Frequently asked questions
Planning your visit
What is Japan House London?
Japan House London is the cultural home of Japan in the UK, presenting the very best of Japan through exhibitions, events, a library, a Shop, café stand and restaurant. Find out more on our About Us page.
How much does it cost?
Japan House London is free to visit – this includes the exhibition and the Library. Most of our events are also free. A small number of workshops require a participation fee to cover materials.
When is Japan House London open?
Our opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00–20:00
Sundays & Bank Holidays: 12:00–18:00
Please see the Visit page or follow us on social media for any changes to our opening hours.
Can children visit Japan House London?
We welcome children of all ages (with some restrictions on certain events), but we ask that parents supervise children at all times and in all areas of Japan House London.
Can I work in the Library and for how long?
The Library is open for you to use for as long as you like (see opening times). It is occasionally closed for events, so be sure to check our social media channels and website before making your trip.
What food and drink is available?
The Stand is a takeaway Japanese drinks and snack bar at the entrance of Japan House London, where you can enjoy kissaten coffee, matcha, various Japanese teas and seasonal snacks.
The seating area behind the Stand is open for guests to stay and enjoy their refreshments.
Guests can also enjoy a Japanese fine dining experience at AKIRA Restaurant, open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. On Sundays AKIRA is open for lunch only.
While at Japan House London, visitors are requested not to consume food or drink which has been purchased elsewhere. Please do not consume food or drink inside the Gallery.
Can I charge my phone at Japan House London?
Phone charging is not permitted behind the till or at the Stand. Phones left unattended are not the responsibility of Japan House London.
Can I take photos at Japan House London?
Yes, we encourage our guests to take photos and videos and share them on social media. However, we request guests to first ask permission before capturing the faces of staff members in their photos, and to be respectful to other guests.
Are large bags allowed in Japan House?
Our cloakroom is open for all visitors and event attendees, however, due to restricted space, we cannot accept any luggage larger than a cabin bag (56 × 45 × 21cm). We recommend storing any luggage above this size in designated locker services nearby (such as LuggageHero or Bounce Luggage).
Bags and items left in our cloakroom are left at the owner’s risk.
Are bikes/scooters allowed?
All bikes and scooters must be folded away before entering Japan House London and carried. They must be stored in the cloakroom prior to entering the Gallery. If a bike or scooter cannot be folded, it must be left outside. There are bike racks located outside Whole Foods, further along Kensington High Street in the direction of Kensington Palace.
Are buggies allowed?
Smaller buggies are allowed in the Gallery, depending on the number of visitors inside at the time. We suggest that larger buggies and double buggies are checked into the cloakroom.
Are dogs allowed?
Small, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Japan House London (except for in the Gallery), providing they can be carried if requested (this is so that they can be removed quickly and safely by their owners should they become aggressive). We may ask you to carry your dog out of the building if they pose a nuisance or any risk to our team, visitors, displays, or the building. Dogs are not permitted to sit on the furniture. Compliance with this rule is for the safety and enjoyment of all of our visitors. Assistance dogs are welcome anywhere in the building.
Can I bring in a Japanese object that I have at home to find out more information about it?
Unfortunately, our staff are only able to answer questions about products sold in the Japan House London Shop.
Exhibitions and events
How do I book tickets?
There is no need to book for everyday visits, but to ensure entry to the exhibition at your chosen time, a free ticket can be booked online.
Booking is essential for most of our events and can be done through our What’s On page. Alternatively, our on-site team can assist you with a booking in person. Early booking is advised for events at Japan House London as they fill up very quickly.
If you intend to visit with a large group, it is helpful if you let us know in advance. Please contact us as far in advance as possible using our enquiry form.
I will be late/I can no longer make it to the exhibition slot I booked
If you arrive late for your exhibition booking, please speak to our team on the lower ground floor who should be able to check you in using your original time slot.
If you are no longer able to make your booked slot for the exhibition, please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite.
Can I change my exhibition booking slot?
Changing exhibition time slots can be done via Eventbrite. Please cancel the original booking and rebook for the desired time slot.
How long does it take to see the exhibition?
There is no restriction on the time spent in the Gallery, but we recommend allowing 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy everything there is to see.
