Visitor FAQ
Q. How long does a visit usually take?
The average visit lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.
Q. Can infants and toddlers enter the museum?
There are no age restrictions. Admission is free for preschool-aged children.
Q. Are pets allowed inside the museum?
To protect the artwork, pets are not permitted inside the museum.
Assistance dogs (guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs) are welcome.
Q. Do you accept cashless payments?
Credit cards, e-money, smartphone payments, and QR code payments can be used for admission fees and purchases at the Museum Shop.
However, some payment methods may be limited during busy periods. In addition, certain fees, such as workshop registration, may require cash.
Q. Is there a senior discount for admission?
We do not offer a senior discount system.
However, admission is free for visitors aged 65 and older on Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September) each year.
Q. Is there a place where I can eat a packed lunch?
There are no dining spaces available inside the museum.
Please use theDining & Sweetsshops located on the premises.
About Exhibitions
Q. Can I view Japanese swords at any time?
Japanese swords are not on display at all times.
The Sword Display Information pageprovides further details.
Q. What can I see in the Collection Room?
The Collection Room features three Buddhist statues and a rotating selection of around five items from our collection, presented according to seasonal themes about four times a year.
The Collection Room pageprovides further details.
Q. Can I visit only the Collection Room?
No. The Collection Room is intended to be enjoyed together with the special exhibitions.
Q. Is photography allowed in the galleries?
Photography is generally not permitted.
However, depending on the exhibition, some or all works may be photographed.
Please check each exhibition page or contact us by phone for more information.
About Ryusenen Garden
Q. Can I visit the inside of the Japanese-style house?
The interior of the house is not open to the public.
However, it is occasionally used for museum events such as tea gatherings or exhibition-related programs. We invite you to join these occasions.
Q. When is the garden open?
The garden is open for strolling during museum hours (10:00–17:00). Please note that the museum is closed on Thursdays, during exhibition changes, and over the New Year holidays.
Q. How long does it take to view the garden?
A visit typically takes about 10 minutes.
Q. May I eat a packed lunch in the garden?
To help preserve the environment, eating in the garden is not permitted.
Q. What plants can be seen in the garden?
Blooming seasons: Japanese apricot (ume) blooms around January, and weeping cherry (shidare-zakura) blooms around March.
Autumn foliage: Wax tree, Japanese maple, and enkianthus show their autumn colors from around November to December.
Seasonal highlights of the garden are introduced on the Sano Museum’s official XandFacebookandand Instagramaccounts.
Other Questions
Q. Do you offer appraisals for Japanese swords or other artworks?
We do not provide appraisal or authentication services.
Q. Do you offer courses on Japanese swords?
We offer an annual introductory course on the appreciation and spirit of the Japanese sword, beginning each April.
Applications typically open in January.
Q. Are there volunteer opportunities available?
At the Sano Art Museum, volunteers play an important role in supporting a wide range of museum activities.
For information on current opportunities and the application process, please contact us directly.
Q. Do you accept students for museum internships?
Yes, we accept students for museum internships each year.
Students wishing to participate in a museum internship should mail (1) to (3) to the Museum Internship Officer at the museum between April 1st and 29th of the desired year (the format does not matter).
(1) A request letter for training from your university
(2) Your résumé with a photo
(3) A letter of recommendation from your museum studies instructor or academic advisor
・ Capacity: Up to six students. If applications exceed this number, selection will be based on the submitted documents.
・ Notification: Results will be sent to your university by early May.
・ Applications: One student per university.
・ Preferred majors: Art, history, literature, or related fields.
・ Duration: Six days during the summer vacation period (July–September).
・ Please note that the schedule may change or the program may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Contact Information
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Reception Hours
10:00–17:00
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Closed Days
Thursdays (open if a national holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, during exhibition changeover periods, and other closure days as necessary.
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1-43 Nakatamachi, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture 411-0838, Japan
TEL: +81-55-975-7278
FAX: +81-55-973-1790 -
Online Inquiries
* For urgent matters, please contact us by phone.
* Depending on the nature of your inquiry, we may require additional time to respond or may not be able to provide an answer.


