NHK Museum of Broadcasting

A fascinating museum that is particular relevant in 2025, which marked NHK’s centenary. Start on the third floor to see a history of broadcasting, including numerous early radio sets, microphones and transmitters. Captions are in English on little screens embedded in the displays of each section. The timeline moves to TV, video and satellite broadcasting, and on the second floor are genre-focused exhibits, such as music and drama (captions in Japanese but Google Lens will help). And it’s free!

Amazing underrated museum about Japanese broadcasting history, but actually about Japanese history. With minor Japanese language knowledges you can ask for some museum quiz and get some nice presents. The entry btw is free!

Very interesting free museum that has numerous exhibits detailing the history of broadcasting in Japan. I loved the huge old cameras and examples of TVs and Radios. I was amused that they had a radio in the museum that is newer than the 1980s National Panasonic that I use daily at home. Other highlights included an interactive section where the visitor can have a go at presenting the news and weather and the 8K screening room. Well worth a visit.

Very informative museum (free entry) on top of the local mountain. There is an elevator near the tunnel so you do not have to climb the stairs if you wish. Staff very nice and there is the entire history of Japanese broadcasting that you can view to your heart’s content. Many families came here

If you have any interest in history or technology, the NHK Museum is a must-see when visiting Tokyo. And it's totally free! You can see the record of the Emperor's radio broadcast of Japan's surrender, ending World War 2, along with the handwritten notes for the broadcast in 1945. They also have a huge collection of old technology, from records to radios to televisions. I recommend visiting the 3rd floor on the history of the past century of the NHK. Note: Most of the signs are only in Japanese, but you can use the Google Lens feature on Google Translate to read the signs. Cost: Free Time to visit: 60-120 minutes

Surprised that this museum doesn't appear on more recommendation lists! A very impressive journey through the history of Japan's national broadcaster and of television in the country. There's lots of information on the development of broadcasting technology in Japan, various artifacts and information on some very famous broadcasts. Extremely recommended!

NHK is quite understandably proud of its heritage, and it really shows at this brilliant museum. There are some very well-thought-out exhibits, and if looking at examples of old broadcasting equipment is as exciting to you as it is to me, then you will be in your element here. Highly recommended if you find yourself in the area.

NHK Museum of Broadcasting: Unveiling Japan's Broadcasting Legacy! Step into the rich history of Japanese broadcasting at the NHK Museum of Broadcasting. Located in Tokyo, this captivating museum offers an immersive journey through the evolution of radio and television in Japan. From vintage equipment to interactive exhibits, visitors get a firsthand look at the technological advancements that shaped Japan's media landscape. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the origins of broadcasting, the NHK Museum is a must-visit destination. Engaging displays and informative guides ensure a memorable experience for all ages. Explore Japan's broadcasting legacy at the NHK Museum today!

(1). It's FREE. That's awesome. (2). It's big; with three floors, and 8K video theatre, and tons of exhibits, you can spend 2-3 hours there no problem. (3). The interactive exhibits put you on a green screen, in a newsroom, underwater, etc. They are fun and highlight the benefits of a public broadcaster. (4). Most sections have English mode explanations on touchscreens!

Note that the NHK Museum of Broadcasting is currently closed for renovation, re-opening in December 2015. http://www.nhk.or.jp/museum/english/index.html In the meantime, NHK has a temporary exhibition of broadcasting history in NHK Fureai Hall in Shibuya from 2015-4-29 to 2015-9-30. I found the original museum fascinating for the history of electronics history especially as companies such as Sony played a big part in producing early recording and broadcasting equipment, a lot of which is on display. The staff, who were so knowledgeable that I suspect they are retired NHK or broadcasting industry employees, were very helpful and spoke some English. The museum also contained a TV studio set where children can play with TV cameras and monitors; and lots of cultural artefacts including a vinyl recording of Emperor Hirohito's announcement of the surrender at the end of world war two.