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Oct 14, 2020

Best museum you've visited in Japan

I'm a bit of a museum geek, and love checking out weird/wacky/wonderful ones too. For those who also enjoy visiting museums, which have been your favorites during your time in Japan? I'd love to hear your recommendations and experiences!

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genkidesu

genkidesu

Love to travel, interested in J-beauty products and consider myself a convenience store snack aficionado. Navigating the ever-present challenges of expat life, particularly about my TCK's (third culture kids).

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16 Answers

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Oct 15

    Some of my favorites are: Tokyu Doll Museum is crammed with vintage and antique dolls. https://www.city-cost.com/reviews/GO0aX-Tokyu_Doll_Museum_Lifestyle_Hobbies_Saitama_shi?vid=1 The Tokyo Waterworks Museum is valuable for its insight into the history of Tokyo's water usage and sources. https://www.city-cost.com/reviews/MdJv0-Tokyo_Waterworks_Historical_Museum_Education_Bunkyo_ku?vid=1 For the ultimate overview of Japan's culture and history, I recommend the Japanese Museum of History in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.

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  • ReishiiTravels

    ReishiiTravels

    on Oct 15

    I love the Nagoya Science Museum! It is so interactive and has tons of cool displays!

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  • JapanRamen

    JapanRamen

    on Oct 15

    If you like Doraemon, the Fujiko F Museum is like a sanctuary. You'd expect it to be like a theme park, but it really is a museum of his work, with original art on display and all. It's not a big museum, but I've been there like 4-5 times and enjoyed it every time! http://fujiko-museum.com/english/

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  • SalarymanJim

    SalarymanJim

    on Oct 15

    The Mampei Hotel in Karuizawa (where John Lennon and Yoko Ono used to stay) has a tiny museum that's free for anyone (including non-guests) to enter. It's tiny but if memory serves you can sit in a chair that Henry Kissinger once sat in when he stayed there on some kind of official visit -- a novelty experience, if nothing else.

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  • helloalissa

    helloalissa

    on Oct 17

    The science museum in Odaiba was cool, but my favorite would have to be the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. For any fans of Ghibli animation, it's worth the hassle to book tickets in advance. I recommend any of the seasonal outdoor installation type exhibits by Teamlab, but they also have a permanent space in Odaiba, which I haven't been to.

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Oct 17

    We are spoiled for choice aren't we. I have to really think about this!! But in the meantime, here's ten really wacky and FREE museums in Tokyo - the parasite museum wins hands down for being the weirdest I've ever heard of: https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/Saitama/MPdEM-living_education_tokyo_taito-ku_meguro-ku_tachikawa-shi

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Oct 19

    @Saitama The parasite museum is pretty cool. The gift shop had tape worm and liver fluke postcards when I was there. Oh, and a logo ruler so you could measure freeloaders.

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Oct 19

    Got one more - Showa Museum in Matsudo City, Chiba Pref. is crammed with vintage cars, trucks, and bikes. Plus thousands of Showa era stuff. https://www.city-cost.com/reviews/w5KK9-Showa_Museum_Lifestyle_Hobbies_Matsudo_shi?vid=1

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  • genkidesuka

    genkidesuka

    on Oct 20

    You already know my answer on this, but for anyone else looking for a good museum the Tottori Warabekan is great. If you have any interest in retro games and toys you shouldn't miss it.

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  • JapanRamen

    JapanRamen

    on Nov 7

    They are not technically museums but I do want to suggest going to Japanese castles, especially the big ones like Osaka Castle where they would have a good amount of exhibitions inside as well!

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  • ConeHead

    ConeHead

    on Nov 25

    Anpanman museum was nice.

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Nov 30

    @JapanRamen Castles, yeah! So far, I've been to Matsuyama, Uwajima, and Himeiji Castles. They're stunning for their architecture and views.

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  • JapanRamen

    JapanRamen

    on Dec 1

    @TonetoEdo I have never been to Himeji or Matsuyama! Always wanted to and hopefully one day. I will suggest Nijoujo in Kyoto for a different style. For something smaller but with stunning views, Inuyama castle and Gifu castle are both great!

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  • park

    park

    on May 19

    I personally think that the Nagoya Space Stadium is one of the best I’ve visited in the country. I know that there are people who will talk about the others but looking at something with science and advanced tech strikes a chord with me.

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  • Frenchiepatissier

    Frenchiepatissier

    on Sep 18

    The Sumida Hokusai museum was quite nice , the life of a genius through a great exhibition; it was a nice experience.

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jan 22

    This, or a variation of it, might make a good theme!

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