Intermediatheque is a free museum on the second and third floors of the KITTE complex beside Tokyo Station. Run jointly by Japan Post and the University of Tokyo, it presents objects from the university’s scientific and cultural collections in rooms with a retro atmosphere. Look for animal skeletons, taxidermy, minerals, plants, maps, mechanical models and cultural artifacts. The varied displays bring natural history, science and art together, with enough to engage children as well as adults. Lockers are available for bags, and photography is permitted without flash.
A university collection in KITTE
Intermediatheque occupies the second and third floors of the JP Tower, inside the KITTE complex beside Tokyo Station. Japan Post and the University Museum of the University of Tokyo operate the museum together. Its collections draw on scientific specimens, research materials and cultural objects assembled by the university since its founding in 1877.
The museum opened in 2013. Its name points to an aim of bringing different fields and forms of expression together. Rather than separating natural history from culture, its displays place specimens and artifacts within a wider mix of science, history and art.
Specimens, models and cultural objects
Animal skeletons are among the most striking displays, with specimens ranging from small creatures to a minke whale. Taxidermy birds and forest animals sit alongside minerals, plants and geographical materials. Colorful town maps add another way to explore how people have recorded places.
The collection extends beyond natural history. Look for mechanical and mathematical models, phonographs, antique camera equipment, African musical instruments and carved wooden objects. The changing mix gives the rooms the feel of an old university collection, with objects that invite close attention to form and function.
Planning your visit
Admission is free, and the museum is close to Tokyo Station, making it easy to combine with time in Marunouchi. Lockers are available for bags and backpacks. You can take photographs without flash.
The museum closes on Mondays. On Fridays and weekends it stays open later than it does from Tuesday to Thursday, so those days give you more time for an unhurried visit. Afterward, Mugi To Go on the sixth floor serves coffee and snacks; the rooftop garden is another place to pause in the building.
FAQ
Is Intermediatheque free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is Intermediatheque?
It is on the second and third floors of the JP Tower’s KITTE complex beside Tokyo Station.
What can you see at Intermediatheque?
The displays include animal skeletons, taxidermy, minerals, plants, maps, scientific models and cultural objects from the University of Tokyo’s collections.
Can you take photos inside Intermediatheque?
Photography is allowed without flash.
Is Intermediatheque open on Mondays?
No. The museum is closed on Mondays.
