0.1 MILES

West of the main gate to Tokyo National Museum is the Kuro-mon (Black Gate), transported from the Edo-era mansion of a feudal lord. You can view the…

7. Heiseikan

0.12 MILES

Part of the Tokyo National Museum, this building houses the Japanese Archaeological Gallery, full of pottery, talismans and articles of daily life from…

8. Tokyo National Museum

0.14 MILES

If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it the Tokyo National Museum. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including…