Museum / Science Museum Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Culture / Tour

Shitamachifuzoku Museum

4.0

289 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Uenokouen 2-1

This is a small museum and it was hard to find. When we finally did find it, I found it too warm inside and we didnt stay long.
Japan Open-air Folk House Museum

4.5

210 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Kawasaki-shi Tama-ku Masugata 7-1-1

In planning my first visit to Japan, I was disappointed that I couldnt add in time to see the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. I hoped a half day visit to Nihon Minkaen Open Air Folk...
Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

4.0

268 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kochi Kochi-shi Urado Shiroyama 830

Not only does this museum have very important artefacts on display in the halls, the building itself is of a special design overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can even get onto the rooftop to get a...
Takayama Museum of History and Art

4.0

160 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Kamichinomachi 75

The Takayama Museum of History and Art in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture has a collection of around 75,000 items relating to folk traditions, of which 900 are on permanent display. There are 14 display rooms with exhibits focusing on how the castle town developed and the unique culture of its residents; topics covered by the displays include the Takayama Festival, “machiya” (traditional wooden townhouses), the creation of the castle town, famous writers and artists that had a connection to the Takayama area, and the famous monk and Buddhist statue carver Enku, who also had a close connection with the Hida area. The buildings in which the Museum is located were originally warehouses, built from Japanese Cypress wood, belonging to the Nagata family of merchants; they are highly atmospheric. There is no charge for entry to the Museum.

One of the few attractons open for Covid. I didnt expect much but was greatly surprised at how long I stayed here. I highly recommend. Quite a bit of English.
Tachineputa no Yakata (Tachineputa Museum)

4.5

246 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aomori Pref. Goshogawarashi Omachi 506-10

The Tachineputa Museum which stores and exhibits Tachineputa (standing floats) that are used in the Tachineputa Matsuri festival is also a place where visitors can see the creation process of the floats and have a go at traditional local Tsugaru crafts. Visitors can enjoy dining in the observation lounge, Harunire, overlooking the Tsugaru Basin, and enjoy taking a break at the open cafe, Plum. Various events such as the Goshogawara Nebuta music practice also take place here. The museum is located approximately 15 minutes from Goshowara Interchange on the Tsugaru Expressway.

We came from Aomori to Goshogawara for the Stove Train and Tachineputa Museum. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 mins (varies between train schedules). The museum is 10-15mins easy and straight walk...
Saga Castle History Museum

4.5

240 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Saga Pref. Sagashi Jounai 2-18-1

Located on the site of Saga Castle, this history museum faithfully creates a portion of the castle’s inner palace. The first ever recreation in Japan of a castle’s inner palace, it is also one of the largest recreated wooden structures in the country. Inside, under the theme of Saga at the end of the Edo period and during the Meiji restoration, the museum presents information on the restoration of Saga Castle, the feats of Saga Domain personages during this time period, and the development of science and technology. The museum is filled with fun things to see and do, even for children—visitors can experience what the palace once looked like using 3D screens, there’s a quiz corner, and a station where museumgoers can try on period clothing.

If you are in somewhere in Kyushu and near Saga, stop for a visit to the Saga Castle museum. Audio tours in English and other languages are available and its free too. There are several fun...
Chikatetsu Museum

4.0

202 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Edogawa-ku Higashi-Kasai 6-3-1

The museum is right next to the Kasai station on the Tozai metro line (about 20 mins ride from the Ōtemachi station, next to Tokyo station). Admission to the museum for an adult is a bargain 220¥. I...
Shiroi Koibito Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Nishi-ku Miyanosawanijou 2-11-36

Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park where you can tour the production plant for Shiroi Koibito, a well-known confectionary that is symbolic of Sapporo (an entry fee is charged). There are also hands on activities such as a course in drawing pictures on the Shiroi Koibito, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. The Shiroi Koibito Park is packed full of areas where you can experience things first hand such as a lounge where you can enjoy the sweets in a space surrounded by English antiques as well as a candy lab where you can watch demonstrations by candy craftsmen. There is also a beautiful rose garden which presents different aspects in summer and winter.
Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

3.5

199 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Kouenchou 10-10

A museum located on the site of the Nagahama Castle Ruins in Koen-cho, Nagahama City. The museum operates out of a restoration of the castle based on how it would have looked in the distant Azuchi-Momoyama period. The museum’s standing exhibition looks at the history of the northern Lake Biwa area and Nagahama; the mighty samurai lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Nagahama Castle; and other themes relating to Nagahama. The museum also holds special exhibitions on the Nagahama area and historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

This small castle is a short walk from the Nagahama JR station and has a great view out over Lake Biwa. It was one of Hideyoshi Toyotomis first castles and the museum explains some of the history of...
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY & HUMAN HISTORY

4.5

191 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushiyahatahigashiku Higashida 2-chome 4

Based on the concept of “evolution of life” this museum displays the progression of the evolution of life and the history of humans. There is much to see including a “kid’s museum” aimed at children of elementary school age and older with displays they can touch and learn about nature and history, and a Time-Travelling Room in which animatronic dinosaurs move inside a diorama. This is a museum that can be enjoyed by many generations.

When I first visited the Museum in 2018, I was blown away by the Dinosaur exhibits. My biggest regret was that I could only spend an hour at the museum before heading to Kitakyushu Airport to catch...
Izu Teddy Bear Museum

4.0

175 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shizuoka Pref. Itoushi Yawatano 1064-2

A museum located a 10 minute walk from Izu-Kogen Station designed around the concept of a “teddy bear house.” The museum features numerous displays, including “Teddy Girl,” an early teddy bear produced by the German Steiff firm which is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, rare antique bears, and works by teddy bear makers from around the world. The brick exhibition hall is modeled after an English country home. There’s also a courtyard filled with cute bears and a tea room with comfortable terrace seating, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a truly fairy tale-like atmosphere.

