Postal Museum Japan

The Postal Museum Japan, known as Teikoku Yūbin or Postal Museum, is located in the Skytree Town complex in the Sumida ward of Tokyo, specifically in the Solamachi shopping and entertainment center on the 9th floor. The museum was originally established in 1902 as Japan's first postal museum, making it one of the oldest institutions dedicated to postal history in Asia. After several relocations throughout its history, it moved to its current location in 2014 to coincide with the opening of Tokyo Skytree.

The museum preserves and displays the evolution of Japan's postal system from the Edo period through modern times, chronicling how communication transformed Japanese society. The collection includes over 330,000 items, featuring rare stamps from Japan and approximately 400,000 stamps from around the world, making it one of the most comprehensive postal collections globally. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing vintage mailboxes, postal uniforms, delivery vehicles, and communication equipment that illustrate how mail delivery developed alongside Japan's modernization.

The museum experience includes interactive exhibits where visitors can design and print their own original stamps, learn about stamp collecting techniques, and view rotating special exhibitions focusing on specific themes or historical periods. The permanent collection highlights significant philatelic treasures, including Japan's first stamps issued in 1871 and rare misprints. Educational displays explain the technological innovations in postal services, from traditional foot messengers to modern automated sorting systems.

Access to the Postal Museum Japan is convenient via Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line or Oshiage Station served by multiple lines including the Toei Asakusa Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. The museum is within a 5-minute walk from either station. General admission costs ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for students, and children under elementary school age enter free. The museum's location within Solamachi allows visitors to combine their visit with shopping, dining, and viewing Tokyo Skytree itself.