Japan’s museums aren’t all serious affairs. Sure, some of them deal with classic museum topics like art and history—but many go for the charming, quirky, or downright bizarre, focusing on collections that are so obscure, you won’t find them anywhere else in the world. Visit the seven spots in this list to catch a unique exhibition or to check out the extraordinary architecture,
## A Journey Through Japan’s Most Captivating Museums
Japan, a land of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for every traveler. Beyond the bustling cities and serene temples, a treasure trove of museums awaits, each offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s art, history, and quirky creativity. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Japan’s most captivating museums, where imagination and artistry come to life.
## Studio Ghibli Museum: A Whimsical Wonderland
For ardent animation aficionados, the Studio Ghibli Museum stands as a paramount pilgrimage site, often cited as the singular justification for venturing to Japan. This enchanting museum serves as a veritable shrine dedicated to the illustrious Hayao Miyazaki, a luminary of animation and the ingenious mind behind cinematic masterpieces like “Princess Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” Despite repeated announcements of his impending retirement, Miyazaki’s creative spirit continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Even should he eventually step away from the director’s chair, the Studio Ghibli Museum will endure as a testament to his enduring legacy, evoking a whimsical Japanese animé rendition of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The museum building itself is a masterpiece, with its labyrinthine staircases, secret alcoves, and vibrant stained-glass windows. The architectural marvel alone warrants a visit. However, the allure extends far beyond the physical structure. The monthly rotation of exclusive short films, unavailable elsewhere, combined with the evolving exhibits showcasing Miyazaki’s artistic inspirations and his masterful command of color and texture, provide an immersive and joyous experience, even for those who may not be fluent in Japanese. For families with children, the rooftop café offers a delightful respite, while the gift shop entices visitors with a curated selection of stuffed animals, books, and dishware, all exclusive to the Studio Ghibli Museum.
Regarding admission, tickets are remarkably affordable, priced at approximately $10. However, due to immense popularity, securing tickets requires advance planning, as they often sell out months ahead of time. Prospective visitors can access the museum’s official website to explore two options for international tourists. The first option involves purchasing tickets on the first day of each month for the subsequent four months (e.g., on June 1st, tickets become available for the period of June 1st through September 30th). Alternatively, tickets can be acquired on the tenth day of each month for the entirety of the following month (e.g., on June 10th, tickets for the month of July go on sale). It’s important to acknowledge that these online systems, while functional, are prone to experiencing high traffic volume due to the immense global fanbase of Studio Ghibli. Consequently, if you have acquaintances residing in Japan who could potentially purchase tickets in person, enlisting their assistance is highly recommended.
The Studio Ghibli Museum is located at 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo.
## Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum: Architectural Harmony
The Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum, situated just south of Osaka’s city center, is a testament to the architectural brilliance of Tadao Ando, a world-renowned figure celebrated for his meditative designs that seamlessly integrate natural elements. This museum stands out as a unique destination, where many visitors find themselves captivated by the exterior as much as the interior. The museum’s magnificent atrium, adorned with crisscrossing staircases and terraces featuring synchronized waterfalls, has become a magnet for photography enthusiasts, establishing Sayamaike as one of Japan’s most Instagram-worthy landmarks.
However, the museum’s allure extends far beyond its photogenic appeal. It unveils a compelling narrative, embedded within the embankment of a reservoir that has sustained the city with water for centuries. Sayamaike recounts the captivating story of the ingenious engineer-monks and warriors who initially conceived and constructed this artificial lake, detailing its trials through elemental destruction and the successive master builders who meticulously rebuilt it, each iteration surpassing the last.
At the heart of the museum lies a colossal cross-section of the embankment, illuminated by strategically placed lights that blink upon the touch of a button, illustrating the diverse layers that correspond to different historical periods. Supplementing this central exhibit are an array of captivating displays, including samples of tombstones discovered within the embankment, intricate dioramas elucidating the technology underpinning dams and irrigation systems, and an original water tower that once served the reservoir.