A must-go if you are fan of Teddy. Various generations Teddy and Teddy in Japanese clothes are available. A bonus of Totorro exhibition is also available.
Hokkaido Daigaku General Museum

4.0

235 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Kita-ku Kita 10-jo nishi 8

The Hokkaido University Museum is one of the best attractions of Sapporo since 1999. It houses 4 million collection of specimens. Snaffles Hakodate Pastry Catchcake Hokkaido Best Tiramisu...
Nishijin Textile Center

3.5

173 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto prefecture Kyoto city Kamigyo-ku Horikawa dori Imadegawa south entrance west side

This meeting hall in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture introduces the charm of Japanese clothing, especially Nishijin silk fabrics, and displays related items. The third floor has a show stage on which they hold the extravagant Kimono Show each hour. With the workshops allowing one to watch artisans up close and the reservation handmaking experience activities, there are facilities for one to watch, sow and experience while learning and having fun. There are also Japanese trinkets on sale including clothing sundries and mufflers made of pure Japan-produced silk.

My wife was a little disappointed. She was hoping for fabric she couldnt get at home in Australia. Nothing extraordinary.
UCC Coffee Museum

4.0

241 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hyogo Kobe-shi Chuo-ku Minatojimanakamachi 6-6-2

The UCC Coffee Museum explains the history of coffee both from a world perspective and from its arrival from Brazil over a hundred years ago. There is also a coffee tasting corner and a gift shop...
Shikoku Mura open-air museum

4.0

175 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Yashimanakamachi 91

Shikoku Mura (“Shikoku Village”) is an open-air museum located about 20 minutes’ drive to the east of JR Takamatsu Station. The exhibits include traditional farmhouses from various parts of Shikoku (dating from the Edo and Meiji periods) that were moved and re-erected here, as well as traditional public buildings such as a village kabuki stage, and several traditional industrial facilities that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, including a traditional sugar-cane processing facility. The Shikoku Mura Gallery located on the museum site exhibits a wide range of artworks, from European paintings to Oriental sculptures, etc.

BRILLIANT landscape design and historic preservation. Super-sophisticated design linking historic buildings by varied paths with varied materials and so experiences. The historic buildings are...
Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura

4.0

218 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Kamenokoumachi 61

This is an experience-based tourist facility in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, themed on local culture including the Hirosaki Neputa festival and the Tsugaru region. The permanent exhibition features displays on Hirosaki Neputa and accompanying musical demonstrations. One can learn about local craftwork and have a production experience, and in the Tsugaru shamisen corner one can not only listen to a live performance but also try playing the shamisen under the guidance of a professional. There is also a free to enter shopping area offering locally-produced vegetables, apples and handicrafts.

We visited as part of a visit to Hirosaki Castle (see my other review). Unfortunately the English presentation we were supposed to have, for some reason didnt happen. The explanations on the...
Taiji Whale Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Higashimuroguntaijichou Taiji 2934-2

A museum in Taiji, Taiji Town, Higashimuro County. Through various displays visitors can learn about the more than 400 year old relationship Taiji Town has had with whaling, as well as traditional whaling techniques, and the ecology of whales. Visitors can also watch the whales in action in dolphin and whale shows like the short-finned pilot whale show held in the natural pool built in the sea. The full scale skeleton of the world's largest animal, the blue whale, exhibited outdoors, is an impressive sight.

Please do not patronize this cruel and inhuman “museum” the beautiful albino dolphin named Angel swims in circles in a filthy small tank. Horrible.
Cupnoodles Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Shinkou 2-3-4

Cupnoodles Museum is an interactive museum that arouses creativity and curiosity through exhibitions and experiences related to instant noodles. At the museum, you can experience the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, who developed the world’s first instant noodle. There are also many attractions which can be enjoyed by children as well as adults such as a workshop where you can make the world’s first “original cup noodles” and “chicken noodles”, leisure facilities where you can experience the manufacturing process of instant noodles and a food court where you can taste noodles from countries all over the world.
Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

4.0

118 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Odashi Omorichou A) 1597-3

This is a museum located in Omori Town, Ota City, Shimane Prefecture, introducing the history and mining technology of Iwami Silver Mine, a World Heritage site. The exhibition content is arranged in a way that is easy for both adults and children to understand, focused mainly on models, images and replicas. The permanent exhibit also features a diorama of the entire silver mine and actual silver ore that can be held. A limited guided walking tour of the mine’s largest tunnel “Okubomabu” is also popular.

Expect for unexpected Omori -cho a town of 400 people wa given a world heritage status by Unesco for its still remaining abundant nature together with its history the most active silver mines in the...
Byodoin Museum Hoshokan

4.5

234 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Uji-shi Uji Renge 116 (Byodoin Keidai)

This museum was opened in 2001 to preserve the collection from the former treasure house, which had deteriorated. The garden is designated as a famous historic landmark, and the building exterior is designed to blend perfectly with it, with special features like using natural lighting in the interior. In addition to being a registered National and Uji City Important Cultural Asset, it also displays a collection of Heian period onigawara gargoyle roof tiles excavated from archaeological sites.

A visit to the museum comes with the entrance price when visiting Byodoin Temple. I found the museum to be a great addition! The museum was pretty large with a lot of great artifacts and information...