What is the Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments?

The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments is a specialized music museum located in Hamamatsu, Japan. It houses an extensive collection of approximately 3,300 musical instruments from around the world, with about 1,300 on display at any given time. The museum showcases instruments from various cultures, time periods, and musical traditions, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive musical instrument museums globally.

Why was the museum established in Hamamatsu?

Hamamatsu is known as Japan's "City of Music" due to its strong connection with musical instrument manufacturing. The city is home to several major musical instrument manufacturers, including Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland. The museum was opened in 1995 to celebrate and showcase this musical heritage, and it reflects the city's proud tradition as a center of instrument production and musical culture.

What types of instruments can visitors see at the museum?

The museum features an incredibly diverse collection spanning instruments from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Visitors can see everything from traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shamisen to European pianos and harpsichords, Indonesian gamelans, African drums, and rare historical instruments. The collection includes keyboard instruments, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion from various eras and cultures.

Are there interactive experiences or demonstrations at the museum?

Yes, the museum offers various interactive experiences. Visitors can experience regular demonstrations and mini-concerts where they can hear the instruments being played. Some instruments are available for hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to try playing them. The museum also features audio guides and listening stations where you can hear the sounds of different instruments from around the world.

How can I visit the museum and what are the admission fees?

The museum is located near Hamamatsu Station, making it easily accessible. It's typically open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, though it's closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and during the New Year holiday period. Admission fees are generally affordable, with discounts available for students and seniors, though prices may vary. It's recommended to check the official website for current hours, fees, and any special exhibitions before visiting.

Shizuoka

Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments

4.4 (1594)MuseumTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments, located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, stands as Japan's only public museum dedicated solely to musical instruments. Established in 1995, the museum emerged from Hamamatsu's renowned identity as a center of musical instrument manufacturing, home to global brands like Yamaha and Kawai. The city's deep connection to music production made it a natural location for this specialized cultural institution.

The museum houses an impressive collection of approximately 3,300 musical instruments from over 200 countries and regions, making it one of the most comprehensive collections worldwide. Visitors can explore instruments spanning diverse cultures and historical periods, from European keyboard instruments including rare harpsichords and pianos to traditional Asian instruments, African drums, and indigenous instruments from Oceania and the Americas. The collection provides insight into how different cultures have developed unique musical expressions and technologies.

Visitors can experience monthly demonstrations and performances that bring the instruments to life, and certain instruments are available for hands-on playing in designated areas. Headphone stations throughout the galleries allow guests to hear the actual sounds of displayed instruments. The museum also features a special exhibition room that hosts rotating displays focusing on specific themes, regions, or instrument types.

The museum is conveniently situated in central Hamamatsu, approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Hamamatsu Station. Visitors can also take the Enshu Railway bus and alight at the Akurenga Building stop, which is directly in front of the museum. The admission fee is ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for high school students, and ¥200 for junior high school students and younger children. The museum is closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and during the New Year holiday period. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, enhancing the experience for international visitors exploring this unique celebration of global musical heritage.

Phone

+81 53-451-1128

Website

www.gakkihaku.jp

The area

Address

3-chōme-9-1 Chūō, Chūō-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 430-7790, Japan

Phone

+81 53-451-1128

Website

www.gakkihaku.jp

What other travelers are saying about Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments

What an experience! You can learn everything about musical instrument from all over the world here. When we came, there’s some explanation about history of piano and Javanese Gamelan from Indonesia.

Nearby attractions to see

Hamanako Garden Park

Yumigahama Beach

Urban Camping Asagiri Takarayama

Nearby attractions to see

Hamanako Garden Park

Yumigahama Beach

Urban Camping Asagiri Takarayama

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments, located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a unique and comprehensive museum dedicated to the history, diversity, and beauty of musical instruments from around the world. As Japan's only public museum exclusively focused on musical instruments, it offers visitors a fascinating journey through the evolution of music-making tools and the cultural significance they hold. History and Significance Established in 1995, the Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments was created to celebrate Hamamatsu's rich history as a center of musical instrument manufacturing. The city is home to renowned musical instrument companies like Yamaha and Kawai, which have contributed significantly to the global music industry. The museum aims to preserve, study, and display a diverse collection of musical instruments, fostering an appreciation for the global heritage of music. Major Exhibits and Collections Global Collection: The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 1,300 musical instruments from around the world, representing various cultures, traditions, and historical periods. The exhibits are organized geographically, allowing visitors to explore the musical heritage of different regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Traditional Japanese Instruments: A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko drums. These exhibits highlight the craftsmanship, history, and cultural importance of these instruments in Japanese music. Western Classical Instruments: The museum features a wide array of Western classical instruments, including string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments. This section includes historical instruments, such as early pianos and harpsichords, showcasing the evolution of Western classical music. Ethnic and Folk Instruments: This section of the museum displays a variety of ethnic and folk instruments from different cultures. Visitors can see and learn about unique instruments such as the African kora, Indian sitar, Andean panpipes, and Aboriginal didgeridoo. Interactive Exhibits: The museum offers several interactive exhibits where visitors can play and experiment with different instruments. These hands-on experiences provide a deeper understanding of how various instruments produce sound and the techniques used to play them. Special Exhibitions: The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments regularly hosts special exhibitions that delve into specific themes, genres, or historical periods. These temporary exhibits often feature rare and unique instruments, as well as multimedia presentations and performances. Educational Programs and Activities The museum provides a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and live performances. The museum's educational initiatives aim to promote a deeper appreciation of musical instruments and their cultural contexts. Programs are often designed to be engaging and informative, making them suitable for students, families, and music enthusiasts. Research and Conservation As a leading institution dedicated to musical instruments, the Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments is also involved in the research and conservation of these valuable artifacts. The museum collaborates with experts and institutions worldwide to study the history, construction, and acoustics of musical instruments, contributing to the global body of knowledge in this field. Facilities and Amenities The Hamamatsu City Museum of Musical Instruments is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the world of music. Its extensive collection, engaging exhibits, and educational programs offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Whether you are a musician, a student, or simply a lover of music, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and beautiful world of musical instruments.

Kento Masuda

Jul 21, 2024