When is last entry to the exhibition?
Last entry to the exhibition is 30 minutes before closing (19:30 on Monday–Saturday, 17:30 on Sundays and Bank Holidays). Staff may ask you to begin leaving up to 15 minutes prior to closing.
Can I book a guided tour of the exhibition?
We can offer guided tours for cultural, educational, or business groups. To book, please use our enquiry form.
I am not able to make the event in person – is it being recorded/livestreamed?
The details of each event can be found on the event page on our website. If the event is being live streamed, it will be available to watch on our social channels, including YouTube and a recording of the event will be made available on the event webpage some days later. If the event page does not detail live streaming or recording, the event will not be available online.
Conditions of entry
Admissions
Entry to JHL is generally free, including access to the exhibitions, ground floor displays and Shop, and Library. Please note that some workshops and events require a participation fee.
Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance to secure entry to exhibitions at their preferred time. We will endeavour to admit visitors as close to the stated time on their ticket as possible.
We welcome children of all ages (with some age restrictions for certain workshops and events). Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children under the age of 14 at all times and in all areas of JHL.
There may be occasions, such as during private events, when we temporarily close all or part of JHL to visitors who are not event guests. Access to certain facilities, including toilets, may be restricted during these times. Please follow any instructions given by our staff on these occasions.
From time to time, and without prior notice or liability, we may close JHL or any part of it temporarily or limit the number of visitors. This may be necessary for reasons such as public safety, security, or operational requirements. We reserve the right to refuse admission or to require any visitor to leave, without refund, if circumstances require us to do so.
Leaving Japan House London
We kindly ask all guests to leave the premises by the relevant closing time. Staff may ask you to begin leaving up to 15 minutes prior to closing. At the end of evening events, you are asked to leave the premises quietly and with due consideration for our residential neighbours.
Health and Safety
Whilst you are at JHL, please take care of your own health and safety, as well as our displays and premises. Please do not:
- Disregard alarms, signs or directions given by staff.
- Run, or ride bikes or scooters inside the premises. Unfolded bikes and scooters, as well as electric bikes and electric scooters, are not permitted on the premises.
- Bring any restricted items into JHL (see the question on ‘Bag searches’ below).
- Cross barriers, cordons, or protective spaces in front of objects or displays.
- Climb on any part of the displays, or the fabric of the building including walls, barriers and columns.
- Damage our premises or affix items to any part of the displays or fabric of the building.
- Block or obstruct entrances or exit doors in any way or cause any form of obstruction.
- Smoke anywhere on the premises (including electronic cigarettes and vaping products).
- Fundraise, demonstrate or distribute campaigning material without prior permission.
- Behave disruptively, antisocially or in a way which might impact on other visitors’ enjoyment of our premises, for example by playing music or audio through loudspeakers or making phone calls on speakerphone.
- Put our premises and displays, yourself or anyone else at risk, for example by partaking (or by encouraging others to partake) in any disruptive or dangerous behaviours or activities.
- Intrude on the privacy of other visitors or our staff (for example when filming or photographing our premises or displays).
Failure to comply with the above may result in you being refused entry or being asked to leave the premises. JHL reserves the right to do so, without any obligation to issue a refund or compensation and without any liability to you.
Alcohol consumption
Please note that alcohol may only be consumed if served on site, and then only in designated areas.
As a licensed premise, JHL reserves the right to:
- Refuse any person entry (or ask any person to leave) if our staff suspect that person is intoxicated or behaving antisocially.
- Apply age restrictions and/or require proof of age identification for entry to some events, the supply of some services or the purchase of certain products.
- Limit the number of people permitted into our premises at any time.
- Refuse to serve alcohol or to supply other services to any person who is intoxicated or behaving antisocially.
Food and drink
Please do not consume food or drink inside the Gallery. Only food and drink purchased on the premises may be enjoyed in our designated catering spaces: the Stand on the ground floor and AKIRA Restaurant on the first floor. Please note that food and drink may be consumed in designated areas outside these catering spaces during events. Please refer to the specific event details for more information.
General JHL visitors are not permitted to consume food or beverages served at private events, as these are reserved for event guests. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of staff.
