For years, museums have been popular tourist destinations.
As with many things in Japan, things are a bit different and will give you a unique experience.
In this post, I’ll share some of the most unusual museums in Japan.
Interactive and Quirky Art Spaces
When hunting for an offbeat art experience, Tokyo has some spots that should tickle your fancy.
Tokyo Trick Art Museum
Imagine stepping into a world where art leaps off the walls and invites you to become part of the exhibit!
In the bustling district of Odaiba, Tokyo, is the Tokyo Trick Art Museum.
This is a unique museum where the paintings are no passive experience.
Instead, they’re interactive and beg you to be part of the scene.
Imagine posing with 3D paintings.
They make it look like you’re balancing on a tightrope or crossing a dangerous bridge.
The snapshots here will give your photos a run for their money!
- Address: Odaiba, Tokyo
- Interaction: Poses with 3D paintings
- Theme: Optical illusions
Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
If you’re interested in fine art, visit the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum.
The museum is in the stylish Aoyama neighbourhood.
It presents the avant-garde works of Taro Okamoto.
He believed that art should astonish, shake the world, and be the voice of its time.
Art buffs can get an intimate look at his creative process and witness his bold and iconic pieces up close.
- Address: Aoyama, Tokyo
- Exhibits: Taro Okamoto’s avant-garde art
- Atmosphere: Intimate view of the artist’s work and process
Exploring Japan’s Historical Museums
When exploring Japan’s rich cultural heritage, take the chance to enter its historical museums.
Many are normal, but there are several unusual museums in Japan that will educate you on its history.
Meiji University Museum
It is in central Tokyo and great for history buffs.
The Meiji University Museum may not be as famous as other large museums.
But, it holds treasures of Japan’s legal, political, and cultural shifts.
Here, you can explore artefacts related to criminology, archaeology, and Japan’s legal history with ease.
Highlights:
- Collection of criminal evidence
- Prehistoric archaeological finds
- Insight into Japan’s Meiji era legal system
The museum presents an intriguing collection that showcases Japan’s evolution from a feudal society to a modern state.
The criminology section exhibits rare criminal evidence. It offers a unique view of the changes in Japan’s history.
Specialised Culinary Exhibits
Japan offers a feast for the senses, especially with its unique array of specialised culinary museums.
Keep your curiosity and taste buds ready as we examine some of the country’s most distinctive food-related exhibits.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Did you know there’s a museum dedicated solely to the history of ramen?
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum isn’t just about admiring bowls of this beloved dish.
It’s an immersive experience.
You can learn about ramen’s culture and try many regional flavours under one roof.
Mentai Park
Did you know there’s a place dedicated to spicy cod roe in Aichi?
Mentai Park Tokoname has a museum where you can learn how mentaiko (marinated pollock or cod roe) is made, with a factory tour to see it all in action!
They even have a museum shop stocked with mentaiko goodies.
So next time you’re in Aichi, stop by to taste this salty, spicy, and slightly sweet treat!
Cup Noodles Museum
In Kanagawa prefecture, you can check out the Cup Noodles museum.
It celebrates this clever instant meal.
You’ll discover its history, from humble start to global fame.
Learn about Momofuku Ando, a Taiwanese-Japanese inventor and businessman best known for creating instant noodles and founding the Nissin Food Products Company.
The gift shop on the first floor is perfect for a souvenir.
Bento Box Museum (Kyoto)
Your journey through culinary museums takes you to the Bento Box Museum, which is dedicated to the art and history of the Japanese lunch box.
It covers elegant traditional designs and pop culture themes. The exhibit unpacks the story behind every bento.
Kewpie Mayo Terrace (Tokyo)
At the Kewpie Mayo Terrace, you can uncover the history of one of Japan’s favourite condiments—mayonnaise.
You can experience the versatility of mayo in Japanese cuisine. Interactive displays and tastings let you do this.
Mizkan Museum – Aichi
Prepare yourself for an educational treat at the Mizkan Museum.
Engaging exhibits showcase the significance of vinegar in Japanese food and its impact over the centuries.
It’s a sour but fascinating journey through one of the essential elements of Japanese cooking.
Unusual Science and Natural Museums
Japan is a treasure trove for curious minds, especially if you’re into wacky and weird science and nature.
Meguro Parasitological Museum
You read correctly.
Japan has a parasite museum!
There, you’ll see creepy crawlies that have called humans and animals home.
It’s a unique place dedicated entirely to different parasite specimens, offering a rare look into the intricate world of these organisms.
