Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Spots in Japan

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Japan
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

4.5

2014 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Hiranomachi 7-8

The museum is located on a hill overlooking the center of the explosion from the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki. Pictures of Nagasaki before and after the bombing as well as structures and everyday items which survived the explosion are displayed in the museum in story-like fashion. Patrons are allowed to touch some of the exhibits which convey to the present the horrors of the atomic bomb. Multilingual exhibit descriptions and audio guides are available. A five-minute walk from the Hamaguchi-machi stop on the tramway.

A place to learn about the devastation of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki & its effect on her people. There is entrance fee to enter some parts of the museum. There is another section that it doesn’t...
Taito City Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

4.5

963 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Taitou-ku Kaminarimon 2-18-9

This Tourist Information Center located at Tokyo Taito City’s Kaminarimon provides helpful information and services to tourists visiting Taito City. One characteristic is the building exterior that stands out for its appearance like bungalows stacked on top of each other. In addition to an information counter with support available in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese, a place to change foreign currencies, and a sightseeing information corner, there are also a free PC, free WiFi, and a multipurpose space available. At the free observation terrace on the eighth floor, visitors can take in a view of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree.

The Tourist centre is at the start of the entrance leading to Nakamise street and Sensoji temple. You can purchase Tokyo Metro Pass here. (Dont forget to bring your passport). The staff are friendly...
Ohya History Museum

4.5

605 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Utsunomiyashi Oyamachi 909

This museum is at the site of a former quarry in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. Apart from introducing guests to the history of Oya stone mining and its techniques, it displays tools used for hand excavation between Japan’s feudal era and the 1950s in its exhibition hall. At a depth of 30 meters, the quarry spans a vast 20 thousand square meters, producing a mysterious world like an underground temple or the inside of a pyramid. It is also used as a location for shooting films and television dramas, as well as a concert venue.

We decided to go here because it was very different from the normal touristy attractions. But let me tell you it didn’t disappoint the way it is set up is amazing. Lights set in such a way to enhance...
Hamamatsu JASDF Air Park and Museum

4.5

517 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Hamamatsushi Chuo-ku Nishiyamachou

This museum is attached to the JASDF Hamamatsu Air Base and is a part of the JASDF's public relations outreach. Known by the nickname Airpark there is a museum and hangar with JSDF materials on display as well as a 360-degree theater where you can feel like a pilot. Their hold events always draw a crowd.

One of the best places in Hamamatsu to bring small children, and interesting for adults too. Best of all... its free entertainment!
D.T. Suzuki Museum

4.5

447 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Hondamachi 3-4-20

The D.T. Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa was opened as a place for people to learn about D.T. Suzuki, a renowned Buddhist scholar who was born in Kanazawa, and also as a place for self-reflection. The Museum consists of three halls (the Vestibule, Exhibition Space and Contemplative Space, which are linked by corridors) and three gardens (the Vestibule Garden, Water Mirror Garden, and Roji Garden). The scene of the Contemplative Space building reflected in the shallow pool of water in the Water Mirror Garden is highly photogenic, and has appeared in many different media.

I absolutely adored this little out-of-the-way museum. I was fascinated by online photos for a long time and had always wanted to visit, but my time in Kanazawa was always too short for a visit...
Hakone Sekisho, Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall

3.5

427 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Hakone 1

This sekisho (inspection facility), one of more than 50 which were placed around Japan during the Edo period, is the only one in the country which has been completely restored to its original appearance. The structure underwent major renovations to completely restore it in 2007 based on detailed historical materials dating to the time when it underwent large-scale repairs at the end of the Edo period. The adjoining scenic square offers a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi and has become a popular place to take amazing photos for posting on Instagram and other social network sites, but take one step into the inspection facility itself and it's like you've gone back in time to the Edo period. The adjoining museum displays some 130 items divided into 13 themes, including a miniature recreation of the traveling daimyo samurai lord processions which were common sights in the Edo period, permits used to pass through the inspection facility and other documents created at that time, records of the strict inspections which were conducted of women leaving Edo, and tools kept at the facility. There are also numerous records of fascinating incidents which occurred, such as the time an elephant passed through the facility.