Antisocial behaviour
You must follow our staff’s instructions. Our staff are here to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring visit.
Our staff are authorized to intervene where deemed necessary, for example in the event of antisocial behaviour, disturbance to other visitors, or any behaviour that puts our displays, building, or anyone at risk. In such circumstances, you may be asked to leave the premises. Please note that we may require an individual or an entire group to leave the premises.
JHL adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards bullying and harassment of any kind towards of our staff. Any such behaviour is completely unacceptable, whether it is a single incident or repeated occurrences of bullying and/or harassment. We will treat any form of harassment or inappropriate behaviour which causes offence to our staff very seriously, regardless of whether it was intentional. Such behaviour may result in appropriate action being taken, including imposing restrictions on visitor access to JHL.
Bag searches
We take the safety of our visitors and staff very seriously. Please cooperate fully with security checks and support our team as they carry out their duties. Bag searches may be conducted at the cloakroom or on entry to exhibitions. If requested, you must allow our security staff to search your bags. We may also ask security staff to conduct more general searches as a condition of entry, and the reasons for this will be explained. Please note that if you refuse for your bag to be checked or fail to comply with our security staff’s requests and directions, we may refuse entry to our premises.
Searches are carried out to identify restricted items (see list below) and any other materials that might pose a risk to our premises, displays, or to the health and safety of our visitors and staff. If our security staff find any such items in your bag, they will be removed and returned to you when you leave the premises. If any illegal items are found, they will be confiscated and handed over to the police.
Restricted items include:
- Alcohol.
- Clothing with political or offensive messages or logos.
- Potentially dangerous items such as fireworks, knives (including pen knives), paint or sprays. Knives which are carried for religious or cultural observance (such as the Kirpan) are normally exempt from this policy.
- Items designed to be thrown, which could cause harm to visitors, our staff or objects on display.
- Illegal items.
- Any other item deemed unsuitable by us for a visit to JHL.
Unattended and lost property
Please do not leave personal property unattended when visiting JHL.
We reserve the right to remove and/or dispose of unattended property without prior warning in the interest of safety and security.
Lost property will be kept by our team for up to 30 days and will then be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. Perishable items will be disposed of at the end of each day. If you lose any item during your visit, please speak to a member of staff.
We do not accept liability for any lost items and/or unattended property that we remove or destroy.
Display and exhibitions
Please comply with any instructions, signs and notices which are given or displayed in connection with our Shop, Stand, displays and exhibitions. Some of the items in our exhibitions require careful conservation and monitoring.
Photography, filming, drawing and audio-recording
You are welcome to take photographs, videos, recordings and sketches for private and non-commercial purposes, but must not:
- use cameras or recording devices in any areas where photography, filming or recording is restricted (these areas will always be clearly marked);
- use additional lighting or flash photography;
- make any recording or take any photograph of any person (including our visitors and staff) without their permission; and
- disrupt the privacy of other visitors or JHL staff by taking photographs, filming, or making audio recordings. If a visitor raises a concern about your activity being intrusive, you may be asked to stop, delete any captured material, and/or leave the premises.
Commercial filming and photography are not allowed on the premises without our prior written permission. For any media filming or press enquiries, please contact us.
Future visits
A breach of our admissions policy may result in the issuance of a letter barring individuals from the premises in the future. This includes, but is not limited to, refusal to follow staff instructions and antisocial or disruptive behaviour. JHL reserves the right to report any visitor deemed to be exhibiting antisocial or disruptive behaviour to the police.
Our use of AI
Does Japan House London use AI for on-site and online content?
AI Large Language Models (LLMs) are occasionally used as a starting point for brainstorming or creating structural plans for content. However, all public-facing text is carefully written and checked by members of our team and/or commissioned writers. This includes (but is not limited to) exhibition captions, on-site signage, social media posts, marketing materials and website articles. We sometimes use AI to conduct a final check for typos, brand consistency, and accessibility.
We also use AI to support Japanese–English translation work, with all translations reviewed by a member of our team before publication.
We occasionally use AI for image editing, but never for image or video generation, and we do not use AI-generated voice narration in our public-facing content.