While the museum’s informational panels are predominantly in Japanese, visitors may encounter a stroke of luck in the form of a volunteer offering a personalized English-language tour. As the museum acclimates to its burgeoning international acclaim, non-Japanese visitors are received with exceptional hospitality and treated as honored guests.
The Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum is located at 2 Chome-4 Ikejirinaka, Osakasayama, Osaka.
## Cupnoodles Museum: A Nostalgic Culinary Adventure
For discerning food enthusiasts who embark on culinary pilgrimages to Japan, dedicating ample time and resources to savoring exquisite cuisine, instant ramen might seem like a humble indulgence. However, nearly everyone harbors cherished memories of enjoying instant ramen at some point in their lives. The Cupnoodles Museum, also known as the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, after the visionary creator of instant ramen, offers a whimsical and colorful journey back to childhood, complete with edible souvenirs.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a bronze statue of the legendary Mr. Ando himself, standing proudly before the museum’s entrance. A tunnel adorned with a captivating display of various instant noodle packages beckons, seemingly designed to serve as the backdrop for countless selfies. Beyond this visual spectacle, the museum features a replica of Ando’s humble workshop, along with captivating exhibitions that explore the evolution of instant noodles, from their genesis as a Japanese innovation to their ascent as a global phenomenon, even finding their way into the diets of astronauts.
Once inspired, visitors have the opportunity to craft their own personalized cup of noodles at the noodle factory. After decorating the exterior of their cup, participants are guided through a series of stations where they can select their preferred soup base flavor and an assortment of freeze-dried ingredients, culminating in a rich and complex soup once hot water is added.
The museum also houses a chicken ramen factory, where visitors can participate in a workshop to create ramen noodles from scratch and “flash fry” them using Ando’s traditional method. While the chicken ramen workshop requires advance reservations, both experiences provide participants with a personalized snack that can be enjoyed on the go or taken home as a unique souvenir.
The Cupnoodles Museum is located at 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka.
## Tokyo Metro Museum: A Deep Dive into Underground History
Any museum dedicated to trains is inherently charming, but Tokyo’s Metro system possesses a unique appeal, reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film with its quaint, colorful cars featuring plush seating, and even distinctive melodies composed for each line and station. The Tokyo Metro Museum transcends the realm of mere transit enthusiasm, appealing to anyone who appreciates transportation design, marvels at the extraordinary efficiency of Japan’s train systems, or simply enjoys learning about the mechanics of construction and operation.
While the museum may initially seem geared towards children, it offers a worthwhile experience for visitors of all ages. Adults who have cultivated a lifelong fascination with public transit and infrastructure will gain a captivating glimpse into the subterranean world of Tokyo.
Upon entering, visitors insert their ticket into a gate, simulating the experience of entering a subway station. Inside, they can delve into the history of Tokyo’s subways, examine a restored boxcar from Asia’s first subway line (Tokyo’s Ginza line), and admire century-old advertisements displayed on a recreated subway platform. Visitors can also step into a train simulator or witness a demonstration of the technology employed in constructing subway tunnels. Perhaps the most delightful aspect of the visit is the gift shop, which offers a variety of subway-themed souvenirs in the characteristically Japanese “kawaii” or “cutesy” style.
The Tokyo Metro Museum is located at 6 Chome-3-1 Higashikasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo.
## Kubota Itchiku Art Museum: Kimonos as Wearable Art
Kimonos hold an undeniable significance in Japanese history and culture, yet they are rarely seen on the streets today, primarily worn by tourists in bustling areas seeking photo opportunities or by the few geisha gracing the Gion district, Kyoto’s riverside entertainment hub.
However, kimonos are more than mere garments; they represent a wearable form of art. The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, situated on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, just north of Mt. Fuji, serves as a poignant reminder of this artistic essence. Kubota Itchiku, a master textile designer, revived the ancient silk-dyeing technique known as Tsujigahana, and this museum showcases his finest creations.