Visited as part of our bus tour. Free entry, luvly place beautiful views, sadly not the best day weather wise for us. Great shops for gifts etc Worth a visit :)
Fukagawa Edo Museum

4.5

315 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Koto-ku Shirakawa 1-3-28

We visited here having found that the Edo Tokyo museum is closed for renovation for a long time, and this place did not disappoint. This gives you the opportunity to walk the small street as if you...
Awaodorikaikan

4.0

411 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokushima ken Tokushima-shi Shimomachi Bridge2-20

"Opened in 1999, the Awa Odori Hall on the second floor features the Awa Odori Kaikan's resident troupe, ""Awa no Kaze,"" who perform on stage. In addition, there is an Awa Odori Museum on the 3rd floor that introduces the history of Awa Odori dance, a corner selling local specialties on the 1st floor, and the foot station of the Mt."

There are five performances daily. We were able to dance with them after a short explanation. This is a must if you want to see real awa odors dancing.
Yasukuni Shrine Yushukan

4.0

165 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Kudankita 3-1-1

This treasure hall is located within the ground of Yasukuni Shrine. One can enjoy seeing documents, manuscripts, and relics related to the war dead and political victims that are enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine. In the theater hall, a film about the shrine, those enshrined, and late and modern Japan can be viewed. The main exhibit hall displays many war relics, including larger weapons; a carrier borne bomber, the Suisei (Comet), and a human torpedo, the Kaiten. Entrance is free

My husband and son are interested in military history, so we decided to visit the Japan war museum (Yushukan) while on vacation in Tokyo. We should have figured out something was not right when we...
Koyasan Reihokan Museum

4.5

164 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkouyachou Kouyasan 306

This facility preserves and displays invaluable Buddhist imagery and paintings from temples on Mt. Koya, such as the Kongobu-ji temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism. Opened in 1921, the museum's collection currently includes some 28 thousand important works of art, including 21 National Treasures, 143 Important Cultural Properties, and 16 Wakayama Prefecturally Designated Cultural Properties. During the extremely popular Great Treasure Hall Exhibition in summer, the museum displays the Eight Great Youths, a sculpture designated a National Treasure that was carved by Unkei, the greatest Buddhist imagery maker of the Kamakura period.

Koyasan recently celebrated it 1200th anniversary, and some of the treasures in this museum are that old, loaned from some of the 100 monasteries on this mountain. The museum is small and so displays...
Hokusai-kan

4.0

225 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Kamitakaigunobusemachi Obuse 485

This museum was built to commemorate famed artist Katsushika Hokusai, who stayed in Obuse several times from the age of 83 and left several works behind there. The museum displays hanging scrolls and hand-painted pictures by Hokusai as well as videos which present the history of the artist. The main exhibition room contains two festival floats whose ceilings were painted with Hokusai's Surging Waves and Dragon and Chinese Phoenix. A 12-minute walk from Obuse Station.

I happily found out about the Hokusai-kan museum from my hotel proprietor and I was able to make a stop off in Obuse on my way back to Nagano. Hokusai-kan is situated in a great part of the town and...
Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum Bunshokan

4.5

193 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Hatagomachi 3-4-51

Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum Bunshokan is located along Prefectural Route 49 in Hatagomachi in the city of Yamagata. It is housed in the remodeled and repurposed former Prefectural Office and Prefectural Assembly Hall (built in 1916). This English Gothic Revival-style building has been designated an Important Cultural Property by the national government. The museum contains exhibits about the remodeling of the building and the history and culture of the prefecture. In addition, it is possible to rent the hall, the meeting rooms, the central courtyard and other areas for various events.

We walked in and no one asked for an entrance fee. Interesting exhibition of the history of the building with many authentic details still present.
NISSAN CROSSING

4.0

240 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chuo-ku Ginza 5-8-1 Ginza Place 12F

A Nissan exhibition facility situated along Chuo-dori Avenue in Ginza 5-Chome, Chuo City. The facility displays historic and notable Nissan vehicles and concept cars making use of cutting-edge technologies. There are also exhibits which make use of wide screen touch panels and high definition LED screens to introduce the history of Nissan and the latest technologies which represent the company's future. There is a shop selling model cars and other merchandise and a cafe as well.

My Dad had a Datsun 160B. It was a great car, but a rust bucket. The door and front wing fell off. So thought I would take a pilgrimage, this is for your Jackie McCormack.
Suzuki Plaza

4.5

148 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Hamamatsushi Minami-ku Zourachou 1301

This corporate museum is located in Zora-cho, Minami Ward, Hamamatsu City. You can learn about the corporation's history and its current car manufacturing through displays of Suzuki products, primarily two-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled vehicles, and outboard motors. Reservations in advance are required for tours.