TOTO Toilet Museum (Kitakyushu)
In Kitakyushu, the TOTO Toilet Museum celebrates the science behind a vital part of modern life: the toilet.
It’s not just any museum; here, you can learn about the evolution of toilets and their impact on Japanese culture and sanitation.
Sapporo Sewerage Science Museum
A weird museum is the Sapporo Sewerage Science Museum.
It gives you an unexpected peek into the underground world of sewers.
It’s an educational experience. You’ll gain an appreciation for the city’s overlooked engineering marvels.
Unko Museum (Tokyo and Yokohama)
Another distinctive museum is the Unko, or poop Museum, located on the second floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba.
This museum offers a whimsical and humorous take on all things poop-related, with interactive exhibits, poop-themed art, and a gift shop that sells poop-themed merchandise.
Fukui Dinosaur Museum
Step back in time at the Fukui Dinosaur Museum, regarded among the top dinosaur museums globally.
Here, you’re transported to the age of dinosaurs with formidable fossil exhibits and lifelike models.
This natural history style museum also has a place where kids can dg for real fossils
Sand Museum (Tottori)
Finally, the Sand Museum in Tottori showcases the transient beauty of sand sculptures.
The giant sculptures represent famous people and places.
They are masterfully crafted and connect sand to larger stories in art and history.
the prefecture is really famous for sand dunes too.
Specialty and Niche Museums of Japan
Japan is a treasure trove of quirky and unique museums catering to all interests.
You’re in for some unusual discoveries, from intricate paper creations to feline-focused exhibits.
Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan
In the heart of Tokyo, Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan is different from your average museum.
It’s a space entirely dedicated to the art of origami.
The workshop and gallery are vibrant.
You’ll see the intricate folds and creases.
They turn simple Japanese paper into astonishing art.
This place doesn’t just display origami; it offers a hands-on experience where you can learn and try it yourself.
The Origami Kaikan also helps preserve this traditional Japanese craft.
So, you’re truly stepping into a part of Japan’s culture.
Cat Museum – Shizuoka
Moving on to something for cat enthusiasts, the Cat Museum offers a curiously charming experience.
Located in a more discrete area, it might take some searching, but it’s worth the effort.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by all things feline.
The exhibits range from old artefacts to modern art focused on cats in Japanese culture.
This is a niche museum where cat lovers will feel right at home, surrounded by many cat-themed collections.
Ninja Museum of Igaryu in Iga
One of the most unusual museums in Mie Prefecture is the Ninja Museum of Igaryu in Iga.
This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of ninjas, featuring over 400 ninja tools and weapons, ancient ninjutsu writings, and interactive displays.
Visitors can explore a model ninja village, watch live demonstrations, and even try their hand at throwing ninja stars.
Tobacco and Salt Museum
The Tobacco and Salt Museum in Tokyo offers a fascinating exploration of Japan’s historical relationship with tobacco and salt.
It features exhibits that include old advertisements, smoking apparatus, and the evolution of salt-making processes.
Pop Culture and Animation Museums
Japan is a powerhouse in pop culture, and its animation is loved worldwide.
When you visit Japan, peek at its pop culture and animation museums.
Studio Ghibli museum
The Ghibli Museum is a vibrant tribute to Studio Ghibli’s animated films.
The famed studio produced such classics as “My Neighbour Totoro”, “princess Mononoke” and “Spirited Away.”
The museum is in Mitaka, Tokyo.
It offers a fantastic experience with exhibits that show the art and animation of Ghibli’s films.
You’ll find life-sized replicas, sketch displays, and even a Catbus for children to climb on.
The museum also has a theatre, which screens short films exclusive to the museum.
- Location: Mitaka, Tokyo
- Notable Features:
- Life-sized character replicas
- Exclusive short films
- Sketches and production art exhibits
Kite Museum
For something uniquely cultural, the Kite Museum in Tokyo celebrates the traditional art of kite-making. You’ll be treated to a stunning array of kites.
Some kites are historically significant, while others are modern and playful.
The museum exhibits different styles from all over Japan.
This illustrates how regional culture influences designs.
The craftsmanship displayed here will give insight into a lesser-known slice of Japanese history and art.
- Location: Tokyo
- Notable Features:
- Wide range of kite designs
- Regional cultural influence on kite art
- Historical and contemporary kites
The Bottom Line
Okay, so we have covered a fair few of the most unusual museums in Japan.
All these interesting museums are a good way to learn about a different side of Japan.
From the present day back to the Edo period and beyond.
Check each website for updates, and try not to visit on national holidays as they may be closed.
And they will be busier during the high school holiday season.
Also, note that some will have temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
In short, plan.
