In Japan, there are not only academic and highbrow art galleries and museums, but also many fun and unique museums that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re admiring rare exhibits or diving into hands-on experiences, there are all sorts of ways to have fun during your visit. Why not explore one of these extraordinary museums filled with surprises and discoveries?
Japan’s first museum themed around the “five human senses.” Through exhibits that stimulate both the body and mind, visitors can sharpen their sensory perception. In the popular exhibit “Air Traverse,” you’ll feel as if you’re floating, surrounded by mirrors and glass. In the “Forest of Darkness,” you navigate and enjoy objects relying solely on your sense of touch in complete darkness. At the museum’s symbolic “Heart Dome,” you can enjoy a meditative, immersive experience with music, fragrances, and fantastical colors.
Admission: Adult 800 yen, High school student 400 yen, Junior high school student 350 yen, Elementary school student 300 yen
| Access | JR Iwadeyama Sta. → 7 min walk |
| Business hours | 9:30–17:00 (admission until 16:30) |
| Regular holiday | Mondays (or the following day when it falls on a national holiday) |
The museum features a permanent exhibition of over 400 cameras from around the world, ranging from cameras from the 1800s to the latest digital models. It also houses several rare cameras of which only a few exist in the world, including the world’s first commercially available camera, the Giroux Daguerreotype Camera—a must-see. In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions themed by function or country are held, offering insights into the history of camera development. The adjoining JCII Photo Salon also hosts monthly rotating exhibitions of black-and-white photography.
Admission: Adult 300 yen, Junior high school student and younger: free
| Business hours | 10:00–17:00 |
| Regular holiday | Mondays (or the following day when it falls on a national holiday), New Year holidays |
Located in Tajimi City, which boasts the highest production of mosaic tiles in Japan, this museum showcases a variety of tile-based products and art pieces. The building’s exterior is inspired by a clay quarry, where tile materials are sourced, while the interior resembles a traditional climbing kiln used for firing pottery. Visitors can enjoy hands-on craft activities such as decorating photo frames with tiles, and can also purchase tile-based accessories.
Admission: Adult 500 yen (includes special exhibitions), High school student and younger: free
| Access | JR Tajimi Sta. → 20 min by Tohtetsu Bus bound for Higashikusaguchi or Hane → Mosaic Tile Museum-mae stop → short walk |
| Business hours | 9:00–17:00 (admission until 16:30) |
| Regular holiday | Mondays (or the following day when it falls on a national holiday), New Year holidays |
This museum, nestled deep in the mountain area of Saikai City, repurposes a former school building and houses a collection of around 160,000 records, along with vintage audio equipment such as phonographs and speakers. The records span a wide range of genres, from Western to Japanese music, and visitors are free to listen to them inside the museum. In the event hall, there are five sets of speakers from different eras, allowing guests to enjoy the unique sound quality of each while playing records.
Admission: Adult 850 yen, Elementary and junior high school student 400 yen
Groups of ten or more require a reservation
| Access | JR Huis ten bosch Sta. → 40 min by taxi or rental car |
| Business hours | 10:00–18:00 (admission until 17:00) |
| Regular holiday | Thursdays (or the following day when it falls on a national holiday), New Year holidays |
This is the world’s first figure museum by Kaiyodo, a leading figure manufacturer. The permanent exhibition features over 4,000 pieces, including characters, animals, and more. The special exhibition “Diorama Wonderland” showcases dioramas from a variety of types, such as anime and “tokusatsu” special effects films, offering immersive and dynamic scenes. Upon entry, visitors receive a token that can be used in capsule toy machines to win figures or can badges!
Admission: Adult 1,000 yen, Elementary and junior high school student 500 yen
| Access | JR Nagahama Sta. → 5 min walk |
| Business hours | 10:00–17:00 (admission until 16:30) |
| Regular holiday | No fixed holiday |