スズキ本社近くにあり、入場料無料。織機からはじまり、現在の世界のスズキに至るまでの歴史を感じられる展示品が盛りだくさん。子供も楽しめる様工夫されています。 Suzuki History Museum is a place where you can literally see the history of Suzuki and its automobiles from pre war...
Kanoya Air Base Museum (Kanoya Sky Museum)

4.5

126 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kanoyashi Nishihara 3-chome 11-2

A museum located on the grounds of Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The museum presents information and rare items spanning the time period from when the naval Kanoya flying corps was created in 1936 up to and including the history of the current Maritime Self Defense Forces Kanoya Air Base. The second floor of the museum provides information on topics such as the rapid developments which occurred in aviation technology in the 30-year frame from when naval aviation began; and a full portrait of the kamikaze fighters which emerged as part of Japan’s strategies during the Pacific War. The first floor of the museum presents history from the launching of the Coastal Safety Force in 1952 up to its reformation as the Maritime Self Dense Forces and on to the present day.

You can see only one existing Kawanishi H8K a.k.a. Emily which was displayed in the U.S.A. after the 2nd world war and then brought to Tokyo and finaly here. This admission free Naval airforce museum...
Otokoyama Sake Museum

4.0

174 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Asahikawashi Nagayamanijou 7

Otokoyama Sake Museum is a museum operated by Otokoyama, a sake brewer in Asahikawa City. The exhibits include valuable materials and literature from the Edo period, ukiyo-e prints depicting Otokoyama, as well as vats and other sake making tools. There is free tasting and the museum also sells sake from the brewery. You can also pump up the underground water at the facility to take home free of charge. The sake made with underground water sourced from the perpetual snow in the Mt. Taisetsu range has won numerous awards both in Japan and overseas.

Its a relatively small place which can easily be covered in 30 mins max (including tasting). I can imagine that it would be more interesting when the sake is actually being made but if you go at the...
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

4.5

126 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Itomanshi Mabuni 614-1

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum is located within the Peace Memorial Park. It was established with the aim of commemorating all those who died during the Battle of Okinawa, of teaching new generations about the horror of war and the importance of peace, and of contributing to the achievement of perpetual world peace. The Museum’s permanent exhibitions feature photographs of the Battle of Okinawa and related artifacts and materials, as well as the recollections of people who experienced the Battle (including video testimony).

A fascinating few hours here and walking round the park. The park is thought provoking but the museum is more so with the history of the Ryukyus and the Pacific War (WWII). It could do with a...
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum

4.0

180 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Wajimashi Marintown 6-1

A museum located inside Marine Town in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture which presents traditional kiriko votive lanterns from the Noto area. During festivals in summer and fall, shrine parishioners in every town in the area carry kiriko lanterns; the largest can rival four story buildings in size. Some 30 giant kiriko lanterns stand within the hall; traditional festival music plays inside the museum, and lighting is used to recreate the atmospheres of festivals being held during the day, at dusk, and in the evening. The viewing deck on the third floor gives a sweeping view of Wajima Port. The museum also has a shop selling original merchandise.

This museum is off the beaten path, but it is well worth finding it and investing an hour or so wandering through the amazing lanterns. The price is affordable, about JPY600/person, and colors and...
Shikinen Sengu Memorial Sengu Museum

4.5

205 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Mie Pref. Iseshi Toyokawachou 126-1 Umiya Magata pond

A rather new building opened in 2012 to introduce the Ise Jingu rebuilding process (each 20 years) as well as ceremonies involved to a broader and general public. To do this all kind of materials...
Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum

4.0

97 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Higashinada-ku Uozakinishimachi 1-9-1

"You can reach this museum by getting off at the JR Rokko Liner's Minami-Uozaki Station, taking the elevator to the first floor, and walking two minutes northwest. The museum displays an array of small sake related items, as well as the ""Nada-based Sake Brewery's Equipment,"" a nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. The original building collapsed in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and the current structure incorporates some of its beams and pillars. Interacting with the equipment will give you a feel for the traditional Kimoto method for brewing sake, as well as the work and life of the brewers. They have tastings that include raw, unprocessed sake as well. Their original Sakagura Soft Serve Ice Cream is a hit."

We just spent a wonderful morning at the brewery. An informative video, small exhibition and tasting. Rather than walking to another brewery, we decided to take the tour of factory where they make...