What other travelers are saying about Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
This is a fantastic museum filled with so many interactive records. The staff are incredibly kind and welcoming, allowing you to experience the old beauty of the phonographs. I highly recommend this museum for its demonstration that happens three times per day at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. It is offered in English and Japanese, the staff are knowledgeable and interesting. I didn't have an interest in vinyl before this museum, but it has inspired me! This place is best suited for small groups with an hour or two to enjoy it!
An absolutely wonderful museum, perhaps unique, that documents a declining slice of history. Phonographs and discs have been saved from destruction and displayed in a way that explains how the technology was discovered and pioneered over the past 150 years or so. Make sure you time your visit to coincide with the 30-minute demonstrations at 11am, 2pm or 4pm, where a learned master plays discs on about ten devices and explains how they evolved (an English brochure is available). It’s scandalously inexpensive at ¥310 and absolutely worth an hour and a half of your stay in Kanazawa.
I loved the experience. I went on a Sunday right at the opening and had the museum almost for myself. The staff are all super kind (they even let me leave my luggage at the reception since I had to go straight to the station right after the museum). The collection of phonographs and records is a must see for all music lovers, and make sure to go at a time where you can see the demonstration (it's in Japanese but they provide a booklet in English with all the information).
Easily one of my favourite experiences in Kanazawa, I'm so glad I made it before my train.
If you go to no other museum in Kanazawa, go to this one! Here the museum staff are deeply passionate about phonographs and offer listening sessions 3 times per day—when else will you have the chance to listen to a 100+ year old phonograph? The sound quality is so unique and I felt more connected to the musicians they played for us than I do on my phone listening to a music app. This is an incredibly unique and calming space designed by people with a genuine love for the phonograph.
For the sake of experience this place cannot be missed. We able to listen fully to the vinyl there. So many records and history about phonograph displayed. There is a need to buy a ticket when you enter. Worth the price tho!