The museum’s architecture is reminiscent of Gaudí’s Barcelona, with its main building constructed from Okinawan coral and limestone, featuring organic-looking columns that appear to sprout from the ground and taper like trees. The museum’s gardens, sprawling across the slopes behind the main building, are adorned with Asian and African artworks, as well as Japanese maple trees and bamboo stalks.
Inside, visitors are captivated by vibrant kimonos that reflect various themes, culminating in the Symphony of Light, a collective masterpiece comprising 80 kimonos depicting the Four Seasons. This extraordinary display is housed in a timber-frame room that exudes both old-fashioned charm and timeless elegance. After immersing themselves in these remarkable pieces, visitors can unwind with a cup of matcha in Itchiku’s former workshop, now transformed into a tearoom.
The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is located at 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken.
## D.T. Suzuki Museum: Serenity in Design
Similar to the Sayamaike Reservoir Museum, the D.T. Suzuki Museum, designed by Tanigushi Yoshio and located near Kanazawa Castle Park, is renowned for its architectural merit as much as its subject matter. In this case, architecture and subject are inextricably linked, as the museum is intended to honor the Zen Buddhist philosopher D.T. Suzuki through its very design. The museum’s clean lines and serene open spaces are designed to evoke the same sense of tranquility espoused by Suzuki’s teachings. The three main buildings, arranged around a pond known as the Water Mirror Garden, promote quiet reflection and contemplation.
Visitors are encouraged to peruse Suzuki’s writings (translated into English) before exploring the museum grounds and garden, allowing their thoughts to wander freely. The Contemplative Space, a room without walls that is open to the elements, embodies the Zen concept of nature interacting with architecture.
In contrast to the often frenetic and overwhelming nature of Japan’s cities, a visit to the D.T. Suzuki Museum offers a chance to breathe, reconnect with oneself, and contemplate life’s true priorities. Unsurprisingly, the museum provides ample opportunities for capturing Instagram-worthy photos, but visitors are encouraged to be mindful of others’ tranquility.
The D.T. Suzuki Museum is located at 3 Chome-4-20 Hondamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa.
## Naoshima: An Island of Art
Including Naoshima on this list might be considered a slight deviation, but these so-called “art islands,” with Naoshima as the centerpiece, function as expansive, open-air museums. The vision of Japanese billionaire Soichiro Fukutake, Naoshima, along with its sister islands Teshima and Inujima, was once a remote archipelago in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Fukutake, an avid art enthusiast, stumbled upon these islands while searching for a location to showcase his private art collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Bruce Naumann, David Hockney, and Giacometti. He enlisted the expertise of acclaimed architect Tadao Ando (also responsible for the Sayamaike Reservoir Museum) to construct Benesse House, a luxurious hotel that doubles as a gallery. Benesse House soon became the cornerstone of what is now recognized as one of Japan’s, and perhaps the world’s, most celebrated art destinations.
Despite their seemingly remote location, these islands are easily accessible via a 20-minute ferry ride from the port town of Uno on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Visitors can find affordable guesthouses to accommodate their stay (if they choose not to splurge on the $400-per-night Benesse House). The islands boast a lush, forested landscape dotted with museums, including the Chichu Art Museum (another Ando project), the Art House Project, a collection of abandoned houses transformed into art installations in the fishing village of Honmura, and I♥YU, a vibrant bathhouse adorned with patterned tiles reminiscent of the azulejo tiles of Portugal. While Benesse House offers a guest shuttle, the most rewarding way to explore these tranquil islands is by renting a bicycle, allowing visitors to stop and admire the sights at their own pace.
The museums listed offer just a small sampling of the cultural riches that await visitors to Japan. Each museum offers a unique lens through which to view Japanese history, art, and innovation. From the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli to the serene contemplation of the D.T. Suzuki Museum, Japan’s museums offer an enriching and unforgettable travel experience. Be sure to add these museums to your itinerary for a truly immersive and enlightening journey through Japan. So, pack your bags, prepare to be inspired, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the captivating museums of Japan! You won’t be disappointed.
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